Names/Woodson/Alfre Woodard
EntertainmentAmerican1952 – present

Alfre Woodard

Acclaimed actress in film and television, humanitarian and activist

Biography

Alfre Woodard (born November 8, 1952) is an American actress and producer with a career spanning over four decades in film, television, and theater. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, she studied at the Boston University School of Fine and Applied Arts before moving to New York to pursue acting. Woodard has become known for her versatile and nuanced performances, earning three Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe nomination. Her notable film roles include 'Passion Fish' (1992), 'Cross Creek' (1983), and 'Clemency' (2019), which showcased her range from dramatic to profound character work. On television, she has appeared in acclaimed series such as 'Luke Cage,' 'Generation Kill,' and 'The Catch.' Beyond acting, Woodard is a dedicated humanitarian and activist, using her platform to advocate for social justice and environmental causes. She and her husband have been involved in various charitable endeavors, particularly focused on education and community development in underserved areas.

The Name Woodson

Alfre Woodard represents the prominence of the Woodson surname in African American entertainment and cultural leadership, embodying excellence and advocacy within the industry.

Quick Facts
Category

Entertainment

Nationality

American

Born

1952

Thinking about the name

Woodson

English origin

Derived from the English patronymic 'son of Wood,' this name has deep roots in English surname tradition. Woodson carries historical weight and suggests family legacy, with strong African-American usage in the United States, notably in scholarly and community leadership circles.