Early Life and Education of Winona Ryder: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Winona Ryder. A timeline of key moments.

Winona Ryder is an American actress who gained recognition in the late 1980s for her roles as unconventional characters and further solidified her career with dramatic performances in the 1990s. She has received numerous awards, including a Golden Globe, and has been nominated for prestigious accolades such as Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, and a Grammy Award. Ryder's work has established her as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

October 29, 1971: Winona Ryder Born

On October 29, 1971, Winona Laura Horowitz, known professionally as Winona Ryder, was born. She is an American actress known for playing quirky characters in the late 1980s and achieving success with dramatic performances in the 1990s.

Others born on this day/year

1985: Release of "Running Up That Hill"

In 1985, Kate Bush released her song "Running Up That Hill", which later reached number one on iTunes after being featured in 'Stranger Things'.

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June 1989: Met Johnny Depp

In June 1989, Winona Ryder met Johnny Depp at the Great Balls of Fire! premiere.

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February 1990: Began dating Johnny Depp

In February 1990, the 18-year-old Winona Ryder began dating the 26-year-old Johnny Depp after they were reintroduced by a mutual friend.

June 1993: Split with Johnny Depp

In June 1993, Winona Ryder and Johnny Depp split up after being engaged.

October 31, 1993: Death of River Phoenix

On October 31, 1993, River Phoenix, who was set to star alongside Winona Ryder in 'Broken Dreams', passed away, leading to the project being put on hold.

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1993: Publication of 'Girl, Interrupted' memoir

In 1993, Susanna Kaysen published her memoir 'Girl, Interrupted', which became the basis for the later film starring Winona Ryder.

1993: Offered reward for Polly Klaas's safe return

In 1993, Winona Ryder offered a $200,000 reward in hopes that it would lead to the safe return of kidnapped child Polly Klaas, who lived in Ryder's hometown of Petaluma.

1996: Ended relationship with Dave Pirner

In 1996, Winona Ryder ended her relationship with Soul Asylum band member Dave Pirner.

1998: Began dating Matt Damon

In 1998, Winona Ryder began dating actor Matt Damon.

1999: Starring in and Producing 'Girl, Interrupted'

In 1999, Winona Ryder starred in and served as an executive producer for the movie 'Girl, Interrupted', based on Susanna Kaysen's memoir. She played Kaysen, who has borderline personality disorder. In the same year, Winona Ryder was parodied in South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut and started her own music company, Roustabout Studios.

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2000: Ended relationship with Matt Damon

In 2000, Winona Ryder ended her relationship with actor Matt Damon.

August 2001: Hospitalization and Withdrawal from 'Lily and the Secret of Planting'

In August 2001, Winona Ryder was hospitalized for a severe stomach-related disorder and subsequently withdrew from the film 'Lily and the Secret of Planting'.

December 2001: Arrest for Shoplifting

In December 2001, Winona Ryder was arrested for shoplifting, which affected her ability to be insured for future film projects.

2003: Began dating Page Hamilton

In 2003, Winona Ryder began dating Helmet frontman Page Hamilton.

2005: Ended relationship with Page Hamilton

In 2005, Winona Ryder ended her relationship with Helmet frontman Page Hamilton.

2011: Began relationship with Scott Mackinlay Hahn

Since 2011, Winona Ryder has been in a relationship with fashion designer Scott Mackinlay Hahn.

September 2020: Resumption of 'Stranger Things' Season 4 Filming

In September 2020, filming for the fourth season of 'Stranger Things', starring Winona Ryder, resumed after being halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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