Winona Ryder is an iconic American actress who defined a generation with her roles in cult classics like Beetlejuice, Heathers, and Edward Scissorhands. After rising to fame in the late 1980s and 90s as Hollywood’s ultimate “cool girl,” she made a massive comeback in 2016 as Joyce Byers in the global hit series Stranger Things.
Known for her expressive eyes and unique screen presence, Winona has received numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award and nominations for two Academy Awards. This biography covers everything about Winona Ryder age, her career journey, relationships, and her recent success in Stranger Things.
Winona ryder Biography / Wiki
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Winona Laura Horowitz |
| Stage Name | Winona Ryder |
| Date of Birth | October 29, 1971 |
| Age (2025) | 54 Years Old |
| Birthplace | Winona, Minnesota, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Partner | Scott Mackinlay Hahn (2011–Present) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Famous Roles | Lydia (Beetlejuice), Joyce (Stranger Things) |
| Net Worth | Approx. $18 Million |
Who is Winona Ryder?
Winona Ryder (born Winona Laura Horowitz) is an American actress who became a superstar in the 1990s. She is best known for playing quirky, dark, and complex characters. Her role as Lydia Deetz in Beetlejuice (1988) made her a goth icon, while her performance in Little Women (1994) earned her critical acclaim.
After a brief hiatus from Hollywood in the early 2000s, Winona returned stronger than ever. Her portrayal of a desperate mother in Netflix’s Stranger Things introduced her to a whole new generation of fans. She is currently one of the highest-paid television actresses in the world.
Winona Ryder Age & Physical Stats
Winona Ryder age is 54 years old as of late 2025. She was born on October 29, 1971, in Winona, Minnesota. Despite being in her 50s, she maintains a youthful appearance that fans often admire.
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 3½ inches (161 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 53 kg (117 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown (often dyed Black) |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
Early Life and Family
Winona was born into a creative and intellectual family. Her father, Michael Horowitz, is an author and editor, while her mother, Cynthia Palmer, is also an author. She grew up in a farmhouse with no electricity in California, where she developed a love for books and classic movies.
Her family had close ties to the Beat generation writers. The famous poet Allen Ginsberg was a close family friend. Winona faced bullying in school for her short hair and boyish clothes, which ironically helped her develop the unique “outsider” persona that made her famous.
Career Journey: 80s to Now
The 80s & 90s: Queen of Cult Classics
Winona’s career took off with Lucas (1986), but her big break came with Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice (1988). As the goth teenager Lydia Deetz, she became an instant icon.
- Heathers (1988): Cemented her status as a teen idol.
- Edward Scissorhands (1990): Starred alongside Johnny Depp, creating movie magic.
- Little Women (1994): Earned an Oscar nomination for playing Jo March.
- Girl, Interrupted (1999): Showcased her dramatic range as a producer and actress.
The Stranger Things Comeback
In 2016, Winona took on the role of Joyce Byers in the Netflix sci-fi horror series Stranger Things. Her performance was raw, emotional, and powerful.
It is worth noting that for Stranger Things Season 5 (released in 2025), Winona reportedly earned $9.5 million, making her one of the highest-paid stars on TV.
Winona Ryder Husband & Relationships
Fans often search for “Winona Ryder husband”, but the actress has never been married. She has famously stated that she would rather stay unmarried than get divorced.
Partner: Scott Mackinlay Hahn
Winona has been in a long-term relationship with fashion designer Scott Mackinlay Hahn since 2011. Scott is the co-founder of the sustainable fashion brand Loomstate. The couple keeps their relationship very private and is rarely seen at red-carpet events together.
Johnny Depp Relationship
In the early 90s, Winona had a high-profile engagement with actor Johnny Depp. They were Hollywood’s “It Couple,” and Depp famously got a tattoo reading “Winona Forever” (later changed to “Wino Forever” after their split).
Net Worth
Winona Ryder net worth is estimated to be around $18 million in 2025.
- Stranger Things Salary: $9.5 Million for Season 5.
- Movie Earnings: Millions from hits like Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024).
- Brand Endorsements: Faces major fashion campaigns like Marc Jacobs and L’Oréal.
Winona Ryder proves that true talent is timeless. From the 80s goth girl to the fierce mom of Hawkins, she remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars.
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