Shailene Woodley, biography, news, photos

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American actress and model Woodley Shailene is the idol of today's youth. Her Instagram has more than 4 million subscribers. Known for the films “Divergent”, “The Descendants” and the television series “The Secret Life of the American Teenager”. During her career she received more than 20 awards in various categories. But her biography is not so wonderful; it also has dark moments that Woodley does not want to remember.

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Biography

Since childhood, parents have taken an active part in Shailene’s life. At the age of 4, the little girl began her modeling career, followed by acting courses. The divorce of her parents (Woodley was 15 years old at the time) left a big imprint on the girl’s life, but did not break her. Shailene managed to turn from an ugly duckling into a luxurious diva, known throughout the world.

Childhood and youth

The future star was born into an ordinary American family. My father is a school director, and my mother worked there as a psychologist. As a child, Shailene was an ordinary child - obedient, modest, an excellent student. But at the age of 15, after her parents’ divorce, the girl’s character changed. Health problems arose (her back hurt) - doctors diagnosed scoliosis and put Shailene on a special corset to correct her posture. Dental braces have become a disappointing addition to the disease.

There is another son in the Woodley family - the older sister constantly supported her brother Tanner, with whom they are inseparable and very friendly.

Shailene with her brother Tanner

The path to popularity

At the age of 8, the actress starred in the film “Replacing Dad.” Then a couple more roles in several TV series. In 2004, the girl received the main role in the film “A Place Called Home” and participated in her first nomination.

First success

They started talking about Shailene after the series “The Secret Life of the American Teenager.” Film critics appreciated the girl’s work. In 2011, she received her first serious role in the film “The Descendants,” which was followed by awards. In 2014, the dystopian film “Divergent” was released, after which everyone knew the name of the young actress.

Shailene Woodley in the movie "Divergent"

Shailene was persuaded to take part in this film by her friend Jennifer Lawrence. Woodley's partner on the set was Titanic star Kate Winslet. The film took 28th place at the global box office, and Woodley became famous not only in the United States, but also outside the country. In the same year, the film “White Bird in a Blizzard” was released, in which the young actress starred alongside Eva Green. Another successful project of the actress was the film “The Fault in Our Stars” based on the novel by John Green; Ansel Elgort became her partner on the set. In 2020, together with Jai Courtney, they voiced the animated cartoon “Arches”.

Actress Shailene Woodley talks about the TV series “Big Little Lies”, politics and her reputation

On June 9, the second season of Big Little Lies began. Actress Shailene Woodley told American Vogue how she worked on the role of single mother Jane.

Shailene Woodley combines the impossible - a successful acting career and participation in a political organization and environmental movement. We all got to know Shailene after her role in Divergent, after which she already managed to star in several successful films, and also received a Golden Globe, Emmy and Independent Spirit Award nomination. Most recently, a new season of the series “Big Little Lies” was released, where the actress plays Jane, a single mother and rape victim. In the interview, Shailene talked about how she prepared for the role of Jane, her reputation and political views.

You and Ziggy have different hairstyles in the new season of Big Little Lies, what is the reason for this?

Every time there are turning points in our lives that clearly divide our lives into before and after, these transformations are reflected in our appearance. Jane spent so many years in fear of Perry, knowing that he was still alive. When he died, she got rid of a lot of old things to let go of the past. A radical change in hairstyle is a way for Jane to become the person she was before she met Perry, who inflicted mental trauma on her day after day.

How did you prepare for this role?

I have read many stories about women and men who have been sexually assaulted and are now trying to live with it. But to be honest, the real awareness of this problem is my personal experience and the experience of my family and close friends. The horror of this phenomenon is that no one is immune from domestic or sexual violence. Even if this did not happen to you, your loved ones may have suffered from it.

Jane's story is especially relevant in the context of the #MeToo movement and threats to reproductive rights. Did you feel this more than usual while filming the new season?

