Evan Rachel Wood was born on December 28, 1987, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to Ira David Wood III, a local theatre actor, writer, and director, and Sara Lynn Moore, an actress and acting coach. She was raised in a primarily Jewish household; her father converted to Judaism. Her parents divorced in 1996. Wood and her brother, Ira David Wood IV, moved with their mother to Los Angeles to pursue acting careers.
Wood began her acting career in the 1990s, appearing in television series such as American Gothic and Profiler. Her film debut was in Digging to China (1998), co-starring Kevin Bacon and Cathy Moriarty. She also appeared in the television film Down Will Come (1995).
Wood gained wider recognition for her role as Jessie Sammler in the ABC series Once and Again (1999-2002). Her performance in the independent film Thirteen (2003), where she played a troubled teenager, earned her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination. This role marked a significant turning point in her career, establishing her as a talented dramatic actress.
Wood has starred in a variety of films, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Notable films include:
In addition to Once and Again, Wood has held prominent roles in several television