Shailene Woodley biography, age, net worth, boyfriend, height, family 2025

Biography of Shailene Woodley

While some actors wait years for their big break, Shailene Woodley hit the jackpot early—she woke up famous at 17. Her role as Amy Jurgens in ABC Family's hit series «The Secret Life of an American Teenager» earned the young actress not only 5 «Teen Choice Awards» nominations, but worldwide recognition. Woodley became a genuine Hollywood headliner and one of the most sought-after young actresses in the industry. Her success skyrocketed with her starring role in the teen blockbuster franchise «Divergent». Net worth: $12 million.

Shailene Dianne Woodley is a sensation in the world of cinema

Childhood

Shailene Dianne Woodley was born on November 15, 1991 in Simi Valley, Ventura County, California. Both of her parents worked in education. Her father Lonnie Woodley served as a school principal, while her mother Lauren Victor-Woodley worked as a school psychologist.

Her mother chose the name Shailene. The Woodley family was returning from the doctor after learning they'd soon have a daughter. Stuck in traffic, 18-year-old pregnant Laurie started studying the license plates of cars ahead to pass the time. She was drawn to the combination «Shai» and started experimenting with different endings until she landed on the perfect «Shailene».

Shailene Woodley with Mom, Lauren Woodley

In 1994, Shailene welcomed brother Tanner, and the two have been incredibly close ever since.

When the girl was 15 years old, her parents divorced. This caused tremendous stress for both her and Tanner. Before this, she'd been a model teenager who never rebelled or caused her parents any trouble. That same year, Shailene started high school. Around this time, Shailene developed spinal problems—doctors diagnosed her with scoliosis. Surgery wasn't needed, but she had to wear a plastic brace for 18 months. On top of that, she needed dental work and spent time with braces affecting her smile. Unsurprisingly, the new girl wasn't exactly welcomed with open arms.

Shailene Woodley was a «ugly duckling» in her childhood

And the «perfect teenager» rebelled. She started thinking beyond typical teenage concerns like parties, smoking weed, and cutting class. She realized she was just one small part of an infinite universe, and it was time to think about her future and make changes that would actually matter. This deep self-reflection helped Woodley figure out her path forward. She decided to change the world. During high school, she became a passionate environmental advocate: «If we want to continue living on this planet, we have to protect and save the Earth. And we need to start with ourselves.»

Career

She began her career as a child model, appearing in front of the camera for the first time at age 5.

Shailene Woodley in Claritin Commercial

At age 8, Woodley made her on-screen debut with a small role in the film «Replacing Dad». She then landed small parts in TV series including «The District», «Crossing Jordan», «Without a trace», «The O.C.», «Everybody Loves Raymond», «Jack & Bobby», and «A Place Called Home». In 2004, young Woodley earned a Young Artist Award nomination for her role as California Ford in the television drama «A Place Called Home».

Shailene Woodley as a child (movie «Replacing Dad», 1991)

According to Zoomboola.com, in 2005 Shailene landed her first lead role in «Felicity: An American Girl Adventure» and once again earned a Young Artist Award nomination. Following this success, Woodley began focusing on honing her acting skills, taking lessons from Anthony Meindl.

The girl planned to enter New York University, where she wanted to study architecture and interior design. But when Brenda Hampton offered her the lead role in «The Secret Life of an American Teenager», those plans were put on hold: «I found myself in this business by accident. This was something I never expected. But it just happened. And it turned into an irresistible passion and creative outlet. But no more. This is my hobby, one of my ways of self-expression. I'll stop the day it becomes work in pursuit of a career. And I'll do what I dreamed of.»

The first lead role of Shailene Woodley as Amy Jurgens

The role of Amy Jurgens made Shailene Woodley a real movie sensation. She was again nominated for the «Young Artist Awards», and also received 5 nominations for the «Teen Choice Awards». But Shailene didn't take home the prize. In 2009 she was beaten by Selena Gomez and Leighton Meester, in 2010 by Lucy Hale and again by Leighton Meester, and in 2011 by Blake Lively.

