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 a celebrated American actress known for her roles portraying unconventional characters in the late 1980s and achieving broader recognition for her dramatic performances in the 1990s. She has received critical acclaim throughout her career, including a Golden Globe Award and nominations for two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, and a Grammy Award, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

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 her quirky characters in the late 1980s and dramatic performances in the 1990s.

Others born on this day/year

1978: Moved to Rainbow Commune

In 1978, when she was seven years old, Winona Ryder and her family relocated to Rainbow, a commune near Elk, Mendocino County, California.

1983: Enrolled at American Conservatory Theater

In 1983, at age 12, Winona Ryder enrolled at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco for acting lessons.

1986: Hair Color Change for Lucas

At the time of her audition for the 1986 film Lucas, Winona Ryder's hair had been dyed black, and the filmmakers asked her to keep it that way.

June 1989: Met Johnny Depp

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

February 1990: Began dating Johnny Depp

In February 1990, the 18-year-old Winona Ryder began dating the 26-year-old Johnny Depp.

June 1993: Split up with Johnny Depp

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

October 31, 1993: River Phoenix's Death

On October 31, 1993, River Phoenix's death put on hold the project, Broken Dreams, Ryder was set to star in.

1993: Reward offered for Polly Klaas's return

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

1994: Little Women film adaptation dedicated to Polly Klaas

In 1994, after Polly Klaas's death, Winona Ryder dedicated her performance as Jo in the 1994 film adaptation of Little Women, one of Klaas's favorite novels, to her memory.

1997: Aquaphobia during Alien Resurrection

In 1997, during the underwater scenes in Alien Resurrection, Winona Ryder faced psychological trauma due to aquaphobia, which caused problems during filming.

1998: The Vagina Monologues, Celebrity, music video, Survivors: Testimonies of the Holocaust, Cannes Film Festival

In 1998, Winona Ryder performed in The Vagina Monologues, starred in Woody Allen's Celebrity, appeared in Jon Spencer Blues Explosion's music video, narrated Survivors: Testimonies of the Holocaust, and served as a jury member at the Cannes Film Festival.

1998: Began dating Matt Damon

In 1998, Winona Ryder started dating actor Matt Damon.

1999: Girl, Interrupted, South Park, Roustabout Studios

In 1999, Winona Ryder starred in and executive produced Girl, Interrupted, which had been in development since 1996. In the same year, she was parodied in South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut and started her own music company, Roustabout Studios.