Evan Rachel Wood Movies and TV Shows: From Child Star to Hollywood Powerhouse

Evan Rachel Wood has long been one of Hollywood’s most fascinating and fearless talents. Known for her powerful performances, expressive depth, and bold choices both on and off screen, Wood has built a career that spans more than two decades, crossing genres and breaking boundaries. From her early days as a child actor in the 1990s to her critically acclaimed portrayal of Dolores Abernathy in HBO’s Westworld, she has consistently proven that versatility, intelligence, and emotional intensity are her hallmarks.

This article takes a deep dive into Evan Rachel Wood’s movies and TV shows, as well as her personal background — including her age, family, relationships, and current work — to better understand the artist behind the performances that have captivated audiences around the world.

Early Life and Family Background

Evan Rachel Wood was born on September 7, 1987, in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, making her 38 years old as of 2025. Acting was quite literally in her blood. Her father, Ira David Wood III, is a well-known actor, playwright, and theater director, and her mother, Sara Lynn Moore, is an actress and acting coach. Her brother, Ira David Wood IV, also pursued acting, making the performing arts a family affair.

Growing up surrounded by stage lights and scripts, Wood began performing in community theater productions at her father’s company, Theatre in the Park. This early exposure to live performance instilled in her a passion for storytelling and artistry that would later translate seamlessly to screen acting.

After her parents divorced, Wood moved to Los Angeles with her mother and began auditioning for film and TV roles. Homeschooled from a young age, she finished high school early — reportedly by age 15 — so she could focus full-time on acting.

The Beginning: Evan Rachel Wood’s Early Career

Wood’s first appearances came in made-for-television films and small TV roles during the mid-1990s. She guest-starred in shows like American Gothic (1995–1996) and Profiler (1996). Her first major break arrived when she joined the cast of the drama series Once and Again (1999–2002), playing Jessie Sammler — a sensitive teenager dealing with divorce and self-discovery. The role drew widespread praise and hinted at the emotional maturity that would later define her performances.

Big Screen Breakthrough: Thirteen (2003)

Wood’s breakout moment came at just 16 years old with Thirteen (2003), a raw and unsettling portrayal of teenage rebellion co-written by Nikki Reed. Wood’s performance as Tracy Freeland — a good girl spiraling into a world of drugs, theft, and self-destruction — was hailed as astonishingly authentic. Critics praised her bravery and nuance, earning her Golden Globe and SAG nominations.

Thirteen firmly established Wood as a dramatic powerhouse capable of tackling emotionally charged material. It also set her apart from other teen actors of her generation — she wasn’t afraid of darkness or discomfort, and she approached every role with intellectual depth.

Early Films: A Range of Characters

After Thirteen, Wood continued to impress in independent and mainstream films alike. In The Missing (2003), she played Cate Blanchett’s kidnapped daughter in Ron Howard’s Western thriller, showcasing her ability to hold her own alongside A-list talent.

She then appeared in Pretty Persuasion (2005), a dark satire about high school and media exploitation, and Down in the Valley (2005) opposite Edward Norton, a haunting exploration of innocence and obsession. Her performance in Running with Scissors (2006), based on Augusten Burroughs’ memoir, further demonstrated her talent for portraying complex, eccentric characters.

By her early 20s, Wood had become one of the most respected young actors in Hollywood’s indie circuit.

The Wrestler and Hollywood Recognition

Wood reached a new level of mainstream recognition with The Wrestler (2008), directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Mickey Rourke. She played Stephanie, the estranged daughter of an aging professional wrestler. Though a supporting role, Wood’s restrained performance was deeply moving — a quiet counterpoint to Rourke’s raw intensity.

The film received critical acclaim and earned multiple Academy Award nominations, marking a turning point in Wood’s career and positioning her for even more ambitious projects.

Transition to Television Stardom: True Blood and Beyond

In 2009, Wood entered the world of supernatural television with True Blood (HBO). Her character, Queen Sophie-Anne Leclerq, was a 500-year-old vampire with an elegant, manipulative charm. Though her screen time was limited to a few key episodes, Wood’s portrayal was unforgettable — regal, sly, and strangely sympathetic.

The role introduced her to a new generation of fans and cemented her as one of HBO’s recurring scene-stealers.

The Masterpiece: Westworld (2016–2022)

If Thirteen made her a critical darling, Westworld made her a cultural icon.

In HBO’s sci-fi epic, Wood starred as Dolores Abernathy, a seemingly innocent farm girl in a futuristic theme park populated by humanoid robots (called hosts). As the series unfolded, Dolores evolved from naïve ingénue to vengeful revolutionary — a complex character arc that showcased Wood’s range like never before.