9 facts about Shailene Woodley

For five years, Shailene Woodley remained committed to «The Secret Life of an American Teenager», turning down offers from other directors. Only in 2011, when the show ended after season 5, did the actress agree to star in the tragicomedy «The Descendants». The role of Alexandra King finally brought Shailene her long-awaited wins at the Independent Spirit Awards, MTV Movie Awards, and Denver Film Critics Society Awards. Woodley also received recognition at the Cannes Film Festival, though she lost the Golden Globe nomination to Octavia Spencer.

Star of the series «The Secret Life of an American Teenager» (center)

Director Alexander Payne opened up the world of classical cinema to Shailene through «The Descendants». Her subsequent roles in «The Apartment» and «Our Deal» only solidified Woodley's reputation as «an exceptional young dramatic actress». She was no longer getting offers for TV roles and was now catching the attention of feature film directors.

«The Descendants» opened Shailene the door to the big movie

In 2013, Shailene Woodley signed on for the adaptation of John Green's «The Fault in Our Stars». Before even auditioning, the actress emailed the novel's author: «I am obsessed with you and your book, and I will do anything to become a part of it». Green was thrilled that Shailene landed the lead: «After the audition, I felt like I was talking to Hazel herself. It was scary and amazing at the same time!».

In «The Fault in Our Stars» Shailene Woodley played a cancer patient girl

That same year, Woodley got an offer from acclaimed director Neil Burger to play «chosen» Beatrice (Tris) Pryor in the adaptation of Veronica Roth's «Divergent» franchise. The actress wrestled with whether to take on the project: «I'd never acted in a film of this scale that raises such complex questions, where the world is completely different from the one we live in today». Jennifer Lawrence, star of the «Hunger Games» franchise, helped her make the decision.

In the real life, Shailene Woodley and Jennifer Lawrence are good friends

Shailene connected deeply with her character: "Tris and I are alike in many ways. She's constantly torn between two worlds - the old and the new. In real life, I'm also trying to find balance between my natural connection to the Earth and the world I'm living in now».

Diversion franchise with Shailene Woodley was an incredible success

At the premiere, the lead actress gushed: «It was incredibly exciting. Veronica created this amazing world, and Neil brought it to life visually in ways I never could have imagined. We're so lucky to be part of this dystopian future».

In 2014, Shailene was offered the role of Mary Jane Watson in the sequel to the acclaimed movie «The Amazing Spider-Man». Woodley didn't hesitate for even a second and agreed to dye her hair red without any doubt, mentally preparing herself for the inevitable comparison with Kirsten Dunst, who played this role in the previous Spider-Man films. However, all of Shailene's scenes were cut from the final version.

Red-haired Shailene Woodley could appear in the sequel of «The Amazing Spider-Man»

In 2015, the second installment of the «Divergent» franchise hit theaters with Woodley in the lead role.

Actress Shailene Woodley at the MTV Movie Awards 2015

Shailene Woodley remained a popular actress of her generation. On March 14, 2016, the star appeared at the premiere of the third installment of the hit series «Allegiant». She was joined by all the key cast members Theo James, Ansel Elgort, Miles Teller and Naomi Watts as they greeted photographers and fans.

Shooting of «Allegiant» with Shailene Woodley in the title role

In the spring of 2016, Shailene launched a limited collection of motivational T-shirts made of 100% organic cotton «You Do You». She described her project as «accept what makes you different, what makes you powerful, what makes you you! Recognizing your own beauty and presenting it properly is an act of great courage».

Meanwhile, Woodley began actively visiting US universities to support candidate Bernie Sanders, reminding students of the importance of participating in elections.

PR campaign in support of Bernie Sanders

The celebrity was seen at events organized by her mother's charity foundation «All It Takes», promoting environmental protection and healthy living.

«Snowden»: Sheila Woodley played the Lindsay Mills, a girlfriend of the protagonist

In 2016, Shailene was involved in filming the thriller «Snowden», in which she appeared as Lindsay Mills.