Playing Jane, I can't help but try to make a political statement, but who wants to be preached to? Who wants to feel guilty? This is the problem of world and modern democracy: no one hears each other. Thus, we have either black or white and there is no place for gray: in our world there is no way to find common ground, because one side is always right. So for me, the role of Jane is not about socio-political activism. I'm just playing a woman who's hurting like hell, emotionally and psychologically broken, and struggling to move forward and move on with her life.

You are a politically active person. Is it easy for you to separate your film roles and political activities?

We are all just people and trying to do our best. I don't say things to improve ratings or to make everyone think what an activist I am. But I believe that you need to share your experiences, and also listen to what others think, because this is how the right decisions mature. But when it comes to acting, I never take part in filming in order to convey some kind of message.

What led you to political activism?

Honestly, I've been like this since birth. I was raised by two psychologists, so patriarchy, anarchism, and revolution were never important to me. My parents and I always talked more about human emotions, empathy and compassion. My mom always says that compassion is empathy that shows itself in action. I think so too. Therefore, I don’t see the difference between being a member of the council of “Our Revolution” (the organization in which Shailene is a member - vogue.ua note) or speaking at a political rally, or sitting in a therapist’s office - the main thing is to do something, and it doesn’t matter who you are or where you are.

Is there anyone who introduced you to the Bernie Sanders organization?

Susan Sarandon helped me find myself. We got to know each other better four years ago. Then she planned to spend Christmas in Greece to learn the stories of refugees, give them a chance to be heard and tell the world what is happening in their lives. I was incredibly touched by the fact that she would spend Christmas with strangers. After all, she has children, grandchildren, she is a very busy woman. So in January 2020, before we started filming Big Little Lies, I called her and said, “I have two months before filming, do you need any help?” And she said she could get me involved with Bernie's campaign. I knew nothing about politics then. During the campaign, I was asked to record a video message on Instagram about issues I care about and mention Bernie. I refused, because Instagram for me is just window dressing and empty talk. But I called them and said: “I’m not going to shoot a video, but I’ll come to the rally.” The next day I flew to Michigan, and that first rally marked the beginning of my journey into politics.

What do you do as a board member of Our Revolution?

I don't do much for Our Revolution because I'm not a political person. But I have passion, energy and relentless optimism. I think when it comes to politics, this is exactly what is needed. I need to remember why I came here and tell people about important issues. “Our Revolution” is a source of information for me about outsiders - candidates that CNN, MSNBC and Fox News are not talking about. Our information is always carefully checked and reliable.

What do you think about the rumors about your reputation? Does this annoy you?

Rather, it amuses me. I don't waste my life energy on negative emotions because of someone I don't even know. When I first encountered negativity, I was outraged that anyone cared about my life and my views. This is what I believe. This is what I want to say and what I am saying. I don't want to change anything. I think it's important for us to remain ourselves no matter what. I dream of working with directors I admire and telling stories that I hope will impact people's hearts.

Do you talk politics with your Big Little Lies co-stars?

In fact, this happens all the time. Every time we have lunch, we discuss what worries us most in this world. But this does not mean that our opinions always agree. In 2016, when Zoe and I were on the Bernie campaign and Reese was on the Hillary campaign, we often discussed politics. We didn't argue, but we always had reasons to argue. I think this is what democracy looks like. I don't remember when Zoe and I gave up our political beliefs.

I would look at the 2020 political debates where everyone would be confused about our candidates.

It will be very funny. But we must make a choice, first of all, for ourselves.

Filmography

• USA Drama
• At the mercy of the elements
• Premiere 2018

• USA Thriller
• Divergent
• Premiere 2014

Watch the full list of films on Kinopoisk

Present and creative plans for the future

The actress continues to star in various projects. In October 2019, it became known about her participation in the film adaptation of Jojo Moyes’ bestseller “The Last Letter from Your Lover.” The release date of the film is still unknown. In 2020, the Russian premiere of the film “Love for Three” will take place, where Sebastian Stan and Jamie Dornan took part.