Her portrayal was both haunting and empowering, earning her multiple Emmy nominations and global recognition. Westworld also became one of HBO’s defining series of the decade, and Wood’s performance was central to its success.

Dolores’s transformation reflected Wood’s own artistic evolution: fearless, introspective, and unafraid to challenge convention.

Film Highlights of the 2010s

Throughout the 2010s, Wood balanced her Westworld fame with film work, lending her talents to an array of intriguing projects.

Across the Universe (2007) – A musical romance set to Beatles songs, where she played Lucy.

Charlie Countryman (2013) – A surreal love story co-starring Shia LaBeouf.

Into the Forest (2015) – A post-apocalyptic drama in which she starred alongside Ellen Page (now Elliot Page).

Frozen II (2019) – Wood voiced Queen Iduna, Elsa and Anna’s mother, in Disney’s beloved animated sequel, bringing warmth and music to a family film audience.

This balance between independent cinema, big-budget projects, and voice work underscores her adaptability and dedication to craft.

Revisiting Magic: Practical Magic (1998)

One of Wood’s earliest big-screen appearances was in Practical Magic (1998), a charming supernatural drama starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as witchy sisters. Wood played Kylie Owens, Bullock’s on-screen daughter. Though a small role, it was an early introduction to major studio filmmaking.

In recent years, renewed interest in Practical Magic has prompted nostalgia among fans. While Wood has stated she will not be returning for the upcoming sequel, her connection to the film remains a nostalgic highlight for longtime followers of her career.

Music, Activism, and Personal Growth

Beyond her acting, Evan Rachel Wood is a talented singer and musician. She has performed in musical projects like Rebel and a Basketcase (a band she co-founded) and contributed vocals to film soundtracks. Her artistic identity extends beyond performance — she’s a storyteller in every medium she touches.

Wood is also known for her outspoken activism. She publicly came forward with allegations of abuse against musician Marilyn Manson, a relationship that became a central subject of the 2022 documentary Phoenix Rising. Her courage in sharing her story has made her an influential voice for survivors of domestic abuse and a symbol of resilience in Hollywood.

Personal Life: Relationships and Family

Wood’s personal life has drawn public attention, though she often emphasizes her desire for privacy.

She married Jamie Bell, a British actor best known for Billy Elliot and Rocketman, in 2012. The couple welcomed a son in 2013 before separating amicably in 2014. Despite their divorce, they have both spoken respectfully of each other in interviews and share parenting responsibilities.

Jamie Bell later married actress Kate Mara, known for House of Cards and Fantastic Four. The two have children together, forming a blended family dynamic that has attracted occasional media coverage but generally remained private.

Evan Rachel Wood Now: 2025 and Beyond

As of 2025, Evan Rachel Wood remains one of Hollywood’s most compelling and multifaceted talents. Following the conclusion of Westworld, she has pursued a combination of film, television, and advocacy projects. Her recent film Backspot (2023) explores queer identity and resilience, themes that align with her personal and artistic ethos.

Wood has also continued her musical pursuits and remains active in activism — advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and survivors of sexual violence.

Fans eagerly await her next major project, whether on screen or in music. Her ability to reinvent herself with every role makes her one of the rare performers whose career feels both unpredictable and enduring.

Evan Rachel Wood’s Net Worth and Recognition

With more than 25 years in the industry, Evan Rachel Wood has built substantial success. Her estimated net worth ranges between $8 million and $10 million, earned through her film, television, and music careers.

Her work has garnered nominations for Golden Globes, Emmys, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Critics consistently praise her for bringing emotional intelligence and intensity to every performance — whether she’s portraying a rebellious teenager, a haunted daughter, or a revolutionary android.

Why She Endures

Evan Rachel Wood’s filmography tells the story of an actress who refuses to be defined by Hollywood expectations. She thrives on complexity, embraces discomfort, and transforms vulnerability into art. Each era of her career — from Practical Magic to Thirteen, The Wrestler, True Blood, and Westworld — reflects her evolution both as an artist and a woman navigating fame, identity, and advocacy.

As her career continues to unfold, audiences can expect Evan Rachel Wood to keep defying easy categorization — a testament to her enduring artistry and integrity.

Closing Thoughts

Evan Rachel Wood has grown from a talented child actor into one of the most respected and fearless performers of her generation. Her journey is a masterclass in reinvention — filled with both beauty and resilience. Whether she’s exploring the human psyche in Westworld, embodying gothic allure in True Blood, or reflecting on trauma through activism, Wood has proven that authenticity and artistry can coexist in the entertainment industry.

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