Petroplex News

Woodrow Tracy Harrelson entered the world on July 23, 1961, in Midland, Texas. His birth, against the backdrop of the scorching Texan summer, marked the beginning of a life destined for the spotlight. Born to secretary Diane and convicted hitman Charles Voyde Harrelson, Woodrow's early years were defined by adversity. His father's absence loomed large, having been incarcerated for the 1979 killing of federal judge John H. Wood Jr. Raised in a Presbyterian household with his two brothers, Jordan and Brett, Harrelson's family faced financial hardships, relying on his mother's meager wages.

The connection between Harrelson and Midland was etched in the dry, arid landscapes of his birthplace. Yet, it was his journey beyond the dusty Texas town that would leave an indelible mark. Harrelson's ascent to fame began with his role as bartender Woody Boyd on the NBC sitcom Cheers, a role that earned him accolades and set the stage for a prolific acting career. From acclaimed films like The People vs. Larry Flynt to No Country for Old Men, Harrelson's versatility shone through.

His Midland roots became a distant echo as Harrelson graced the screens, earning Emmy Awards and Academy nominations. The dusty Texan town witnessed the birth of an actor whose career spanned iconic roles, from the Hunger Games series to the dark comedy of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Harrelson's journey, though far from the oilfields of Midland, remains intertwined with the place of his origin, a testament to the enduring influence of one's roots.