Still from the film “The Last Letter from Your Beloved”

The actress is known for her changes in appearance. The most pressing questions are how much Woodley weighs, her photos before and after losing weight.

The girl is actively realizing herself as a designer. A collection of cotton T-shirts “You Do You” with motivational inscriptions has already gone on sale.

“ You Do You ” T-shirt designed by Shailene Woodley

But more often you can hear about Shailene as an active public figure. The celebrity devotes more and more time to politics and the fight against environmental problems. Woodley is an environmental activist. In 2020, she nearly went to prison for disturbing the peace during one protest. The actress received a suspended sentence, but did not stop participating in the protests.

Personal life of the actress

Shailene is not married and has no children. There have long been rumors that Woodley is dating Divergent co-star Theo James. They were credited with relationships with Jared Leto, Shiloh Fernandez, Daren Kagasoff and even Ellen Page (in 2014 she announced her gay orientation). But Shailene herself denies these rumors - they are connected only by work and friendly relations.

Shailene Woodley and actor Theo Jayes

The only official romance that Shailene does not deny was with rock musician Nano Beer. The couple were together for two years, but in 2016 they announced their separation. Afterwards, the star's partner was Ezra Miller.

Shailey Woodley and musician Nano Beer

In 2020, the celebrity walked the red carpet with rugby player Ben Volavol. They are often seen together. Fans only have time to envy - her boyfriend is a real playboy. The young people met in New Zealand, where they participated in the filming of the film “In the Power of the Elements.”

Shailene Woodley and athlete Ben Volavola

The paparazzi claim that Woodley is pregnant because she has gained weight, and Ben will soon become her husband. But the actress herself prefers not to comment on her personal life, so fans can only guess who she is dating now.

Shailene Woodley now

The legal proceedings did not interfere with the development of the actress’s cinematic career. In 2020, Shailene signed a re-contract to participate in the second season of the top-rated HBO series Big Little Lies, which also confirmed the participation of Zoe Kravitz and Laura Dern, Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon. In addition, Meryl Streep was cast in the role of the mother of murdered maniac Perry Wright, Mary Louise.

The personal life of the Hollywood beauty does not stand still. In the summer of 2017, joint photos with a man began to appear on Woodley’s Instagram, whose face was hidden from the camera. But the ubiquitous reporters found out the identity of Shailene’s new chosen one. It was New Zealand rugby player, member of the North Harbor club and the Fiji national team, Ben Volavola. The young people met in New Zealand, where Shailene Woodley was filming one of the films. Already in the fall, the couple did not hide their relationship, regularly appearing in public places.

At the beginning of 2020, the first official trailer for the film “In the Power of the Elements,” in which Shailene Woodley played the main role, was posted online. Her partner was British actor Sam Claflin, known to the public for his work in the film “Me Before You.” A young couple, having met in Tahiti, goes on a romantic trip on a sea yacht. But the lovers' ship is overtaken by a powerful hurricane.

Now the actress is preparing to participate in the dubbing of a fantastic animated film by Australian director Luke Jurevicius. The project is called Arkie. This film will be Shailene's debut in the field of dubbing.

Appearance

Shailene leads an active lifestyle. In her free time from filming, she plays sports, skydives, and travels. The actress watches her diet, does not drink alcohol, and is not a vegetarian.

Her body measurements are 86-60-89, which is almost ideal, and her foot size is 39. Woodley often changes her hairstyles. Before the release of Insurgent, the press wondered why the actress cut her hair - although her short haircut and classic makeup make her face pretty, they do not emphasize all her features.

Shailene Woodley losing weight on an African diet

Shailene embraces natural beauty. She can safely appear without makeup even at a social event (the actress’s long legs attract all the attention). Woodley is not a supporter of rhinoplasty or any plastic surgery.

Instagram photo of Shailene Woodley