When people think of Woody Harrelson, they remember his charm, humor, and unforgettable performances in movies and TV shows. Yet behind his success, there is a story that often surprises fans the life of Woody Harrelson dad, Charles Voyde Harrelson. Known not for fame but for crime, Charles became infamous as a contract killer. His complex life shaped Woody’s childhood and left a shadow that followed the actor even as he built one of Hollywood’s brightest careers.
Quick Bio Table of Charles Voyde Harrelson
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Charles Voyde Harrelson |
| Born | July 23, 1938 – Lovelady, Texas, USA |
| Died | March 15, 2007 – ADX Florence, Colorado, USA |
| Age at Death | 68 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Hitman, Gambler, Encyclopedia Salesman |
| Notable Crime | Assassination of Judge John H. Wood Jr. (1979) |
| Prison Sentence | Two life terms + 5 years |
| Family | Son: Woody Harrelson, Sons: Brett & Jordan Harrelson |
| Spouses | Nancy Hillman, Diane Lou Oswald, Jo Ann Harrelson, Gina Adelle Foster |
| Connection | Father of actor Woody Harrelson |
| Famous Claim | Once claimed role in JFK assassination (later denied) |
| Cause of Death | Heart attack in prison (2007) |
Early Life of Charles Voyde Harrelson
Woody Harrelson dad, Charles Voyde Harrelson, was born on July 23, 1938, in Lovelady, Texas. He grew up in a working-class family and spent much of his life looking for easy money. Charles tried many jobs, including selling encyclopedias, but his interests quickly turned to gambling and crime. His path soon led him into the world of contract killing.
Criminal Activities and First Murder Case
The first big crime linked to Woody Harrelson father was the 1968 killing of Sam Degelia Jr., a Texas grain dealer. Charles was charged, and though his first trial ended without a decision, he was convicted in a second trial in 1973. Sentenced to 15 years, he served only 5 before being released in 1978. This freedom gave him the chance to commit crimes that made him infamous across America.
The Assassination of Judge John H. Wood Jr.
The crime that forever marked Woody Harrelson dad was the assassination of Judge John H. Wood Jr. in 1979. Known as “Maximum John” for his tough drug sentences, Judge Wood was shot outside his San Antonio home. Investigators proved that drug trafficker Jimmy Chagra paid Charles to carry out the killing. This murder was historic it was the first time in the 20th century a U.S. federal judge was assassinated.
Trial and Conviction
Charles was arrested in 1980 and convicted in 1983, receiving two life sentences plus an extra 5 years. The trial showed the dangerous network of drugs, crime, and violence in Texas at the time. For Woody, this was shocking news. Until then, he had not been close to his father. After the trial, Woody began to learn more about his dad’s dark past.
Strange Claim About JFK
One of the most unusual moments in Charles’s story was his claim that he had been involved in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. During a standoff in 1980, Charles told police he was responsible. Later, he denied the statement, explaining he had been high on cocaine. Still, his words linked him to one of America’s most famous conspiracy theories, though there was never proof.
Life in Prison
After conviction, Woody Harrelson dad spent the rest of his life in federal prisons. In 1995, he even tried to escape from the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary using a rope but was caught. He was moved to the high-security ADX Florence in Colorado, known as the “Alcatraz of the Rockies.” On March 15, 2007, Charles died of a heart attack at age 68.
Relationship Between Woody and His Father
Though Charles lived a criminal life, Woody tried to rebuild a connection. He once said he spent millions of dollars trying to help with his father’s legal appeals. Woody Harrelson visited his father in prison and developed a bond, even if late in life. The actor has admitted it was complicated he felt both respect for his dad’s intelligence and sadness for his choices.
Woody Harrelson’s Childhood
Born on July 23, 1961, in Midland, Texas, Woody grew up mostly with his mother, Diane Lou Oswald, after his parents separated in 1964. Life was not easy. The family moved to Ohio, where Woody was raised in a strict religious environment. Later, he attended Hanover College, where he studied theater. Even as a young man, he was curious about his absent father.
Woody Harrelson Young Career
In the 1980s, Woody’s life turned toward fame. His big break came in 1985, when he joined the sitcom Cheers as bartender Woody Boyd. The role won him an Emmy Award and made him a household name. During this period, people also began to ask more about Woody Harrelson dad, creating headlines that mixed his father’s crimes with Woody’s growing fame.
