10 fun and interesting Winona Ryder facts

1. Born in Minnesota, named after nearby city

. Winona Ryder was born in Olmsted County, Minnesota, but her parents had a special reason for choosing her name. They named her after the nearby city of Winona, which is located on the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota. Her full name is Winona Laura Horowitz, and it's a tribute to the city that has been her namesake since birth.

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2. 12-Year-Old Winona Ryder Starts Acting Career

At the tender age of 12, Winona Ryder began her acting career by enrolling in the American Conservatory Theater. There, she received her first lessons in the craft, and quickly developed a passion for the art of acting. Her early start in the theater has since led to a successful career in film and television, with notable roles in films such as Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and Stranger Things.

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3. Winona Ryder's Career Begins with a Bang

Winona Ryder's career began with a bang when she sent in a videotape audition for a part in the 1986 film Desert Bloom. Although she didn't get the part, the director was so impressed with her performance that he cast her in his next film, Lucas, which was released the same year. This marked Winona's film debut and launched her career as one of the most iconic actresses of the late 20th century.

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4. Winona Ryder's Career Takes Off

Winona Ryder's career took off in 1987 when she starred in the film Square Dance. Her performance in the movie was met with critical acclaim, and it was the start of a long and successful career for the actress. She has since gone on to star in a number of films, including Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and Little Women, and has earned numerous awards and nominations for her work.

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5. Winona Ryder's Career Soared with Beetlejuice

In 1988, Winona Ryder's career skyrocketed when she starred in the iconic film Beetlejuice. Her performance as Lydia Deetz, a goth teen who befriends a recently deceased couple, earned her critical acclaim and recognition from audiences around the world. The film was a box office success, grossing over $73 million in the United States alone, and Ryder's performance earned her a Saturn Award for Best Actress.

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6. A Career Success Story

Winona Ryder achieved great success with her role in the 1990 film Edward Scissorhands, which grossed over $86 million at the box office. Her performance as Kim, the love interest of the titular character, was praised by critics and audiences alike, and helped to launch her career as one of the most sought-after actresses of the 1990s.

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7. Winona Ryder is a Golden Globe Award-nominated actress

In 1990, Winona Ryder starred in the film Mermaids, for which she was nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role at the Golden Globe Awards. Her performance in the movie was highly acclaimed, and she was praised for her ability to bring the character to life. Ryder's portrayal of the character was so convincing that it earned her a nomination for the prestigious award, and she was recognized for her talent and hard work.

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8. Winona Ryder Nominated for Academy Award in The Age of Innocence

Winona Ryder's performance in The Age of Innocence, directed by Martin Scorsese in 1993, was highly praised and earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and a Golden Globe Award in the same category. Her portrayal of the character was so powerful that it earned her critical acclaim and recognition from the Academy and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

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9. Winona Ryder's Career Reaches Peak in 2002

Winona Ryder's career reached a peak in 2002 when she starred in the commercially successful movie Mr. Deeds alongside Adam Sandler. She continued to appear in films, including a cameo in the 2009 adaptation of the cult television series Star Trek. The movie was a box office success, grossing over $126 million worldwide. Ryder's performance was praised by critics, and she was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress.

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10. Winona Ryder Cast in The Killers' Mysterious Music Video

In 2012, Winona Ryder was cast as the love interest in the music video for the popular American rock band The Killers' single "Here With Me". The video, which was directed by Tim Burton, featured Ryder as a mysterious woman who appears to the lead singer, Brandon Flowers, in a dream. Ryder's performance in the video was praised by fans and critics alike, with many noting her ability to bring a sense of mystery and intrigue to the role.