Shailene Woodley is an actress that has proven that she can capture any role. She has starred in both blockbuster films and smaller projects, showing the power of her range. She is not just an actress, however, she is also a businesswoman, environmental activist, and thought-provoking public figure. Despite her stellar career that started at a young age, her most impressive quality may be her ability to thoughtfully express her opinion on life and give a hopeful perspective to the world.
Early Career
Shailene Woodley began her professional acting career at the age of 5, when she appeared in a commercial for national television. She continued to pursue acting, eventually booking roles on shows such as The District and Crossing Jordan. She was also included in the casts of The Secret Life of the American Teenager and Everything, Everything.
Break Out Movies
One of Shailene Woodley’s biggest roles was in the Divergent franchise. She played Tris, a complex character who navigates the post-apocalyptic world with her courage and intelligence. In this role, Woodley was able to showcase her range as an actress- she was able to make viewers cry, laugh, and ponder in equal measure. Woodley’s role in the franchise cemented her as a well-known actress.
Woodley has also been part of other major films, such as The Fault in Our Stars and Snowden. In The Fault in Our Stars, she played the loveable Hazel. She navigates the realities of cancer with a strength and positivity that many viewers could relate to. In Snowden, Woodley perfectly portrays the joy and turmoil of an NSA employee. This film further demonstrates Woodley’s ability to take on any role, no matter how challenging.
Appearances on Television
In addition to her movie roles, Shailene Woodley has continuously returned to television. During her first season on Big Little Lies, Woodley plays Jane, a young single mother who has experienced some of life’s toughest burdens. It was through Jane that Woodley was able to reveal another layer to her range. In the 2020 season of Big Little Lies, Woodley reprised her role and was able to explore Jane’s life even further.
Woodley also appeared in portraying Elena in the show, “Endings, Beginnings.” In this role, the character is someone who questions adulthood and all the expectations that come with it. There is a strong theme of self-discovery in Endings, Beginnings, which makes Woodley’s performance even more captivating.
Environmental Activism
In addition to her acting, Shailene Woodley is also a passionate environmental activist. She has spoken in favor of clean water initiatives and is an outspoken advocate for protecting the environment. She has also promoted zero-waste living and is a passionate supporter of the divestment movement. Woodley has been credited with inspiring millions of people to make a difference and create a better world.
Woodley is also a strong supporter of Indigenous rights, which ties into her activism for the environment. She has been part of multiple movements such as the Standing Rock demonstrations, which protested the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Woodley was a leading voice in alerting the world to the injustices of this project and standing up for Indigenous rights.
Business Ventures
Shailene Woodley has been successful on and off the screen. She co-founded UNTRIED, a cosmetics brand that believes in sustainability and transparency. The products are all made without any nasty chemicals, and the company frequently donates a portion of the proceeds to organizations and causes that are close to Woodley’s heart. The company is built on the idea of being able to achieve beauty that is both sustainable and honest.
Woodley also has her own podcast, “Nourish & Nest,” that focuses on being connected with the world and being in tune with one’s self. The podcast allows Woodley to talk about her favorite topics, such as nutrition, sustainability, and the environment. She uses her podcast as a platform to talk about these issues in depth and hopes to inform and inspire others to make a change.
Thought Provoking Public Figure
Not only is Shailene Woodley an actress, activist, and businesswoman, but she is also a thought-provoking public figure. Woodley has continually used her platform to have meaningful discussions, challenge viewers, and be an advocate for positive change. She is a staunch advocate for mental health, body positivity, and environmentalism. Woodley brings a refreshing perspective to the world with her optimism and understanding of complex issues.
Woodley has been open about her own battles with mental health and her struggles to find balance in her life. She encourages her viewers to be honest with themselves and to make their own choices in life, without being influenced by anyone else. Her thought-provoking musings have been a source of comfort for many of her fans, especially during times when hope is lacking.
Shailene Woodley is an actress that has been able to stay true to her beliefs, no matter how much she continues to rise in fame. From her roles in blockbuster films to her activism for Indigenous rights and mental health, she has demonstrated why she is a powerful figure in Hollywood. Her ability to express her opinion on life in an optimistic and truthful way is what makes her so thought-provoking.