Inside Hollywood A-lister's life with notorious assassin father who was convicted twice

The father of Hollywood heavyweight Woody Harrelson, known for his roles in blockbusters like True Detective, The Hunger Games (excluding the prequel), Cheers, and No Country for Old Men, was a convicted criminal with a dark past.

Charles Voyde Harrelson, the actor's father, faced trials for three murders, endured multiple stints in jail, and even once tried to escape from prison during his tumultuous life.

A recent Instagram post by historyfeels brought Woody's infamous dad back into the spotlight, leaving fans astounded and bewildered.

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The Instagram account provided a deep dive into Charles' connections with organized crime, highlighting his convictions and the "two consecutive life terms" he served until his death in federal prison in 2007.

The social media post recounted: "In 1979, he was charged with the assassination of U.S. District Judge John H. Wood Jr., the first federal judge to be murdered in the 20th century.

Harrelson carried out the hit for $250,000 on behalf of a drug dealer awaiting trial. He was captured after a six-hour standoff with police, during which he confessed to multiple killings, including JFK's, though that claim was widely dismissed."

"In 1982, Harrelson was convicted and sentenced to two consecutive life terms. He spent the rest of his life in federal prison, where he died in 2007."

One user expressed surprise, commenting: "I was today years old when I learned this... Well alrighty then... Holy cow ! I never heard this story before! .."

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A Woody Harrelson admirer praised the actor's resilience, saying: "Hats off to Woody Harrelson for not letting his past personal life dictate his own life and, ultimately, his career as an actor. Brilliant actor."

Another chimed in with sympathy for Harrelson: "I bet poor Woody didn't need the world reminded of that."

Echoing the sentiment, a fan added: "Poor Woody doesn't need reminding and really doesn't see why it's any of anyone's business."

An Instagram user commended Woody for overcoming his family history: "Congrats to Woody for breaking the cycle and becoming a peace-loving person."

Another fan expressed astonishment: "Wow. I had no idea. I never knew this. Interesting. I'm glad to know his son turned the family legacy around."

Oscar nominee Woody Harrelson and his brothers Jordan and Brett, raised by their mother Diane Harrelson in Texas and Ohio, had a unique upbringing.

Charles Harrelson, born on July 23, 1938, in Lovelady, TX, led a tumultuous life. His early career saw him selling encyclopedias and gambling professionally, and he went through four marriages, according to a report by Mirror US.

According to Texas Monthly, Charles and Diane Harrelson got hitched in the 1950s while Charles was on a break from his Navy duties.

In 1959, while living in Los Angeles, he faced robbery charges but managed to get five years probation by acting as a jailhouse informant, as reported by the Houston Chronicle.

The couple eventually made their home in Midland, TX, and during the early part of the 60s, they welcomed their three sons - Jordan, Woody, and Brett - in rapid succession over three years. However, by 1968, Charles had deserted his family just as the kids were starting school.

In a frank 2012 interview with the Guardian, Woody Harrelson opened up about this difficult period, saying: "I think they separated when I was 7, but he was gone a lot before that, in prison. Away and back. Away and back.

"It wasn't like he was there all the time prior to that. [My mom] was well out of love with him. You know, I've got to give her credit because she never really soured us on him; she didn't talk negatively about him, never, ever. And she could have - he wasn't the greatest husband. Or father."