At 33 years old, Shailene Woodley has established herself as one of Hollywood’s most talented and socially conscious actresses. With an estimated net worth of $12 million, she has built a successful career in film and television while actively advocating for environmental and social causes. Best known for her roles in “The Fault in Our Stars,” “Big Little Lies,” and “Divergent,” Woodley has proven her versatility as an actress while using her platform to promote sustainability and activism.
Who is Shailene Woodley?
Born Shailene Diann Woodley on November 15, 1991, in San Bernardino County, California, she grew up in a family of educators. Her mother, Lori, was a school counselor, and her father, Lonnie, was a principal. Woodley started modeling at age four and soon discovered a love for acting, taking lessons by the age of five. Despite being diagnosed with scoliosis at 15 and wearing a back brace, she pursued her passion for performing and eventually became a household name in Hollywood.
How Did Shailene Woodley Begin Her Acting Career?
Woodley’s career started early, making her TV debut in 1999 in the film Replacing Dad. She then appeared in several television shows, including The District, Crossing Jordan, Everybody Loves Raymond, CSI: NY, and The O.C.. Her early roles showcased her talent, but her big break came in 2008 when she starred in “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” as Amy Juergens, a high school student dealing with an unexpected pregnancy.
The ABC Family drama ran for five seasons, and Woodley’s performance was critically praised, earning her multiple Teen Choice Award nominations. The show’s popularity propelled her into the spotlight, opening doors for bigger roles in Hollywood.
What Movies Made Shailene Woodley a Star?
Breakthrough with “The Descendants” (2011)
In 2011, Woodley’s film career took off when she starred alongside George Clooney in “The Descendants.” She played Alex King, Clooney’s rebellious daughter, in a role that earned her a Golden Globe nomination and an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Actress. The film’s success made Woodley a rising star in the industry.
The “Divergent” Franchise (2014-2016)
Woodley reached blockbuster status when she landed the lead role of Beatrice “Tris” Prior in the “Divergent” series, based on the bestselling novels by Veronica Roth. The first film premiered in 2014, earning $288 million worldwide, with Woodley’s performance receiving widespread praise. She reprised the role in the sequels “Insurgent” (2015) and “Allegiant” (2016), further solidifying her status as a major star.
“The Fault in Our Stars” (2014)
One of Woodley’s most acclaimed performances came in 2014’s “The Fault in Our Stars”, in which she played Hazel Grace Lancaster, a cancer-stricken teenager who falls in love with Augustus Waters (played by Ansel Elgort).** The film grossed $307 million worldwide and won Woodley the Hollywood Breakout Performance Award. Her heartfelt portrayal won the admiration of both critics and audiences, making her a leading actress in Hollywood.
Other Major Films (2016-Present)
Woodley continued to take on diverse roles, starring in films like “Snowden” (2016) opposite Joseph Gordon-Levitt, “Adrift” (2018), and “Endings, Beginnings” (2019). She also starred alongside Benedict Cumberbatch and Jodie Foster in “The Mauritanian” (2021). More recently, she has taken on leading roles in “Misanthrope,” “No Baggage,” and “After Exile”, continuing to build her impressive filmography.
What Are Shailene Woodley’s Biggest TV Roles?
Woodley returned to television in 2017 with HBO’s hit drama “Big Little Lies.” Starring alongside Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon, she played Jane Chapman, a young mother dealing with the trauma of sexual assault. Her performance was critically acclaimed, earning her Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. The show ran for two seasons and remains one of Woodley’s most notable projects.
How Does Shailene Woodley Make Her Money?
Shailene Woodley’s $12 million net worth comes from multiple income sources:
| Income Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Film & TV Salaries | $1 million – $5 million per project |
| Brand Endorsements | $500K – $1 million |
| Activism & Speaking Events | $50K – $200K |
| Real Estate Investments | $2 million+ |
Woodley’s film salaries vary, with her biggest paychecks coming from the “Divergent” series and “Big Little Lies.” Additionally, she has secured brand endorsements and sponsorships, adding to her financial portfolio.
What Activism Work is Shailene Woodley Known For?
Woodley is one of Hollywood’s most vocal environmental and social activists. She co-founded the nonprofit All It Takes in 2010 to educate young people about sustainability and climate change. She has been active in Bernie Sanders’ political campaigns and is a board member of Our Revolution, a progressive political organization.
In 2016, Woodley made headlines when she was arrested for protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota. She later pleaded guilty to criminal trespassing and was placed on probation. Despite this, she remains committed to environmental and political activism.
In 2019, Woodley became an Oceans Ambassador for Greenpeace, traveling to the Sargasso Sea to study the effects of plastic pollution on marine life.
Who Has Shailene Woodley Dated?
Woodley has kept her personal life relatively private. She dated Australian-Fijian rugby player Ben Volavola from 2017 to 2020 but later confirmed their breakup.
In 2020, she began dating NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and the couple got engaged in 2021. However, they eventually ended their relationship. Since then, Woodley has remained single and focused on her career.
What’s Next for Shailene Woodley?
Looking ahead, Woodley has several exciting projects in pre-production, including:
- “Misanthrope”
- “No Baggage”
- “After Exile”
- “Arkie”
She continues to balance her acting career with activism, ensuring her influence extends beyond Hollywood.
Final Thoughts
Shailene Woodley has built an impressive career, amassing a $12 million net worth through acting, endorsements, and activism. From her breakout role in “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” to starring in blockbuster films like “The Fault in Our Stars” and “Divergent,” she has proven her versatility. Beyond Hollywood, she is a passionate activist, advocating for environmental sustainability and social justice.
With new films on the horizon and a continued dedication to activism, Woodley’s journey is far from over. Fans can expect her to keep making an impact both on and off the screen in 2025 and beyond.