History of Winona Ryder in Timeline
Winona Ryder, born Winona Laura Horowitz, is a celebrated American actress known for her diverse roles. Initially recognized for her unconventional roles, she rose to fame in the 1990s with critically acclaimed performances across various film genres. Her talent has earned her numerous awards and nominations, including a Golden Globe Award, two Academy Award nominations, a BAFTA Award nomination, and a Grammy Award nomination.
1969: Appearance in the Vietnam War Drama "1969"
Winona Ryder appears alongside Kiefer Sutherland and Robert Downey Jr. in the Vietnam War drama "1969", released in 1988.
October 29, 1971: Winona Ryder's Birth
On October 29, 1971, Winona Laura Horowitz, known professionally as Winona Ryder, was born.
1978: Relocation to Rainbow Commune
At the age of seven, Winona Ryder and her family relocate to the Rainbow commune in California in 1978.
1983: Enrollment at American Conservatory Theater
At age 12, Winona Ryder begins her formal acting training at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco in 1983.
1985: Release of Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill"
Kate Bush released the song "Running Up That Hill" in 1985. The song would later see a resurgence in popularity due to its inclusion in "Stranger Things," a show in which Winona Ryder starred.
1985: First Audition for "Desert Bloom"
Winona Ryder submits her first audition tape for the film "Desert Bloom" in 1985.
1986: Adoption of Stage Name "Ryder"
During her audition for the film "Lucas" in 1986, Winona adopts the stage name "Ryder," inspired by a Mitch Ryder album.
1986: Film Debut in "Lucas"
Winona Ryder makes her film debut in the movie "Lucas" in 1986.
1987: Critical Acclaim for "Square Dance"
Winona Ryder's performance in the film "Square Dance" earns her critical acclaim in 1987.
1988: Rise to Prominence with "Beetlejuice"
Winona Ryder gains recognition for her supporting role in the comedy "Beetlejuice" in 1988.
June 1989: Ryder Meets Johnny Depp
Winona Ryder and Johnny Depp met at the premiere of "Great Balls of Fire!" in June 1989.
1989: Graduation from Petaluma High School
Winona Ryder graduates from Petaluma High School with a 4.0 GPA in 1989.
1989: Starring Role in "Heathers"
Winona Ryder lands a major role in the dark comedy "Heathers" in 1989.
1990: A Year of Diverse Roles and Recognition
In 1990, Winona Ryder starred in three films: "Edward Scissorhands," "Mermaids," and "Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael." She received critical acclaim for her role in "Mermaids," earning a Golden Globe nomination and a National Board Review award. She also made a cameo in Roy Orbison's music video "A Love So Beautiful" and was named 'ShoWest's Female Star of Tomorrow.'
1990: Ryder and Depp's Engagement
Winona Ryder and Johnny Depp became engaged in 1990.
1990: Critical Acclaim for "Edward Scissorhands"
Winona Ryder receives critical acclaim for her performance in the fantasy romance film "Edward Scissorhands" in 1990.
1991: Exploring Independent Cinema with "Night on Earth"
Winona Ryder starred in Jim Jarmusch's independent film "Night on Earth" in 1991, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
November 1992: Critical and Commercial Success with "Bram Stoker's Dracula"
"Bram Stoker's Dracula," directed by Francis Ford Coppola, premiered in November 1992, starring Winona Ryder in dual roles. The film was a critical and commercial success, further solidifying her status in Hollywood.
1992: Appearance in "Bram Stoker's Dracula"
Winona Ryder stars in the gothic horror film "Bram Stoker's Dracula" in 1992.
1992: Ryder Expresses Interest in "Beetlejuice" Sequel
As early as 1992, Winona Ryder had expressed her willingness to appear in a sequel to "Beetlejuice."
October 1993: Navigating Loss and Continuing to Work
"The House of the Spirits," also released in October 1993, marked another collaboration between Winona Ryder and a renowned director, this time with Bille August. Although the film received mixed reviews, Ryder's performance was recognized for its passion and conviction. A project with River Phoenix was put on hold due to his death on October 31, 1993. Winona also appeared in the music video "Without a Trace" by Soul Asylum, showcasing her connection to the music scene.
October 1993: "The Age of Innocence" and Critical Acclaim
Winona Ryder starred in "The Age of Innocence" alongside Michelle Pfeiffer and Daniel Day-Lewis, which was released in October 1993. Her performance garnered critical acclaim, earning her a Golden Globe Award and nominations for an Academy Award and a BAFTA Award.
1993: Ryder Offers Reward for Polly Klaas
Winona Ryder offered a $200,000 reward for the safe return of Polly Klaas, a kidnapped child from Ryder's hometown of Petaluma, in 1993.
1993: Oscar Nomination for "The Age of Innocence"
Winona Ryder's performance as a socialite in "The Age of Innocence" earns her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 1993.
1993: Ryder and Depp's Engagement Ends
Winona Ryder and Johnny Depp ended their engagement in 1993.
