You’ve seen her face a thousand times. Maybe she was the fierce Mariah Dillard in Luke Cage, or perhaps you remember her heart-wrenching performance in 12 Years a Slave. She has this way of commanding a room without saying a word. But lately, people keep asking one specific thing: how old is Alfre Woodard? It’s one of those questions that pops up because she seems to have been at the top of her game for decades, yet she still brings more energy to the screen than actors half her age.
The Numbers: Alfre Woodard’s Age and Birthday
Let’s get the facts out of the way. Alfre Woodard is 73 years old. She was born on November 8, 1952.
Honestly, she doesn't really "feel" 73 in the way we usually think about it. She’s still out there leading major projects like the upcoming Apple TV+ series The Last Frontier and showing up on talk shows with that same sharp wit she had in the '80s. She was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the youngest of three kids to parents Marion and Constance Woodard. Her dad was an entrepreneur and interior designer, and you can kind of see that refined, artistic influence in how she carries herself.
A Career That Spans Generations
It’s wild to think her professional debut was back in 1974. That’s over 50 years of work. If you’re trying to wrap your head around how old is Alfre Woodard in terms of "Hollywood years," she’s basically a living legend who has seen every era of modern film.
- She got her big break in the late '70s with the Off-Broadway play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf.
- By 1983, she was already an Oscar nominee for Cross Creek.
- She’s won four Primetime Emmy Awards. That’s a record-tying feat for African-American performers.
She isn't just "still working"; she's still relevant. In 2020, The New York Times ranked her as one of the 25 greatest actors of the 21st century. Think about that. Most people are winding down in their 70s, but she’s being cited as one of the definitive artists of the current era.
Why We Are Still Obsessed With Her
There's a specific reason people keep searching for how old is Alfre Woodard. It’s because she avoids the typical "aging actress" traps. You won't find her playing "the grandmother" in the background of a commercial. She plays leaders. She plays villains. She plays complicated, messy, brilliant women.
Take Clemency (2019), for example. She played Bernadine Williams, a prison warden overseeing executions. It was a masterclass in subtlety. Most actors would have chewed the scenery, but Alfre just let the weight of the role sit in her eyes. It’s that kind of depth that makes her age feel irrelevant. She has the wisdom of a veteran but the fire of a newcomer.
Personal Life and Looking Forward
Alfre has been married to writer Roderick Spencer since 1983. In Hollywood, staying married for over 40 years is basically a miracle. They have two kids, Mavis and Duncan, and she’s always been pretty open about putting her family before the "glitz" of the industry.
Aside from acting, she’s a huge activist. She co-founded Artists for a New South Africa and has spent decades fighting for democracy and equality. It’s probably that sense of purpose that keeps her looking and feeling so vibrant.
What’s Next for Alfre?
If you’re wondering if she’s planning on retiring anytime soon, the answer is a hard no.
- She’s starring in The Last Frontier for Apple TV+, playing a high-stakes role in a remote Alaskan setting.
- She continues to be a major voice in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
- She’s still a staple on the festival circuit, often supporting independent filmmakers.
Summary of Key Facts
- Current Age: 73 (As of 2026)
- Birth Date: November 8, 1952
- Birthplace: Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Most Recent Big Project: The Last Frontier (2025/2026)
- Major Awards: 4 Emmys, 1 Golden Globe, 3 SAG Awards
Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovered her through a Netflix binge, it's clear that Alfre Woodard isn't defined by a number on a calendar. She’s defined by a body of work that has changed the way we look at drama.
To keep up with Alfre’s latest work, you can follow her upcoming projects on Apple TV+ or look for her recent appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, where she talks about her 45-plus years in the industry. Checking out her 2019 film Clemency is also a great way to see why she remains one of the most respected actors in the business today.