Shailene Woodley: The Basics
Shailene Diann Woodley (born November 15, 1991)[1] is an American actress. Her accolades include nominations for a Primetime Emmy Award, a British Academy Film Award and two Golden Globe Awards. Born in San Bernardino, California, she was raised in Simi Valley, and started modeling at the age of five and began acting professionally in minor television roles. She first gained prominence for her starring role as Amy Juergens in the ABC Family teen drama series The Secret Life of the American Teenager (2008–2013). She subsequently starred in the films The Descendants (2011) and The Spectacular Now (2013), receiving a nomination for her first Golden Globe Award for the former.

Shailene Woodley achieved wider recognition for her starring role as a teenaged cancer patient in the romantic drama The Fault in Our Stars (2014) and as Beatrice Prior in the science-fiction trilogy The Divergent Series (2014–2016). She played a sexual assault survivor in the HBO drama series Big Little Lies (2017–2019), for which she was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. She has since played supporting roles in the films Snowden (2016), The Mauritanian (2021) and Ferrari (2023), and starred in Adrift (2018) and The Last Letter from Your Lover (2021).
Shailene Woodley: Beyond Divergent
Shailene Woodley has established herself as one of the most versatile and compelling actresses of her generation. Best known for her role as Tris Prior in the "Divergent" series, Shailene Woodley has since embarked on a rich and varied career, taking on a wide range of roles that showcase her depth and versatility as an actress. From intimate indie films to high-profile television series, Shailene Woodley's post-"Divergent" career is a testament to her talent and dedication to her craft.

After the conclusion of the "Divergent" series, which ended with the release of "The Divergent Series: Allegiant" in 2016, Shailene Woodley took a conscious step away from franchise films to focus on more character-driven projects. This shift began with her role in the critically acclaimed HBO series "Big Little Lies" (2017-2019), based on the novel by Liane Moriarty. Shailene Woodley starred as Jane Chapman, a young single mother with a mysterious past. Her performance was lauded for its emotional depth and complexity, earning her an Emmy nomination and solidifying her status as a serious actress capable of tackling challenging roles.

Shailene Woodley's commitment to indie films has been a significant aspect of her post-"Divergent" career. In 2018, she starred in "Adrift," a survival drama based on a true story. Shailene Woodley played Tami Oldham, a woman who must navigate a boat through a devastating hurricane. Her performance, which required significant physical and emotional endurance, was praised for its authenticity and strength. The film itself received positive reviews, further showcasing Shailene Woodley's ability to carry a movie with a demanding narrative.

Continuing her exploration of independent cinema, Shailene Woodley appeared in the 2019 film "Endings, Beginnings," directed by Drake Doremus. The film, which also starred Sebastian Stan and Jamie Dornan, is a romantic drama that explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Shailene Woodley's portrayal of Daphne, a woman caught between two relationships, highlighted her ability to convey vulnerability and emotional nuance.

In addition to her work in film, Shailene Woodley has continued to make a significant impact on television. Following "Big Little Lies," she starred in the miniseries "The Last Letter from Your Lover" (2021), a dual-timeline romantic drama based on the novel by Jojo Moyes. Shailene Woodley played Jennifer Stirling, a 1960s socialite whose love letters are discovered decades later by a journalist. The series received praise for its compelling storytelling and Shailene Woodley's captivating performance.

Shailene Woodley has never shied away from projects that address pressing social issues. In 2020, she starred in the political drama "The Mauritanian," based on the memoir of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, a man detained at Guantanamo Bay without charge. Woodley played Teri Duncan, an attorney fighting for Slahi's release, alongside Jodie Foster and Benedict Cumberbatch. The film was well-received, with Shailene Woodley's performance contributing to the film's powerful examination of justice and human rights.

Shailene Woodley's career shows no signs of slowing down. She has several upcoming projects that continue to highlight her versatility. She is set to star in "Misanthrope," a thriller in which she plays a troubled cop recruited by the FBI to help profile and track down a serial killer. Shailene Woodley is also involved in the highly anticipated film "The Fence," a drama that explores themes of political division and reconciliation.

 
Shailene Woodley: Did you know?
  • Woodley is also an environmental activist. She is a Greenpeace Oceans Ambassador and has helped the organization lobby for certain environmental policy proposals, notably the High Seas Treaty and the Global Plastic Pollution Treaty.
  • She is a member of the Conservation International's Leadership Council and GoodLeap's Advisory Council.
  • She also serves as a board member of the political action committee, Our Revolution and a co-founder of the nonprofit organization All it Takes, which focuses on youth development.
    • Coded by Serena Addams