James Woods: Oscar-Nominated Face of Hollywood Blacklist 2.0
Star's wide-ranging interview with Megyn Kelly reveals folly of his cancellation
James Woods did something he rarely does this week.
He appeared on a talk show for a wide-ranging chat on everything from acting to President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline.
That’s standard operating procedure for most stars. Woods isn’t like most stars.
He’s openly conservative, and he’s paid a steep price for beliefs shared by roughly half the country. His last sizable role came in 2014’s “Jamesy Boy.”
He’s since lost both his agent and place in Hollywood, Inc.
Why? He’s openly conservative. It’s that simple.
He’s far from alone. Kevin Sorbo has a painfully similar story as to why he no longer works in mainstream Hollywood films. Jim Caviezel claims he lost not one but two agents for starring in “Sound of Freedom.”
Other right-leaning artists keep their views to themselves. They know better.
Some once met in secret as part of the Friends of Abe collective. They bonded over professional horror stories, shed tears over discrimination and offered each other moral support.
A very tiny few, including Jon Voight, can share their conservative takes without professional punishment. Voight is both a legend and an exception to the rule.
And while some will name-check Tim Allen and Kelsey Grammer as fellow, outspoken conservatives, neither is a fraction as boisterous as, say, John Leguizamo or Rob Reiner.
It’s why Woods’ interview with SiriusXM superstar Megyn Kelly proved illuminating and tragic. He served up killer stories, shared personal tales of losing his father at an early age and teased a secret project coming this fall.
The takeaway? It’s darn near criminal the twice Oscar-nominated star is no longer welcome in Hollywood. And there’s zero outrage about it from his fellow actors or the corporate press.
Woods is still in the industry’s cross-hairs. He explained to Kelly why he had to hide his connection with the Oscar-winning “Oppenheimer” – he’s an executive producer on Christopher Nolan’s film – to ensure its Oscar hopes wouldn’t suffer.
“When Oppenheimer came out, there was a discussion about my Twitter, and it was gently suggested that I basically remain invisible, which was painful,” he said. “On the other hand, I’m a pragmatic person and I thought, a lot of people put their effort into this, so I’m just going to be an invisible pariah … I stepped back and basically took one for the team.”
The irony? Woods spoke glowingly of two far-Left artists during the Kelly chat. Each epitomizes how progressives can do or say almost anything in Hollywood and not face professional repercussions.
The actor praised Whoopi Goldberg of “The View” fame and Reiner for being talented and dear friends. Sure, they may disagree on almost everything, but Woods would work with either again in a heartbeat.
Would most liberal stars say the same about Woods? Has either Goldberg or Reiner directly addressed Woods’ professional cancelation?
Plus, many artists have openly wished death on President Donald Trump and/or compared him to Hitler.
No professional repercussions.
It’s the new Hollywood Blacklist. It isn’t as punitive as the 1950s version. Woods isn’t threatened with jail time for not “naming names.” That’s little comfort for a 77-year-old star who can still deliver great performances … except no one is willing to risk the new blacklist’s wrath to hire him.
The problem for Woods is that he burned a lot of credibility on Twitter (formerly X) after years of wading into every controversy. I think Woods could have been a great political commentator. Unfortunately all we got is a great political tweeter. Not the same thing. Certainly not memorable in the detail. And he wracked up a whole fleet of enemies in the industry.
Live by the sword, die by the sword.
Having said that, f-ck the Academy.
The problem for Woods was wrong opinions. Everything you wrote is true for leftwing Hollywood except “die by the sword” which never happens for them. That’s “the problem for Woods”.
Met Mr. Woods when my wife was involved with the Mill Valley Film Festival. We had a private dinner with him. Great guy.
I’m voting for freedom, liberty, and the rule of law. Not a tyrannical police state.
To think we live today in an environment that just being right of center can get your publicly humiliated, fired, & lose everything. And the left cheers. Or being a Christian or Jew and being attacked on the street. Of course, that’s the democrat playbook- Divide and conquer.
I hope Trump dumps all deep state from his administration and creates a “dream team” cabinet.
Although probably not practical, James Woods as Press Secretary would be EPIC! Each presser would be a major entertainment event as Mr. Woods skewers the WHPC leftist Lame-Stream Media propagandists….
DJT 2024
If you haven’t seen “True Believer”, rent and watch it. Woods is fantastic, Morton Downey Jr also at his best. You won’t be disappointed.
I watch a lot of OLD movies and tv shows. When I’m browsing through the offerings I look at the DATES – anything made in the 2020’s is scrutinized and usually QUICKLY skipped! I do like what I call “intelligent comedy” so the movies of today don’t qualify – they’re mostly a stupid plot filled with enough “f” words to supply any fully manned AIRCRAFT Carrier! I’m looking forward to the NEW Studio formed by Mark Warburg, Mel Gibson, and funded by MR. MUSK! They don’t need to put out a mush filled conservative ad movie – just basic storytelling that doesn’t depend on a script writer with a DEDICATED “f word” key!
It has to be rough for those people to put up with the politics and suppression of their RIGHTS just to pursue their livelihoods, but that’s where the DEMOcrat/COMMUNISTS have taken us!
OH, and have you noticed how many “stars” are doing those silly, degrading commercials? I’m sure they’re paid big bucks, but have they no shame?
I was the oldest of 3 and in the late 50’s, early 60’s and I would watch old black and white movies during the day with my mother, a homemaker. I remember those days well and still watch some of those same old movies. such good movies with great actors and actresses. I went to the local movies with her while my father watched my brothers. One of the first she took me to was Goldfinger. I was about 10. loved it. and the candy she bought me.
Jimnie, where has the time gone?
Too much has happened and too many have passed away. As adults, we start realizing how fast the days go by. I cherish the good memories, but looking back can be painful and even anxious. I pray that you have peace and strength, bringing up and writing about the good past memories you cherish. I ask God/Jesus for peace and strength daily. May you do the same. Although we must live day to day, we have to look forward to Him that He will one day straighten everything out for the better and restore our hope and we can be reunited with the loved ones we lost. I had to bring these spiritual realities up front. I do not know your relationship with God, but we must turn to Jesus – our only ultimate hope and source of peace and strength.