Diane Lou Oswald is the mother of Hollywood star Woody Harrelson. When we think about Hollywood stars, we often forget about the people who helped them become successful. Behind every famous actor is a story of family, love, and support. Diane Lou Oswald is one of those special people. She is best known as the mother of famous actor Woody Harrelson, but her own life story is full of strength and courage.
Detailed Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Diane Lou Oswald |
| Birth Year | 1937 |
| Birthplace | Lebanon, Warren County, Ohio, United States |
| Age | Around 87 years old (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
| Occupation | Legal Secretary (retired) |
| Famous For | Mother of actor Woody Harrelson |
| Husband | Charles Voyde Harrelson (married 1959, divorced 1964) |
| Children | Three sons – Woody Harrelson, Brett Harrelson, Jordan Harrelson |
| Grandchildren | Deni Harrelson, Zoe Harrelson, Makani Harrelson |
| Residence | Lebanon, Ohio |
| Parents | Kenneth Oswald and Mary Lou Oswald |
Early Life and Background
Diane Lou Oswald was born in 1937 in Lebanon, Ohio. She grew up in a simple American family during a time when life was very different from today. Her parents, Kenneth and Mary Lou Oswald, raised her with strong values about hard work, family, and faith.
Growing up in the American Midwest shaped who Diane would become. Lebanon, Ohio is a small town where people know each other and help one another. This sense of community and church life became very important to Diane. She learned early in life that helping others and staying strong during hard times were the most important things a person could do.
Not much is known about Diane’s education, but she worked as a legal secretary. This job requires attention to detail and good organization skills. Working in a law office showed that Diane was smart and capable, even though she never looked for attention or fame.
Marriage and Family Life
In 1959, Diane married Charles Voyde Harrelson. Their marriage brought three sons into the world: Woody (born in 1961), Brett, and Jordan. At first, Charles worked as an encyclopedia salesman and tried his luck as a professional gambler. But life took a very difficult turn for the family.
Charles Harrelson became involved in serious criminal activities. He was convicted as a contract killer and was sent to prison for killing a federal judge named John H. Wood Jr. in 1979. He received two life sentences and spent the rest of his life in prison.
This was an extremely hard time for Diane and her children. The family faced public attention and judgment because of Charles’s crimes. Many people knew about their father’s actions, and the boys had to grow up without him. Diane and Charles divorced in 1964, when the boys were still very young.
Life as a Single Mother
After her divorce, Diane became a single mother raising three boys on her own. This was not easy. She worked as a secretary and later as a legal secretary to support her family. Her salary was not large, but she made sure her children always had what they needed.
In 1973, when Woody was 12 years old, Diane made an important decision. She moved the family from Texas back to her hometown of Lebanon, Ohio. This move was about more than just changing location. It was about giving her sons a fresh start and a stable home.
In Lebanon, Diane’s mother and grandmother helped her raise the boys. Woody has spoken about his great-grandmother Polly, who was full of energy and told wonderful stories. He also mentioned his grandmother, who was quiet but strong. These women, along with Diane, created a loving home for the three boys.
Money was tight, and the family did not have many luxuries. But Diane gave her sons something much more valuable – a safe home, love, and good values. She taught them to be kind, work hard, and care about the world around them.
Faith and Values
Religion played a big role in Diane’s life and in raising her children. She was a devoted Presbyterian and raised her three sons in the same faith. Church, prayer, and community activities were regular parts of their family life.
Woody Harrelson has said that he was raised in a very religious household. The values that came from this upbringing – compassion, honesty, and kindness – stayed with him throughout his life. In fact, Woody once said that he learned one main thing from his mother: compassion.
Beyond religion, Diane also cared deeply about nature and the environment. She passed this love of the natural world to her children, especially Woody, who is now known for his environmental activism.
Her Work and Career
Throughout her life, Diane worked as a secretary and legal secretary. This career showed her dedication to providing for her family. Working in a law office required skill and professionalism, and Diane excelled at her job.
After Woody graduated from Lebanon High School in 1979, she continued to support him. Even when Woody went to New York to pursue acting, Diane stood by him. She was proud of him even before he became famous. Woody remembers his mother being happy that he was popular at school and supporting his dreams of becoming an actor.
Influence on Woody Harrelson
Woody Harrelson has become one of Hollywood’s most respected actors. He has been nominated for Academy Awards and won an Emmy Award. His success in movies and television has made him famous around the world.
But Woody has always been clear about where his values came from – his mother. He credits Diane with teaching him his work ethic, his sense of compassion, and his love of nature. When he received an Oscar nomination for his role in “The Messenger“, Woody said that getting approval from his mother meant more to him than winning a statue.
The way Woody talks about his mother shows how much she influenced his life. Despite growing up with a father in prison and not having much money, Woody became a successful and kind person. This is because of the foundation Diane built for him.
Conclusion
Diane Lou Oswald may not be a famous name, but she is an important person in the story of one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Her life has been marked by challenges, but she faced them with courage and faith. She raised three sons mostly on her own, working hard to give them a better life.
Her story teaches us that the most important work often happens behind the scenes. The love, values, and support that parents give their children can shape entire lives. Diane’s quiet strength and big heart made it possible for Woody Harrelson to become the person he is today.
While Woody may be the one in the spotlight, the real story of success belongs to both of them – a mother who never gave up and a son who never forgot where he came from.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Diane Lou Oswald?
She is Woody Harrelson’s mother who raised three sons alone and worked as a legal secretary.
2. Where is Diane Lou Oswald from?
She is from Lebanon, Ohio, where she grew up and later raised her children.
3. Is Diane Lou Oswald related to Lee Harvey Oswald?
No, they are not related. They only share the same last name.
4. What did Woody Harrelson learn from his mother?
He learned compassion, work ethic, and love for nature from her.
5. How many children does Diane Lou Oswald have?
She has three sons: Woody, Brett, and Jordan Harrelson.
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