
Elijah Wood
United StatesAlso known as: Elwood, Monkey, Lijah
Birthday
January 28, 1981
Birth Sign
Aquarius
Birthplace
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA
Age
45 years old
Height
5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
About
Elijah Wood is an American actor and producer. He is globally recognized for his iconic portrayal of Frodo Baggins in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–2003). Known for his expressive blue eyes and everyman appeal, Wood has built a diverse career across blockbusters, independent films, voice work, and television. He is also the co-founder of SpectreVision, a production company focused on horror and genre films. Wood continues to act and produce, maintaining a loyal fanbase that admires his artistic choices and down-to-earth persona.
Early Life & Background
Elijah Jordan Wood was born on January 28, 1981, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA. His parents, Debbie and Warren Wood, owned and operated a delicatessen there. From a young age, Wood displayed an early aptitude for performance, beginning modeling and taking piano lessons by the age of seven. During his elementary school years, his talent further blossomed as he actively participated in local theatrical productions, performing in The Sound of Music, taking on the title role in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and serving as a choirboy in a staging of See How They Run.
Recognizing his burgeoning talent and the potential for a professional acting career, his parents made the significant decision to sell their delicatessen in 1989, relocating the family to Los Angeles, California, that same year. He continued his academic studies through Laurel Springs School, a distance-learning program that offered flexibility for his developing career. His initial steps into the entertainment industry included a notable appearance in Paula Abdul's music video for "Forever Your Girl." This soon led to his first credited film role, a minor part as "Video Game Boy" in the iconic 1989 movie Back to the Future Part II.
Career Growth
Wood achieved international fame playing Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–2003), which grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide. His performance was praised for conveying courage and vulnerability. After the trilogy, he pursued challenging roles, playing a sociopath in Sin City (2005) and starring in the TV series Wilfred (2011–2014). He co-founded SpectreVision in 2010, producing indie horror films. He voiced characters in Happy Feet (2006), Over the Garden Wall (2014), and Tron: Uprising (2012–2013). In 2023, he joined the cast of Showtime's Yellowjackets. He also worked as a DJ under the duo Wooden Wisdom with friend Zach Cowie.
Career Timeline
Public Image & Style
Wood is known for his earnest, thoughtful demeanor and eclectic taste in roles, often choosing offbeat independent and horror projects. He maintains a relatively low-key personal life but engages with fans on social media, sharing humorous and nostalgic content. His public persona is that of a respected child-star-turned-adult-actor who successfully transitioned without scandal. Fans admire his genuine passion for storytelling and his willingness to take risks. He does not have an official fandom name, but his fanbase remains active and supportive.
Fame & Fandom
Elijah Wood's fanbase is a unique blend of Tolkien devotees and indie-horror enthusiasts, united by their admiration for his fearless career choices. While there's no formal fandom name, fans primarily identify through his iconic role as Frodo Baggins, they form a passionate community that spans generations. This is a fanbase that doesn't just follow a career; it celebrates a legacy, from the epic quests of Middle-earth to the offbeat corners of genre cinema. Their devotion is visible at conventions, where Wood's appearances draw crowds, and online, where his social media presence keeps them engaged with personal updates and creative projects.
iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Elijah Wood, but he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings. This means he is not among the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. He remains a beloved figure whose fame is measured more by cultural impact than by a numerical ranking.
Interesting Facts and Legends
Wood's first credited film role was in Back to the Future Part II (1989) as a video game boy. He is a disc jockey and has toured globally with his friend Zach Cowie as the duo Wooden Wisdom. His nicknames include "Elwood," "Monkey," and "Lijah." He has an older brother named Zachariah who is a video game producer. Wood is an avid fan of horror films and co-founded SpectreVision to produce indie horror projects.
One legendary moment that fans still talk about is the reunion of the four Hobbit actors, Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd, who explored Boston together, sparking widespread media coverage and delighting fans worldwide. Another iconic story is Wood's long-running DJ project, Wooden Wisdom, which celebrated 15 years of performing together, a reflection of his passion for music beyond acting.
Notable Quotes
“I think absolutely with experience, there's growth and this constant sense of learning and of forward momentum.”
Family & Personal Life
Wood was born to Debbie and Warren Wood, who operated a delicatessen in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He has an older brother, Zachariah, who works as a video game producer, and a younger sister, Hannah, who is also an actress. Wood is married to Danish film producer Mette-Marie Kongsved, and they have two children. The family resides in Los Angeles. Wood also has a pet dog named Fozzie, whom he occasionally features on social media.
Notable Connections
Wood is closely associated with director Peter Jackson, who cast him as Frodo Baggins. He frequently collaborates with his DJ partner Zach Cowie. He has worked with actors like Sean Astin, Ian McKellen, and Viggo Mortensen on The Lord of the Rings trilogy. His production company SpectreVision has partnered with filmmakers like Panos Cosmatos and Justin Benson.
Relationships & Dating History
Wood dated actor Elliot Page from 2003 to 2004. The relationship was a high-profile pairing of two young actors. He later married Danish film producer Mette-Marie Kongsved in the early 2020s. They have two children together. As of 2026, they remain married.
- DatedElliot Page2003 - 2004High-profile relationship between two young actors; they dated for about a year.
- MarriedMette-Marie Kongsved2020 - presentCurrentDanish film producer; they have two children together.
Salary, Net Worth In 2026
$30 Million
iFANN Editorial Team estimate
iFANN currently estimates Elijah Wood's net worth at $30 million. His wealth derives primarily from his acting career, including the Lord of the Rings trilogy, which earned him substantial salaries and backend points. He has also earned from voice roles in Happy Feet, The Legend of Spyro video games, and TV series like Wilfred and Yellowjackets. His production company SpectreVision, founded in 2010, produces independent horror films. He also earns from DJ gigs as part of Wooden Wisdom. His net worth has grown steadily through smart investments and diversified income streams.
Awards Won (19)
Wood has won two Saturn Awards for Best Actor for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and The Return of the King. He also won a Critics' Choice Award for Best Acting Ensemble for The Return of the King and an Actor Award for the series.
2003
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2003 · Best Acting Ensemble
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Known For
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
2001 · Frodo Baggins
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
2002 · Frodo Baggins
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2003 · Frodo Baggins
Sin City
2005 · Kevin
Wilfred
2011 · Ryan Newman
Keywords
Sources
Quick Facts
Personal Details
- Full Name
- Elijah Jordan Wood
- Height
- 5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
- Spouse
- Mette-Marie Kongsved
- Children
- 2
- Education
- Laurel Springs School
Filmography
100
Total
80
Film
20
TV
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Elijah Wood?
Is Elijah Wood married?
What is Elijah Wood's net worth in 2026?
What is Elijah Wood best known for?
Is Elijah Wood still acting in 2026?
Social Media
Join the community
fans discussing


