You may know Woody Harrelson as the fun guy from Cheers, the serious cop in True Detective, or the rebel in The Hunger Games. But behind his success is someone very special — his mom, Diane Lou Oswald.
Diane is not a celebrity. She never looked for fame. But her life story is full of courage, love, and quiet strength. She raised three sons on her own while her ex-husband became one of the most dangerous men in America. And one of those sons grew up to become a world-famous actor.
In this article, we’ll explore who Diane Lou Oswald really is — her early life, her marriage to a hitman, her role as a single mom, and how she helped shape the man we all know today as Woody Harrelson.
Diane Lou Oswald Quick Bio
| Full Name | Diane Lou Oswald |
| Known As | Woody Harrelson’s Mother |
| Birth Year | 1937 |
| Age (2026) | 89 years old |
| Birthplace | Lebanon, Ohio, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
| Profession | Legal Secretary (retired) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Charles Harrelson |
| Children | Woody, Brett, Jordan Harrelson |
| Grandchildren | Deni, Zoe, Makani |
| Lives In | Lebanon, Ohio |
| Public Life | Very private |
Diane Lou Oswald’s Early Life in Ohio
Diane Lou Oswald was born in 1937 in a small town called Lebanon, Ohio. It’s a quiet place where people know each other, and family means everything. She grew up in a Christian home with her parents, Kenneth and Mary Lou Oswald, who taught her the values of kindness, hard work, and faith.
Church was a big part of her life from the start. Diane followed the Presbyterian faith and stayed close to it her whole life. This strong moral foundation helped her later when life became very difficult.
She wasn’t looking to be famous or rich. She was just a regular girl from Ohio who believed in doing the right thing — and later, those simple beliefs helped her raise her sons during one of the hardest times a mother could face.
When Diane Lou Oswald Met Charles Harrelson
In 1959, Diane’s life took a sharp turn. She met Charles Harrelson, a young man in the Navy. He was charming, confident, and full of energy. They quickly got married during one of his short leaves from the military.
It wasn’t a fancy wedding. They didn’t have much. But they had hope. After getting married, they moved to California, where Charles worked as an encyclopedia salesman. But even then, Diane could sense something wasn’t quite right.
Charles started taking risks. He had a gambling problem. Then in 1960, he was arrested for armed robbery. It was the start of a dark journey that would tear the family apart.
The Dark Truth About Woody Harrelson’s Father
Charles Harrelson didn’t just stop at gambling or robbery. Over the years, he became something far worse — a contract killer. That means people paid him money to kill.
In 1968, he was tried for the murder of a man named Alan Berg. Then, in 1973, he was found guilty in another murder-for-hire case involving a man named Sam Degelia Jr.. Though he was sentenced to 15 years in prison, he served only five and was released early for “good behavior.”
But the most shocking crime came in 1979. Charles was paid $250,000 to assassinate Judge John H. Wood Jr., a federal judge in Texas. This made headlines across the country. He was finally arrested in 1980 and later sentenced to two life terms in prison.
While all of this was happening, Diane had already walked away. She knew she had to protect her children.
Why Diane Lou Oswald Left the Marriage
Diane and Charles officially separated in 1964, after just five years of marriage. But even before that, he was rarely around. He was always on the move — chasing money, making shady deals, or getting into trouble.
By the time Woody was just seven years old, Charles had disappeared from their lives. Diane made a brave and painful choice. She packed up her life and her children and moved back to her hometown, Lebanon, Ohio, where she could start over.
She didn’t have much money. But she had strength, faith, and love — and that was enough to begin again.
Life as a Single Mother of Three Boys
Raising one child alone is hard. Diane had three sons — Woody, Brett, and Jordan. After leaving Charles, she became both mother and father to them.
She worked as a legal secretary, a job that didn’t pay much. She worked long hours just to keep the lights on and food on the table. But she never gave up.
She also had help from her own family. Diane’s mother and great-grandmother helped raise the boys. It wasn’t a big house, and they didn’t have fancy things. But there was warmth, safety, and love. That was what mattered most.
Woody Harrelson’s Childhood with Diane Lou Oswald
Woody has shared many memories about growing up with his mom. He says they were poor, but they never went hungry. Diane made sure her sons had what they needed — even if it meant she went without.
