Wood Harris - Bio, Facts, Family Life of Actor
Emily Carr
Updated on January 16, 2026
Wood Harris Biography
(Actor)Birthday: October 17, 1969 (Libra)
Born In: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Advanced SearchWood Harris, born as Sherwin David Harris, is an American actor best known for appearing as kingpin Avon Barksdale in the HBO series ‘The Wire’. He is also famous for playing Barry Fouray on VH1’s ‘The Breaks’ as well as Brooke Payne on the miniseries ‘The New Edition Story’. Besides these, the actor has starred as a guest in the dramas ‘NYPD Blue’, ‘Oz’, ‘Cosby’, ‘New York Undercover’ and ‘House’. Harris has also appeared in several theatrical stage productions of a variety of off-Broadway plays. In addition, he has acted in dozens of movies such as ‘Remember the Titans’, ‘Above the Rim’, ‘Celebrity’, ‘Committed’, ‘Paid in Full’, ‘Not Easily Broken’, ‘The Heart Specialist’, ‘Just Another Day’, ‘The Watsons Go to Birmingham’ and ‘Once Upon a Time in Venice’. Today, Harris has become one of the most sought-after artistes of the American entertainment industry. His unique acting skills and passion towards acting are the major reasons he is liked and respected by the film and television makers and producers. Quick FactsAlso Known As: Sherwin David Wood Harris
Age: 54 Years, 54 Year Old Males
Family:Spouse/Ex-: Rebekah Harris (m. 2001)
father: John Harris
mother: Mattie Harris
siblings: Steve Harris
Height: 6'3" (190 cm), 6'3" Males
City: Chicago, Illinois
U.S. State: Illinois, African-American From Illinois
More Factseducation: Northern Illinois University, New York University
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American PeopleBlack Film & Theater PersonalitiesAmerican MenIllinois ActorsNorthern Illinois University CareerWood Harris made his big screen debut in 1994 through the flick ‘Above the Rim’. He then appeared in the drama series ‘NYPD Blue’, ‘Oz’ and ‘Cosby’. In 1998, he got featured in the series ‘New York Undercover’ as well as in the movies ‘Celebrity’ and ‘The Siege’. Two years later, the actor acted in the films ‘Train Ride ‘, ‘Committed’, ‘Hendrix’ and ‘Remember the Titans’. Soon after this, was cast in the cult-classic flick ‘Paid in Full’ and in the television series ‘The Wire’.Then in 2005, he got featured in the movie ‘Dirty’. The following year, Harris found roles in the movies ‘Southland Tales’ and ‘The Heart Specialist’. Then he got featured in the films ‘Not Easily Broken’, ‘Dough Boys’, ‘Next Day Air’ and ‘Just Another Day’. In the year 2010, he made appearance in the dramas ‘Southland’ as well as ‘Hawaii Five-0’. In 2012, the American actor did the movies ‘The Babymakers’ and ‘Dredd’. The same year, he became part of the documentary ‘Benji’.After this, he appeared in the flick ‘The Watsons Go to Birmingham’ in 2013. Then in 2014, Harris played the role of Jay in the TV series ‘Justified’. He was then cast in the films ‘Ant-Man’ and ‘Creed’. He portrayed the character of Barry Fouray in the series ‘The Breaks’ in 2016. A year later, he played a role in the miniseries ‘The New Edition Story’ as well as in the movies ‘Once Upon a Time in Venice’, ‘9/11’ and ‘Blade Runner 2049’.Recommended Lists:Recommended Lists:
Tall CelebritiesTall Male CelebritiesLibra ActorsAmerican ActorsContinue Reading BelowPersonal LifeWood Harris was born as Sherwin David Harris on October 17, 1969, in Chicago, Illinois, United States, to Mattie and John Harris. He has an older brother named Steve Harris. He studied at the Northern Illinois University and also went to the New York University. In 2001, Harris got married to Rebekah Harris. Together, the couple has two children.Recommended Lists:Recommended Lists:
Actors Who Are In Their 50sAmerican Film & Theater PersonalitiesLibra Men