The Real Reason Why Woody Harrelson Divorced His First Wife

Woody Harrelson is undeniably one of the most recognized figures in Hollywood today, captivating audiences with roles that range from his early days on Cheers to his compelling performances in films like The Hunger Games. Even with all his fame, Harrelson has managed to maintain a surprisingly low profile regarding his personal life. Despite his ability to command the screen, many fans might not even know that he was once married to Nancy Simon, the daughter of the famous playwright Neil Simon. This article will delve into the intriguing story behind Harrelson's first marriage and explore the reasons that led to its swift end.

In a candid interview with the Los Angeles Times in 1998, Harrelson shared a profound insight about fame: "Once you become famous, an interesting transition occurs... So I went the other direction. It’s not like I turned into a recluse, but I was a lot more guarded." This reflection hints at how the pressures of celebrity life can influence personal relationships, making them complex and challenging. Harrelson's marriage to Simon was no exception, as their union was filled with whimsical decisions and unexpected turns.

Interestingly, Harrelson's first marriage was somewhat of a tabloid sensation during his early career, characterized by spontaneity rather than romance. The couple’s wedding in Tijuana was intended as a joke, but circumstances led them to remain married for ten months, creating a unique narrative in Harrelson's life story. As we unpack the details of their relationship, we will uncover the factors that contributed to its demise and how Harrelson's rise to fame played a pivotal role.

Woody Harrelson's Marriage to Nancy Simon Was All a Big Joke

In most instances, you'd hope that a couple marries for love. In Woody Harrelson's case, he didn’t exactly rush to the altar the first time around for any sort of passionate romance. According to the Los Angeles Times, after graduating from Indiana's Hanover College, Harrelson made his way to New York, ready to start his acting career. Unfortunately for him, his big break didn’t simply land in his lap.

As the Los Angeles Times notes, after "14 months and 17 jobs," the future celeb was feeling defeated, ready to throw in the towel on his acting career. As fate would have it, however, he suddenly landed understudy roles in Neil Simon's play Biloxi Blues. The role wasn't the only thing that caught Harrelson's attention; he also ended up marrying Simon’s daughter, Nancy, in a rather unconventional manner. They whimsically married in Tijuana in 1985, intending to divorce the following day, but found themselves legally married for 10 months due to a closed marriage parlor.

Nancy Simon's Father Had Concerns About Woody Harrelson

While Nancy Simon's name may not ring many bells, her father, Neil Simon, is a household name, known for his Pulitzer- and Tony-winning plays. The legendary playwright's horror was palpable when he learned his daughter married an up-and-coming actor as a lighthearted gag. Harrelson later explained that Neil was worried he might try to go after her money. This concern reflects the complexities that often arise in relationships intertwined with fame and fortune.

In the years that followed, Harrelson made it abundantly clear he didn’t believe in being tied down, stating, "I don’t believe really in [the] institution [of marriage]. You can’t really say you’re gonna have and hold someone 'til death do you part because you don’t know." This perspective was perhaps a foreshadowing of the challenges that lay ahead. Ultimately, the couple filed for a summary dissolution at the time Harrelson's career began to take off, suggesting that their marriage might have been overshadowed by the chaos of newfound fame.

The Actor Was Too Busy Enjoying His Newfound Fame

Romance wasn’t the only thing on Woody Harrelson’s mind in 1985. That year marked not only his marriage to Nancy Simon but also a significant turning point in his career. Harrelson landed the iconic role of Woody Boyd on Cheers, a show that ultimately defined him and brought him into the limelight. "I couldn’t have imagined leaving [Cheers] because, really, that show made me," he reflected later on.

As Harrelson's fame grew, so did the temptations and excesses that often accompany celebrity status. He described a time of "definite excess," indicating how quickly stardom can lead to a chaotic lifestyle. It was during this period that he faced the challenges of balancing personal relationships with the demands of his career, which ultimately contributed to the unraveling of his marriage to Simon.

Woody Harrelson Was Once a 'Serial Womanizer'

During this volatile time, Harrelson's reputation for being a "serial womanizer" began to emerge. Reports indicated that he claimed to be "sleeping with three women a day" during the late 1980s. This lifestyle of indulgence not only pointed to his struggles with commitment but also raised questions about his ability to maintain a healthy relationship.

In a later interview, Harrelson reflected on his discomfort with long-term relationships, stating, "I just never believed that it made any sense, this long-term monogamy thing that humans do." This admission reveals a deeper insight into his psyche and the challenges he faced while navigating fame and personal connections. His quick marriage to Simon exemplified a pattern in his personal life that would later change when he met Laura Louie, the woman who would eventually become his true partner.

He Was Dealing with His Own Personal Baggage

Woody Harrelson's childhood was anything but conventional, marked by the absence of his father, who vanished when Harrelson was just a child. This early experience of abandonment likely influenced his adult relationships and perceptions of commitment. As he grew older, the complexities of his family life only deepened, particularly with his father's criminal background as a convicted hitman.

Despite the tumultuous relationship with his father, Harrelson chose to foster a connection with him after his incarceration. This relationship dynamic added another layer of complexity to Harrelson's already challenging personal life, which coincided with his marriage to Nancy Simon. As he tried to navigate these challenges, it became clear that his marriage was fraught with difficulties that would ultimately lead to its dissolution.

The Cheers Star Still Hadn’t Met 'The One'

After Harrelson's brief marriage to Nancy Simon, he quickly returned to the dating scene, with relationships seemingly never in short supply. However, it wasn’t until he met Laura Louie that he began to reconsider his previous stance on commitment. Louie initially worked as his assistant, and over time, their professional relationship blossomed into a romantic one.

Harrelson and Louie eventually married in 2008 after two decades together. His journey from a serial dater to a committed husband highlights the evolution of his personal life. Through all the chaos and missteps, Louie emerged as the one person who could anchor him, marking a significant transformation in Harrelson's approach to relationships.

Woody Harrelson Was Still Growing His Career

While Harrelson's marriage to Simon was brief, it coincided with a critical period in his career. After years of hard work, he finally landed a prominent role that would elevate his status in Hollywood. As he navigated the challenges of fame and personal relationships, Harrelson's focus remained on his craft, which often took precedence over his marriage.

As the actor continued to grow in his career, he faced the inevitable challenges of balancing personal life with professional ambitions. The pressures of stardom and the demands of his work only intensified the difficulties he experienced in his marriage to Simon. Ultimately, this combination of factors contributed to their separation, illustrating the complexities that often accompany celebrity relationships.