They lived in a house full of women: Diane, her mother, and great-grandmother. Woody said his great-grandmother Polly was full of fun stories, while his grandmother was calm and quiet. These women gave him love and stability.
What’s more amazing is that Diane never spoke badly about Charles — even after all the horrible things he had done. She let her sons decide for themselves how to feel about their father. That quiet strength shaped Woody more than any lesson ever could.
How Faith Shaped Diane Lou Oswald’s Family
Diane didn’t just raise her kids with love — she raised them with faith. Church was a regular part of life. They went to services every week. Bible study was held right at home.
Woody once said he even gave a sermon at 17, and for a while, he thought about becoming a minister. That shows just how strong his mother’s influence was.
Later in life, Woody’s beliefs changed. But he still says the values his mom gave him — kindness, compassion, and honesty — have stayed with him forever.
Did Diane Lou Oswald Know About Her Husband’s Crimes?
This is a question many people ask. Did Diane Lou Oswald know what her husband was really doing?
The truth is, she likely knew he was involved in some bad things. But she didn’t share details with her kids. When Woody Harrelson first heard on the radio that a man named Charles V. Harrelson was arrested for murder, he was shocked.
He asked his mom, “Could that really be my dad?” Diane didn’t say much. She just quietly replied, “How many Charles V. Harrelsons can there be?” That calm, short answer left Woody to figure it out himself.
Even then, Diane stayed strong. She didn’t panic. She didn’t speak badly about Charles. She simply kept her focus on her kids and their future.
Woody Harrelson’s Love and Respect for His Mother
Woody Harrelson has talked about his mother, Diane Lou Oswald, in many interviews. And each time, his words are full of love and respect.
He says she gave him her energy, her kindness, and her courage. She was the one who taught him to love nature, to care about people, and to stay true to his values. That’s not something you learn in Hollywood — it’s something you learn at home.
When Woody was nominated for an Oscar, Diane sent him a short note. It said, “You finally arrived.” That message meant more to him than any trophy. It was a moment of pure love and pride between a mother and son.
Diane Lou Oswald’s Rare Public Appearances
Diane Lou Oswald never liked the spotlight. She didn’t want fame or attention, even when her son became a huge star.
But every now and then, she appeared beside Woody at special events. One time was the premiere of White Men Can’t Jump. Another was in 2017, when she joined Woody at Wimbledon in London.
She looked calm, proud, and supportive — just like you’d expect from a loving mom. She didn’t try to take the spotlight. She was simply there for her son, as she always had been.
Where Is Woody Harrelson’s Mother Now?
As of 2026, Diane Lou Oswald is 89 years old. She still lives a quiet life, most likely in Lebanon, Ohio, where it all began.
She enjoys time with her family, especially her grandchildren — Deni, Zoe, and Makani. She stays away from social media and public interviews, choosing peace over publicity.
Even though she’s not seen much, her presence is still strong in her family’s life. Woody often visits and talks about her with warmth and gratitude.
Final Thoughts
Diane Lou Oswald may not be famous like her son, but her story is one of quiet strength, love, and faith.
She married a man who turned out to be a contract killer. She raised three boys on her own with very little money. She worked hard, kept her faith, and never gave up. And from that life of struggle, she raised a man who would touch the world with his talent and kindness.
Woody Harrelson once said, “To me, mothers are unbelievable.” And when you hear Diane’s story, you understand why.
Diane Lou Oswald reminds us that you don’t need fame to make a difference. Sometimes, the greatest heroes are the ones working quietly in the background — holding families together, teaching love, and shaping lives with nothing but their strength and heart.
(FAQs)
How old is Diane Lou Oswald, and when is her birthday?
Diane Lou Oswald was born in 1937. That means she is 89 years old in 2026. Her exact birthday is not public.
Does Diane Lou Oswald have a brother?
There is no public info about her having a brother. She has always kept her family life very private.
What did Diane Lou Oswald look like when she was young?
When she was young, Diane was known to be kind, calm, and naturally pretty. She had a sweet smile and a gentle style.
Is Diane Lou Oswald related to Lee Harvey Oswald?
They only have the same last name. Diane is not related to Lee Harvey Oswald, the man who shot President Kennedy.
Where is Diane Lou Oswald living now?
In 2026, Diane Lou Oswald is still alive. She is living a quiet life in Lebanon, Ohio, where she raised her sons.
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