Diane Lou Oswald is a name that many people do not know, but she played a very important role in Hollywood history. She is the mother of famous actor Woody Harrelson, who has starred in movies like The Hunger Games and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. While Woody became a big star, his mother was the person who shaped his character and helped him succeed. This article tells the story of Diane’s life, her challenges, and how she raised her children with love and strength.
Bio Table
| Full Name | Diane Lou Oswald |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1937 |
| Birthplace | Lebanon, Ohio, USA |
| Parents | Kenneth Earl Oswald and Mary Lou Lauterwasser |
| Occupation | Legal Secretary |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
| Marriage | Charles Voyde Harrelson (1959-1964) |
| Children | Jordan Harrelson, Woody Harrelson, Brett Harrelson |
| Current Age | 88 years old (as of 2026) |
| Known For | Mother of actor Woody Harrelson |
Early Life in Ohio
Diane Lou Oswald was born in 1937 in Lebanon, a small town in Ohio. She grew up in a simple family with strong values. Her parents, Kenneth and Mary Lou, taught her about faith, hard work, and the importance of family. Diane’s childhood was filled with love and respect for religion. She went to church regularly and learned lessons that she would later pass on to her own children.
Growing up in a small town, Diane learned to be strong and independent. Life was not always easy, but her family’s support helped her develop a caring and responsible nature. These early experiences prepared her for the difficult times she would face later in life.
Marriage and Family Challenges
In 1959, Diane Lou Oswald married Charles Voyde Harrelson. At first, Charles worked as an encyclopedia salesman and a gambler. The couple seemed like a normal family, and they soon had three sons: Jordan, Woody, and Brett. All three boys were born within a few years of each other in the early 1960s.
However, life took a dark turn. Charles became involved in serious crimes. He was first convicted of armed robbery in 1960. Over time, his criminal activities grew worse. Charles later became a contract killer, someone hired to murder people for money. In 1979, he was convicted of killing federal judge John H. Wood Jr., making him the first person in the 20th century to murder a federal judge. This event shocked the nation and changed Diane’s life forever.
Diane and Charles separated in 1964, when their marriage ended after only five years. Diane was left alone to raise three young boys. It was an incredibly difficult time for her. She had to protect her children from the shame and danger connected to their father’s crimes.
Life as a Single Mother
After her divorce, Diane moved back to her hometown of Lebanon, Ohio, in 1973. She brought her three sons with her, hoping to give them a fresh start. This move was important because it took the boys away from Texas, where their father’s crimes had happened. In Lebanon, Diane could raise her children in a safer and more stable environment.
Diane worked as a legal secretary to support her family. The job did not pay much, but she worked hard to make sure her sons had food, clothes, and a roof over their heads. Money was often tight, but Diane never gave up. She showed her children the value of hard work and honesty through her own example.
Raising three boys alone was not easy. Diane had to be both a mother and a father to her children. She made sure they went to school, did their homework, and stayed out of trouble. She also taught them important values like kindness, compassion, and respect for others.
Strong Faith and Values
Faith played a big role in Diane’s life. She raised her children in the Presbyterian church, and religious values were an important part of their home. Diane believed in prayer, community, and helping others. She passed these beliefs on to her sons.
Woody Harrelson has often said that the most important thing his mother taught him was compassion. This one word shows how much Diane cared about teaching her children to be good people. She wanted them to treat others with kindness and to care about the world around them.
Even though their father was in prison, Diane never spoke badly about Charles to her children. She wanted them to form their own opinions about him. This shows her wisdom and her desire to protect her sons from bitterness and anger.
Influence on Woody Harrelson
Diane’s influence on Woody is clear in many ways. Woody attended Lebanon High School and graduated in 1979. During his school years, his mother supported him in everything he did. She encouraged him to work hard and follow his dreams.
When Woody decided to become an actor, Diane stood by him. Acting is a difficult career with many challenges, but Diane believed in her son. Her support gave Woody the confidence to keep trying, even when things were hard.
One special moment shows how much Diane’s approval meant to Woody. When he was nominated for an Oscar for his role in the movie The Messenger, Diane wrote him a note. She said, “You finally arrived.” For Woody, these simple words from his mother meant more than any award. It was her belief in him that mattered most.
Raising Other Children
While Woody became the most famous of Diane’s children, she also raised two other sons: Brett and Jordan Harrelson. Brett followed his brother into acting and has appeared in several films. Jordan chose a different path and has lived a more private life.
Diane treated all her children with equal love and care. She wanted each of them to find their own way in life and be happy. Her support helped all three boys become responsible adults despite their difficult childhood.
Later Life and Legacy
As Woody’s career grew, Diane continued to live a quiet life. She did not seek fame or attention. Instead, she focused on her family and enjoyed watching her son succeed. Diane attended some of Woody’s movie premieres and public events, but she always preferred to stay in the background.
In 2017, when she was about 80 years old, Diane was seen with Woody at the Wimbledon Championships in London. This public appearance showed that mother and son remained close throughout the years.
Today, at 88 years old, Diane likely lives in Lebanon, Ohio, surrounded by her family. She has three granddaughters through Woody: Deni, Zoe, and Makani Harrelson. Her life has been filled with both pain and joy, but her strength never wavered.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Diane Lou Oswald?
Diane Lou Oswald is the mother of famous Hollywood actor Woody Harrelson. She raised three sons as a single mother after divorcing her husband, Charles Harrelson, who became a convicted criminal.
2. What values did Diane teach her children?
Diane taught her children important values like compassion, hard work, honesty, and respect for others. She also raised them with strong religious faith and encouraged them to care about nature and the world around them.
3. Why did Diane Lou Oswald raise her children alone?
Diane separated from her husband Charles in 1964 after he became involved in serious crimes. Charles was later convicted of murder and spent the rest of his life in prison, leaving Diane to raise their three sons by herself.
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