1994: Ryder Dedicates "Little Women" Performance to Polly Klaas
Following the death of Polly Klaas, Winona Ryder dedicated her performance as Jo in the 1994 film adaptation of "Little Women" to Klaas's memory.
1994: Generation X and Literary Adaptations
In 1994, Winona Ryder starred in "Reality Bites," a film that captured the spirit of Generation X, and "Little Women," a critically acclaimed adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's novel. Her performance in "Little Women" earned her a second Oscar nomination, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and talented actress. She also lent her voice to "The Simpsons," demonstrating her presence in popular culture.
1994: Oscar Nomination for "Little Women"
Winona Ryder receives her second consecutive Oscar nomination, this time for Best Actress, for her portrayal of Jo March in "Little Women" in 1994.
1995: Venturing into Voice Acting and Ensemble Casts
Winona Ryder starred in "How to Make an American Quilt" (1995) alongside a star-studded cast. She also narrated Anne Frank's "The Diary of a Young Girl," showcasing her talent beyond the screen and earning her a Grammy Award nomination.
1996: Exploring Shakespeare and Challenging Roles
Winona Ryder appeared in three films in 1996: "Boys," "Looking for Richard," and "The Crucible." Despite the mixed commercial success of these films, her performance in "The Crucible," particularly her portrayal of Abigail Williams, was highly praised.
1997: Joining the "Alien" Franchise and Receiving Recognition
Winona Ryder starred in "Alien Resurrection" (1997), joining the iconic "Alien" franchise. While the film's reception was mixed, her performance alongside Sigourney Weaver garnered positive reviews. She also received the 'Female Star of the Year' award at the 1997 ShoWest event, acknowledging her contributions to the film industry.
1997: Aquaphobia Impacts Filming of "Alien Resurrection"
Winona Ryder's aquaphobia, stemming from a near-drowning experience, causes difficulties during the filming of underwater scenes in "Alien Resurrection" in 1997.
1998: Winona Ryder's Career in 1998
In 1998, Winona Ryder took on various roles and projects. On Valentine's Day, she performed in Eve Ensler's play "The Vagina Monologues." She then starred in Woody Allen's film "Celebrity," replacing Drew Barrymore. Ryder also appeared in Jon Spencer Blues Explosion's music video for "Talk About the Blues" and narrated "Survivors: Testimonies of the Holocaust," a CD-ROM produced by Steven Spielberg's Shoah Foundation. Furthermore, she served as a jury member at the Cannes Film Festival.
1998: Ryder Begins Dating Matt Damon
Winona Ryder began dating actor Matt Damon in 1998.
1999: Winona Ryder in "Girl, Interrupted" and Other Ventures
1999 marked Winona Ryder's return to leading roles with "Girl, Interrupted." Based on Susanna Kaysen's memoir, the film, in development since 1996, saw Ryder both starring as Kaysen and serving as executive producer. While the film was anticipated as her comeback, it became a breakout role for Angelina Jolie, who won an Oscar for her performance. That year, Ryder was also parodied in "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut" and launched her music company, Roustabout Studios.
April 2000: Winona Ryder's Recognition at the San Francisco Film Festival
In April 2000, Winona Ryder was honored with the Peter J. Owens Award at the San Francisco Film Festival, recognizing her contributions to the world of film.
October 6, 2000: Winona Ryder Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
On October 6, 2000, Winona Ryder received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing her place in Hollywood history.
2000: Ryder and Damon's Relationship Ends
Winona Ryder and Matt Damon's relationship ended in 2000.
August 2001: Winona Ryder's Health Issues and Project Withdrawal
In August 2001, Winona Ryder withdrew from the film "Lily and the Secret of Planting" due to a severe stomach-related illness that required hospitalization.
December 12, 2001: Ryder Arrested for Shoplifting
Winona Ryder was arrested on December 12, 2001, in Beverly Hills, California, on shoplifting charges. She was accused of stealing over $5,000 worth of merchandise from Saks Fifth Avenue.
December 2001: Winona Ryder's Arrest and Impact on Career
Winona Ryder's career faced a significant setback in December 2001 when she was arrested for shoplifting. This event led to difficulties in obtaining insurance for future film projects, impacting potential roles, including one in Woody Allen's "Melinda and Melinda."
2001: Controversy Arises Over Ryder's Charitable Work During Sentencing
During Winona Ryder's sentencing hearing for her 2001 shoplifting incident, a controversy erupted when her attorney referenced her charity work, including her involvement with the Polly Klaas Foundation. The Deputy District Attorney's response sparked outrage from Polly Klaas's father, who defended Ryder.
2001: Shoplifting Arrest and Career Hiatus
Winona Ryder's career is impacted by a shoplifting arrest in 2001, leading to a break from acting.
May 18, 2002: Winona Ryder Hosts Saturday Night Live
Winona Ryder took on the role of host for "Saturday Night Live" on May 18, 2002, showcasing her comedic timing and stage presence.
December 2002: Ryder Sentenced in Shoplifting Case
In December 2002, Winona Ryder was sentenced to three years of probation, community service, fines, restitution, and counseling after being convicted of grand theft and shoplifting.
