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 known for her quirky roles in the late 1980s and successful dramatic performances in the 1990s. She has received numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe and nominations for two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, and a Grammy Award. She's a significant figure in pop culture and entertainment.

Sections (4)

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

October 29, 1971: Winona Ryder's birth

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 dramatic performances in the 1990s.

Others born on this day/year

1978: Family moved to Rainbow commune

In 1978, when Winona Ryder was seven years old, her family relocated to Rainbow, a commune near Elk, Mendocino County, California, living with seven other families on a 300-acre plot of land without electricity or television.

1983: Enrollment at American Conservatory Theater and near drowning experience

In 1983, 12-year-old Ryder enrolled at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco for acting lessons and nearly drowned, developing aquaphobia.

October 31, 1993: River Phoenix's death

On October 31, 1993, the project Broken Dreams, in which Winona Ryder was set to star alongside River Phoenix, was put on hold due to his death.

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1993: Offered Reward for Polly Klaas's 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.

1994: Dedicated Performance to Polly Klaas

In 1994, Winona Ryder dedicated her performance as Jo in the film adaptation of Little Women to the memory of Polly Klaas.

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1997: Aquaphobia affected Alien Resurrection filming

In 1997, Winona Ryder's aquaphobia, developed from a near-drowning experience, caused problems during the underwater scenes in Alien Resurrection, requiring multiple reshoots.

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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 withdrew from the project 'Lily and the Secret of Planting'.

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December 12, 2001: Arrested for Shoplifting

On December 12, 2001, Winona Ryder was arrested on shoplifting charges in Beverly Hills, California, accused of stealing $5,500 worth of designer clothes and accessories from a Saks Fifth Avenue department store.

December 2001: Arrest for Shoplifting

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

2001: Sentencing Hearing and Controversy

During a sentencing hearing related to her 2001 shoplifting incident, Ryder's attorney referred to her work with the Polly Klaas Foundation, leading to a controversial statement by Deputy District Attorney Ann Rundle. Polly's father defended Ryder.

December 2002: Sentenced for Grand Theft and Shoplifting

In December 2002, Winona Ryder was sentenced to three years of probation, community service, fines, and restitution for grand theft and shoplifting. She was also ordered to attend psychological counseling and drug counseling.

2002: Failed Plea Bargain

In 2002, negotiations for a plea bargain failed as the prosecution insisted on charging Ryder with a felony for her shoplifting incident.

June 18, 2004: Felonies Reduced to Misdemeanors

On June 18, 2004, Winona Ryder's felonies were reduced to misdemeanors after she served 480 hours of community service.

2004: Publication of 'The Plot Against America'

In 2004, Philip Roth's novel 'The Plot Against America' was published. Later, in 2020, Winona Ryder starred in the HBO limited series based on this novel.