In October 2016, Shailene Woodley and another 26 activists were arrested for participating in a rally against the construction of an oil pipeline on the Indian reservation in North Dakota. Her trial was scheduled for January 2017. She reportedly faced potential jail time.

In 2016, Shailene Woodley was arrested for protest activities

In 2017, Shailene starred in the HBO series "Big Little Lies." Woodley declined to return for the fourth "Divergent" film, leaving the project's future uncertain. Due to poor box office performance of "Allegiant," producers decided to skip theaters and create a TV movie instead, followed by a potential series spinoff. Production was originally set for summer 2016 but was postponed indefinitely.

Shailene Woodley and Kate Winslet at Hollywood Film Award-2017

Personal life of Shailene Woodley

The actress rarely shares details about her private life. When repeatedly asked about her love life, Shailene honestly admitted that things were completely quiet on the romance front: "I don't have time to think about relationships! And I've never met anyone during filming."

Shailene Woodley prefers not to stand her relationships on public

Fans dismissed the rumored affairs that the press linked to her (with Ansel Elgort, Jared Leto, Shilo Fernandez, Theo James, Miles Teller, Darren Kagasoff) as just "friendly" relationships between colleagues.

Woodley was attributed many affairs with other celebrities

In 2014, American magazine OK! published a story claiming the star was romantically involved with Ellen Page, who had recently come out as gay. The tabloid claimed the actresses were old friends, but "everything took a romantic turn." Shailene was not in a hurry to dispel these rumors, but Woodley's friends unanimously insisted: "There's no long-standing friendship and no relationship."

In October 2014, the press was buzzing with headlines about Shailene Woodley's romance with Nahko Bear: paparazzi captured the couple on the Hawaiian coast, where they watched the sunset together. To everyone's surprise, the actress didn't deny having feelings for Nahko, frontman of Medicine for the People. Shailene insisted that the meeting with Nahko had changed her life.

Shaeline Woodley and Theo James. Best cute moments

She'd always been a rebel, but according to the celebrity, Bear was the one who could tame her wild spirit. Shailene admired his work: "All his songs don't just inspire me—they completely align with my worldview." However, starting in fall 2015, the couple was spotted together less frequently, and in February 2016 they announced their split.

Shailene Woodley and her ex-boyfriend, Nahko Bear

After that, she had a short romance with Ezra Miller, and now apparently the heart of the beauty is free.

Now everyone's talking about Shailene and Australian rugby player Ben Volavola. They've been together since fall 2017. He changed the actress's mind about settling down—before meeting Ben, Woodley wasn't interested in anything serious.

Shailene Woodley and her boyfriend Ben Volavola

Shailene Woodley Now

In September 2019, love triangle drama "Endings, Beginnings" starring Shailene Woodley, Sebastian Stan and Jamie Dornan hit theaters. She plays artist Daphna, torn between two men: sweet, attentive Jack and bad boy Frank.

Shailene Woodley: latest news and articles

Choose the most lovely couple from the youth films

4 Sep 2018

Shirley Smith

Important is Shailene Woodley would not stay the actress of one role of `Divergent`. I hope she will have a lot of interesting projects.

2021-04-12 21:06:05
Michael Xavier Bennett

Smart and beautiful Shailene Woodley was irresistible in `Divergent` along with Kate Winslet.

2021-04-05 11:29:31
Martha Marshall

Shailene Woodley not only a talented actress but also very shy and caring person, stand firmly behind the principles.

2021-03-25 20:32:59
Clayton Pierce

I like Shailene Woodley in `Divergent`. She is incredible cool actress, charismatic and charming.

2021-03-14 09:51:31
Christina Richardson

In my opinion Shailene Woodley played very good the role of Amy Juergens. It`s difficult to imagine someone else in this character.

2021-01-03 13:09:28
olivia ellen

I luv FourTris and wish they were first place, but i also like Katniss and Peeta so thats okay. reply below if your obesssed with divergent too!!

2019-01-10 18:40:24

Photos: Shailene Woodley