The Harrelson Family Tree: 5 Shocking Facts About Woody Harrelson’s Private Life And Notorious Father

Contents

Few Hollywood actors maintain a life as genuinely unconventional and intensely private as Woody Harrelson. As of December 2025, the acclaimed actor continues to balance a blockbuster career with a quiet, sustainable existence in Hawaii alongside his wife and three daughters, a lifestyle choice that stands in stark contrast to the dramatic, often tragic, history of his own upbringing. This deep dive explores the current, stable reality of the Harrelson clan, while also revealing the dark family secrets that shaped the star we know today.

The latest news, as of late 2025, confirms that Woody and his wife, Laura Louie, are enjoying a rare public spotlight, attending events together that underscore their decades-long, rock-solid partnership. Their family life, centered on organic living, environmental activism, and a close-knit bond in Maui, is a testament to the resilience of the *Cheers* star, who overcame a childhood defined by poverty and the chilling legacy of his father. This is the complete, updated profile of the Harrelson family.

Woodrow Tracy Harrelson: Complete Biography Profile

Woodrow Tracy Harrelson is an American actor, playwright, and activist known for his diverse roles across film and television, often recognized for his counter-culture and laid-back persona.

  • Full Name: Woodrow Tracy Harrelson
  • Date of Birth: July 23, 1961
  • Age (as of 2025): 64 years old
  • Birthplace: Midland, Texas, U.S.
  • Parents: Charles Voyde Harrelson (Father) and Diane Lou Oswald (Mother)
  • Siblings: Two brothers, Brett Harrelson (Actor) and Jordan Harrelson.
  • Spouse: Laura Louie (Married 2008)
  • Children: Deni Montana, Zoe Giordano, and Makani Ravello Harrelson.
  • Education: Hanover College (Studied Theater Arts and English)
  • Career Breakthrough: Playing bartender Woody Boyd on the NBC sitcom Cheers (1985–1993).
  • Notable Awards/Nominations: Primetime Emmy Award winner, multiple Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations.
  • Activism: Dedicated environmentalist, vegan, and cannabis legalization advocate.

Meet the Women of Woody Harrelson’s Life: Laura and the Daughters

Woody Harrelson's immediate family is defined by a deep commitment to environmentalism and a fiercely protected private life. His relationship with his wife, Laura Louie, is one of Hollywood’s longest-running, spanning over three decades before and after their wedding.

Laura Louie: From Assistant to Wife and Business Partner

Laura Louie first met Woody Harrelson in 1987 when she was hired as his personal assistant on the set of Cheers. Their partnership evolved from a professional relationship into a romance, but they waited 20 years and had three children before officially tying the knot in 2008 in a private ceremony in Maui, Hawaii.

Louie is not merely a celebrity spouse; she is a dedicated activist and entrepreneur. She co-founded the organic food delivery service and health advocacy company, Yoganics Maui, alongside her husband. Their shared passion for sustainability and organic living is the foundation of their life, which they primarily conduct in a self-sufficient, sustainable community on the island of Maui.

The Harrelson Daughters: Deni, Zoe, and Makani

The couple shares three daughters, all of whom have largely been raised away from the Hollywood spotlight in a natural, free-spirited environment. The girls have been credited by Harrelson as the reason he finally married Louie, after two decades together.

  • Deni Montana Harrelson: The eldest daughter, born in 1993, is approximately 32 years old as of late 2025/early 2026. Deni has maintained a very low profile, focusing on a life outside of the entertainment industry.
  • Zoe Giordano Harrelson: Born in 1995, Zoe is around 29 years old. She has occasionally been seen with her parents at events but, like her sister, values privacy and the family’s sustainable lifestyle.
  • Makani Ravello Harrelson: The youngest, born in 2006, is approximately 19 years old. Makani is the only daughter who was born after the family moved to their permanent, eco-conscious home in Hawaii.

The Dark Legacy: Woody Harrelson’s Hitman Father

The most shocking and widely-discussed part of Woody Harrelson's family history is his notorious father, Charles Voyde Harrelson. This turbulent relationship and the details of his father's life are a major component of the actor's biography and a source of incredible topical authority for this article.

Charles Harrelson: The Convicted Killer

Charles Harrelson was a professional gambler and a twice-convicted contract killer, or hitman. He was not a present figure in Woody's life, having abandoned the family—Woody, his mother Diane, and two brothers—in 1968 when Woody was only seven years old.

The most infamous crime associated with Charles Harrelson was the 1979 assassination of U.S. District Judge John Wood Jr. in San Antonio, Texas. Judge Wood, known as "Maximum John," was the first federal judge to be assassinated in the 20th century. Charles Harrelson was convicted of the murder in 1982 and sentenced to two life terms.

The Son’s Complicated Relationship

Woody Harrelson visited his father in prison and spent a significant amount of money and time attempting to appeal his conviction, a fact he has spoken about as a complex duty. He described his father as a "very charming" man, but one who was also a "darker figure." Charles Harrelson died in 2007 from a heart attack at the Supermax federal prison in Florence, Colorado, where he was serving his sentence.

Woody’s mother, Diane Lou Oswald, raised Woody and his brothers, Jordan and Brett, as a single mother, working as a dedicated secretary. She was a deeply religious Presbyterian who instilled a strong moral compass in her children, which helped Woody navigate his complicated family legacy.

The Harrelson Family’s Sustainable Life in Maui

The stability and peace Woody Harrelson has found with Laura Louie and their three daughters stand in direct contrast to his chaotic childhood. The family has lived for many years in a sustainable, off-grid community in Maui, Hawaii.

Their home is a testament to their environmental values. They prioritize organic farming, solar power, and clean living. This commitment is reflected in Laura’s company, Yoganics, and the family’s overall dedication to veganism and environmental advocacy. The Harrelsons have successfully created a life where their personal values align with their daily existence, offering their daughters a grounded, nature-focused upbringing far from the usual pressures of a Hollywood family. This intentional, private life is, perhaps, the most important legacy Harrelson will pass down to his children.

woody harrelson family
woody harrelson family

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