Evan Rachel Wood
A fearless actress who has consistently chosen complex, challenging roles, from teenage runaways to android rebels, while becoming a powerful advocate for survivors of abuse.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American actress·Birthday: September 7·Millennials
Biography
Evan Rachel Wood has never been an easy star to categorize. A child actor who seamlessly transitioned to adult roles, she bypassed typical teen fare for parts that were psychologically raw and demanding. Her breakthrough came at 16 in Catherine Hardwicke's 'Thirteen,' delivering a performance of terrifying authenticity. She continued to seek out complexity, whether as the melancholic queen in 'Across the Universe' or the volatile Veda in 'Mildred Pierce.' Her most defining role arrived on HBO's 'Westworld,' where she played Dolores Abernathy, an android awakening to her grim reality, a part that required a masterful blend of innocence and chilling resolve. Off-screen, Wood's impact is equally profound. In 2018, she delivered searing testimony before Congress in support of the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights, drawing from her personal experience to fight for legal change, solidifying her voice as one of courage and consequence.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Evan was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Evan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Evan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Received three Primetime Emmy Award nominations, including two for her lead role as Dolores Abernathy in 'Westworld.'
- Delivered critically acclaimed testimony before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee advocating for the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights.
- Nominated for a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Veda Pierce in the HBO miniseries 'Mildred Pierce.'
- Won a Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for 'Westworld' in 2017.
Did You Know?
She is a talented musician and is the lead vocalist for the band EVAN + ZANE.
She provided the voice for the character of Wanda in the animated series 'The Happy Elf.'
She was the first to publicly identify as bisexual while in a relationship with a major music star (Katherine Moennig).
She learned to play the piano and guitar for her role in 'Across the Universe.'
“I’m here today because I am a survivor of domestic violence and rape.”