2002: Plea Bargain Negotiations Fail in Ryder Shoplifting Case
Plea bargain negotiations in Winona Ryder's shoplifting case were unsuccessful at the end of summer 2002.
June 18, 2004: Ryder's Probation Reviewed, Felonies Reduced
On June 18, 2004, Superior Court Judge Elden Fox reviewed Winona Ryder's probation report, noting her completion of community service. Her felonies were reduced to misdemeanors.
2004: Publication of "The Plot Against America"
Philip Roth's novel "The Plot Against America," which would later be adapted into a miniseries starring Winona Ryder, was published in 2004.
December 2005: Ryder Completes Probation
Winona Ryder completed her probation in December 2005.
2006: Winona Ryder's Return to Film with Independent Projects
Winona Ryder returned to acting in 2006 after a period of relative quiet, appearing in independent films like "The Darwin Awards."
2008: Winona Ryder's Return to Mainstream Films
Winona Ryder's presence in Hollywood became more prominent in 2008 as she appeared in more mainstream productions like "Star Trek," marking a resurgence in her career.
2011: Winona Ryder's Performance in "When Love Is Not Enough" Earns SAG Award Nomination
In 2011, Winona Ryder was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for her performance as Lois Wilson in the television movie "When Love Is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story." Her portrayal of the woman whose husband co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous garnered critical acclaim.
2011: Ryder Begins Relationship with Scott Mackinlay Hahn
Winona Ryder began her relationship with fashion designer Scott Mackinlay Hahn in 2011.
November 2013: Ryder Hints at "Beetlejuice" Sequel
In a November 2013 interview, Winona Ryder hinted at her willingness to participate in a sequel to "Beetlejuice" if Tim Burton and Michael Keaton were involved.
2013: Ryder Stars in "Homefront" and "Drunk History"
In 2013, Winona Ryder appeared in the action thriller "Homefront" alongside James Franco, portraying a meth-addicted woman. She also starred in Comedy Central's "Drunk History," playing Mary Dyer in the "Boston" segment and Peggy Shippen in the second season.
2014: Ryder Appears in "Show Me a Hero"
In 2014, Winona Ryder appeared in the HBO miniseries "Show Me a Hero," which was created by David Simon. This marked her first collaboration with Simon, predating "The Plot Against America."
2014: Ryder in "Turks & Caicos" and Rag & Bone Campaign
Winona Ryder appeared in the British television film "Turks & Caicos" in 2014. That same year, she also modeled in the Fall advertising campaign for fashion label Rag & Bone.
August 2015: Ryder Confirms Interest in "Beetlejuice" Sequel
Winona Ryder confirmed her interest in reprising her role for the "Beetlejuice" sequel in August 2015.
October 2015: Release of "Experimenter" Featuring Ryder
The biopic "Experimenter," starring Winona Ryder as the wife of Stanley Milgram alongside Peter Sarsgaard, was released in October 2015 to positive reviews.
July 2016: Premiere of "Stranger Things" Season 1
The first season of the Netflix science fiction-horror series "Stranger Things," starring Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers, premiered in July 2016 to critical acclaim.
2016: Ryder in Marc Jacobs Campaigns
Winona Ryder was featured in advertisements for Marc Jacobs in 2016, both for their cosmetics and their spring collection.
October 2017: Release of "Stranger Things" Season 2
The second season of "Stranger Things" was released in October 2017.
2018: Ryder Stars in "Destination Wedding" and Brand Campaigns
Winona Ryder appeared in the film "Destination Wedding" alongside Keanu Reeves in 2018. The same year, she starred in a L'Oréal shampoo commercial and H&M's spring collection campaign with Elizabeth Olsen.
July 2019: Release of "Stranger Things" Season 3
The third season of "Stranger Things" premiered in July 2019.
September 2020: Resumption of Filming for "Stranger Things" Season 4
After a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic, filming for the fourth season of "Stranger Things" resumed in September 2020.
2020: Ryder in Super Bowl Commercial and "The Plot Against America"
Winona Ryder was featured in Squarespace's Super Bowl commercial in early 2020. Later that year, she starred in the HBO limited series "The Plot Against America."
2021: Ryder Reprises Role for Cadillac Ad and Stars in "Gone in the Night"
Winona Ryder reprised her role as Kim Boggs from "Edward Scissorhands" alongside Timothée Chalamet for a Cadillac Super Bowl ad in 2021. The same year, she starred in the film "Gone in the Night" with Dermot Mulroney.
May 27, 2022: "Stranger Things" Season 4 Premiere (Volume 1)
The first volume of the fourth season of "Stranger Things," featuring Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers, premiered on May 27, 2022.
July 1, 2022: "Stranger Things" Season 4 Premiere (Volume 2)
The second volume of the fourth season of "Stranger Things" was released on July 1, 2022.
2023: Filming Wraps for "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice"
Filming for the sequel to "Beetlejuice," titled "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," concluded in late 2023.
2024: Release of "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice"
"Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" is slated for release in 2024.