Is James Woods A-List?

The Onion Field breakthrough

Woods earned critical acclaim for his intense portrayal of a killer in 'The Onion Field', establishing him as a serious dramatic actor. The role showcased his ability to play complex, morally ambiguous characters.

Salvador Oscar nomination

His portrayal of journalist Richard Boyle in Oliver Stone's 'Salvador' earned Woods his first Academy Award nomination. The performance solidified his reputation as one of Hollywood's most intense and talented actors.

Emmy wins for TV

Woods won Emmy Awards for his work in television movies, demonstrating his versatility across mediums. His fast-talking, intense style made him a sought-after character actor in both film and TV.

Hercules voiceover success

Voicing Hades in Disney's 'Hercules' introduced Woods to younger audiences and became one of his most beloved roles. The work provided steady income through sequels and theme park appearances.

Family Guy recurring role

Playing a fictionalized version of himself on 'Family Guy' kept Woods in the public eye with a new generation. The recurring gag became a cultural reference point and provided consistent voice work.

Twitter controversies begin

Woods' increasingly outspoken conservative political commentary on Twitter began generating significant controversy and backlash. While maintaining his fanbase, the controversies began to affect his mainstream marketability.

Political polarization peaks

Woods' Twitter presence became highly polarizing, with some viewing him as a principled voice and others as toxic. His acting work slowed considerably, with fewer major roles as Hollywood distanced itself.

Respected but divisive figure

Woods remains a talented and Emmy-winning actor with a strong legacy of intense performances, but his political activism has made him a divisive figure. He continues to work sporadically, more known today for social media than recent acting, maintaining moderate relevance primarily among his political supporters.