Who is Winona Ryder?
Winona Ryder, born Winona Laura Horowitz on October 29, 1971, in Winona, Minnesota, is a celebrated American actress known for her nuanced performances and enduring impact on Hollywood . Raised by parents Cynthia Palmer, an author and video producer, and Michael Horowitz, an author, editor, and bookseller, Ryder was immersed in a creative environment from an early age . Her heritage is Jewish from her father’s side, and she has both biological and half-siblings—brother Urie and half-siblings Jubal and Sunyata.
She began acting as a teenager, earning fame with her breakout roles in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice (1988) and the dark high school satire Heathers (1988) . She then delivered memorable performances in Edward Scissorhands (1990), Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), The Age of Innocence (1993)—for which she won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress—and Little Women (1994) earning an Academy Award nomination.
After a quieter phase, her career was revitalized with her role as Joyce Byers in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things (2016–present), earning her new acclaim and introducing her to a younger generation . She continued to revisit iconic characters, reprising Lydia from Beetlejuice in the 2024 sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
Ryder remains admired for her authentic, emotive portrayals of outsiders and self-aware characters. Her resilience, range, and return to prominence in Stranger Things demonstrate her versatility and longevity in the entertainment industry.
Winona Ryder Biography
| Winona Ryder Age | Age: 53 (as of 2025) |
|---|---|
| Winona Ryder Birthday | 29/09/1971 |
| Winona Ryder Height | Approx. 5′3″ (160 cm) |
| Winona Ryder Religion | Jewish heritage, raised in creative household |
| Winona Ryder Nationality | American |
| Winona Ryder Profession | Actress |
| Winona Ryder Net Worth | Approx. $18 million |
| Winona Ryder Husband | Not married |
| Winona Ryder Siblings | Brother - Urie Horowitz | Sister - |
| Winona Ryder Parents | Father - Michael Horowitz | Mother - Cynthia Palmer |
Official Social Media Profiles
Winona Ryder Relationships in Past
Johnny Depp (1989–1993), engaged in early years of careerMatt Damon (1998–2000)
Scott Mackinlay Hahn (2011–present), in a long-term partnership
Winona Ryder Recent Bold & Hot Photo
Winona Ryder Recent Bold & Hot Video
Winona Ryder Wedding Overview
Winona Ryder has never been married, and there are no public records or reports of any wedding. Her long-term relationship with designer Scott Mackinlay Hahn since 2011 has been private and committed but not formalized through marriage. Ryder has maintained a preference for personal privacy, sharing little about her romantic life and focusing public attention on her work and artistic authenticity.
Winona Ryder Viral News
Viral News - Career Impact of Heathers Overview -
In a 2025 Elle UK interview, Ryder revealed that her role in Heathers led to her being dropped from a project with Marlon Brando, but she stood her ground and never apologized.
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Viral News - Iconic DIY Haircut Overview -
At 53, Ryder shared that her Reality Bites hairstyle became a Gen-X trend she created herself—cutting her hair upside down with scissors.
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Viral News - Praise for Jenna Ortega Overview -
Ryder dubbed her Beetlejuice 2 co-star Jenna Ortega her “soulmate,” praising her authenticity amid Depp dating rumors, reflecting a generational connection.
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Winona Ryder Movies List
| Movie Name | Release Year | Director Name | Co-Actor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beetlejuice | 1988 | Tim Burton | |
| Heathers | 1988 | Michael Lehmann | |
| Edward Scissorhands | 1990 | Tim Burton | |
| Little Women | 1994 | Gillian Armstrong |