Woody Harrelson Movies and TV Shows
Over the years, Woody built a career full of variety. Fans loved him in White Men Can’t Jump (1992), the dark film Natural Born Killers (1994), and the award-winning The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996). He also starred in No Country for Old Men (2007), Zombieland (2009), and as Haymitch Abernathy in The Hunger Games series (2012–2015). On TV, he was unforgettable in True Detective (2014). Each success showed that Woody had escaped his father’s shadow.
Woody Harrelson New Movie
Even now, Woody continues to work on exciting projects. His new movies include Last Breath (2025), a thriller with Simu Liu, and Now You See Me: Now You Don’t (2025), where he returns as Merritt McKinney. He will also star in Ella McCay (2025), proving he remains a top Hollywood name. The career of Woody Harrelson is proof of his talent and resilience.
Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey Brothers?
In recent years, rumors spread about whether Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey could be half-brothers. Matthew’s mother once hinted she knew Charles Harrelson around the time Matthew was conceived. The two actors even joked about taking a DNA test, though nothing has been proven. Still, the idea made headlines, keeping attention on Woody Harrelson dad.
Woody Harrelson Wife and Family
Away from movies, Woody lives a peaceful family life. He married Laura Louie in 2008, and together they have three daughters: Deni, Zoe, and Makani. Unlike the troubled path of Woody Harrelson father, Woody has built a stable and loving home. His wife has supported him through his long career, making family a strong part of his story.
Woody Harrelson Brother
Woody also has two brothers, Brett and Jordan Harrelson. Brett followed a path into acting and has appeared in films, while Jordan prefers to stay out of the spotlight. Their bond is strong, showing how Woody values family even after the absence of his father in his childhood.
Woody Harrelson on SNL
Another fun part of his career is his hosting of Saturday Night Live (SNL). Woody has hosted the show five times, most recently in 2023, joining the famous “Five-Timers Club.” His humor and energy on stage prove why audiences still love him after decades in the business.
Woody Harrelson Net Worth
Today, estimates place Woody Harrelson net worth at about $70 million. This comes from decades of acting in blockbuster films, TV shows, and stage performances. From Cheers to The Hunger Games, Woody has shown that talent and determination can overcome even the darkest family history.
How Old is Woody Harrelson?
Born in 1961, Woody is 64 years old as of 2025. With more than 40 years in the entertainment industry, his career is still active and respected. Fans continue to follow his work, proving that he remains one of Hollywood’s most versatile stars.
Legacy of Charles Voyde Harrelson
The story of Woody Harrelson dad is tragic and fascinating. Charles was a man of intelligence but poor choices. His crimes shocked America, and his life in prison was filled with drama and mystery. For Woody, this legacy has been a challenge. Yet he turned pain into strength, building a life far removed from crime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who is Woody Harrelson dad?
Woody Harrelson dad is Charles Voyde Harrelson, a convicted hitman who became infamous for killing Judge John H. Wood Jr.
Q2. What happened to Woody Harrelson father?
Charles Voyde Harrelson was sentenced to two life terms in prison and died in 2007 at ADX Florence from a heart attack.
Q3. Did Woody Harrelson have a relationship with his dad?
Yes, Woody reconnected with his father later in life, visited him in prison, and even spent money on legal appeals.
Q4. Is Matthew McConaughey Woody Harrelson brother?
There are rumors that Woody and Matthew could be half-brothers, but no DNA test has ever confirmed this claim.
Q5. How did Woody Harrelson become famous?
Woody gained fame with his role as Woody Boyd in the TV show Cheers and later in movies like White Men Can’t Jump and The Hunger Games.
Conclusion
The life of Woody Harrelson dad, Charles Voyde Harrelson, is a reminder of how family history can shape but not define us. While Charles was linked to murder, prison, and conspiracy theories, Woody built his identity through art, family, and resilience. With a rich career in movies and TV shows, a strong marriage, and loyal friends like Matthew McConaughey, Woody stands today as proof that even in the shadow of darkness, success and light are possible.
Discover more stories on purpose-driven leadership and community impact Buzz Mega.
