Wood Harris Birth Date and Age Overview
Wood Harris is an American actor born on October 17, 1970. As of 2025, he is 54 years old. He is best known for roles such as drug kingpin Avon Barksdale on the HBO series The Wire and as mentor Henri in the film Love & Basketball. This article provides a verified timeline of his age, key career milestones, and projects, drawing on publicly available records and reputable sources.
Confirmed Birth Information
Date of Birth and Place
Wood Harris was born on October 17, 1970, in Chicago, Illinois. This date is widely cited in authoritative biographies and reference databases. Below is a concise summary of the verified data points:
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Wood Harris | Public records |
| Date of Birth | October 17, 1970 | Biography sources |
| Place of Birth | Chicago, Illinois, USA | Biographical references |
| Age in 2025 | 54 years old | Calculated from birth date |
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
Wood Harris began his acting career in the late 1990s, with early roles in television and film that showcased his range. His portrayal of complex characters helped establish him as a reliable character actor in drama and crime genres.
Stage and Independent Film
Before mainstream recognition, Harris performed in theater and independent projects, building his craft and industry relationships. These experiences provided foundational training that supported his transition into larger productions.
Television and Mainstream Recognition
His role as Avon Barksdale on The Wire (2002–2008) remains his most iconic performance. The series is widely regarded as one of the greatest television dramas, and Harris’s performance contributed significantly to its critical success.
Film Career Highlights
In addition to television, Wood Harris has built a notable filmography spanning drama, sports, and historical genres. Key films include:
- Love & Basketball (2000) — role as Henri
- The Wood (1999) — role as Mike
- ATL (2006) — role as Rashad
- Just Wright (2008) — role as Sean ‘Puffy’ Combs
- Straight Outta Compton (2015) — role as Jerry Heller
These performances demonstrate his versatility, whether in romantic dramas, sports films, or music-industry biopics.
Detailed Career Timeline
The following timeline outlines major professional milestones in Wood Harris’s career, aligned with his age at each stage:
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Birth on October 17 | Establishes baseline for age and career duration |
| 1999 | The Wood (film) | Early notable film role; introduced him to wider audiences |
| 2000 | Love & Basketball | Performance as HenriShowcased dramatic range in a sports romance |
| 2002–2008 | The Wire (TV series) | Signature role as Avon Barksdale; elevated his profile |
| 2006 | ATL | Demonstrated versatility in music-driven drama |
| 2015 | Straight Outta Compton | High-profile historical music biopic; expanded audience reach |
| 2020s | Continued television and film work | Sustained career across decades, indicating ongoing relevance |
Current Projects and Recent Work
Wood Harris remains active in the industry, appearing in both streaming and traditional projects. While specific current projects may vary, his ongoing involvement reflects continued demand for his performances. Recent appearances reaffirm his status as a veteran actor who continues to contribute to compelling stories.
Context on Age and Career Longevity
Born in 1970, Wood Harris has maintained a durable career spanning more than two decades. His ability to transition between gritty television dramas, big-budget films, and stage work highlights adaptability and professionalism. In an industry that often emphasizes youth, his sustained presence offers a model of longevity grounded in consistent craft and reliable execution.
Summary of Key Facts
Wood Harris, born October 17, 1970, is 54 years old in 2025. He is recognized for roles in The Wire, Love & Basketball, and Straight Outta Compton. His career combines television and film, with a timeline that demonstrates steady work since the late 1990s. The following list captures essential points for quick reference:
- Birth date: October 17, 1970
- Age in 2025: 54 years old
- Notable role: Avon Barksdale on The Wire
- Key films: Love & Basketball, The Wood, ATL, Straight Outta Compton
- Career span: Late 1990s to present
FAQ
Reader questions
How old is Wood Harris in 2025?
Wood Harris is 54 years old in 2025, based on his birth date of October 17, 1970.
When was Wood Harris born?
He was born on October 17, 1970.
What is Wood Harris best known for?
He is best known for playing Avon Barksdale on The Wire and for performances in films such as Love & Basketball and Straight Outta Compton.
Is Wood Harris still acting?
Yes, he continues to appear in television and film projects as of the 2020s.
Where was Wood Harris born?
He was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA.