15 intriguing trivia about Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder is a renowned actress who captivated audiences with her diverse roles during the 1990s. However, there is more to her than just her on-screen presence. Here are 15 fascinating facts about Winona Ryder that you may not know. SSP prepared.

15. Winona is a stage name

Many celebrities adopt stage names, and Winona Ryder is no exception. Her real name is Winona Laura Horowitz, but she chose her stage surname as a tribute to a soul and rock singer, Mitch Ryder, based on her father's admiration for him. Additionally, her stage name was influenced by the town of Winona, Minnesota, near her place of birth.

14. Career risks paid off

Despite her agent warning her against taking the role of Veronica Sawyer in the cult classic film "Heathers," Ryder proceeded with the part, which turned out to be a defining role in her career. This decision led to other successful movies like "Jawbreaker," "Easy A," and "Mean Girls" drawing inspiration from the dark satire that "Heathers" offered.

13. Former flame with Johnny Depp

During the early 1990s, Winona Ryder dated her "Edward Scissorhands" co-star Johnny Depp. Their relationship was widely publicized, and Depp even got a tattoo that read "Winona Forever." Although their romance ultimately ended, Depp modified the tattoo to say "Wino Forever."

12. Brief romance with Matt Damon

Winona Ryder dated actor Matt Damon for a couple of years after they were introduced by Gwyneth Paltrow, who was Winona's former BFF and flatmate. Damon spoke highly of Ryder, describing her as a wonderful and kind person.

11. Fondness for musicians

Winona Ryder has a passion for music and has been romantically linked to several musicians throughout her life. Some notable names include Evan Dando of The Lemonheads, Dave Pirner from Soul Asylum, Beck Hansen, and Stephan Jenkins from Third Eye Blind. Her love for music is evident in her romantic choices.

10. Primus controversy

Contrary to popular belief, the song "Wynona's Big Brown Beaver" by the band Primus was not actually written about Winona Ryder, despite the rumors. Les Claypool, the band's frontman, mentioned that the song was inspired by a fishing trip and a unique encounter with a beaver. Any association with Ryder is purely coincidental.

9. The Tim Burton connection

Although Winona Ryder and Tim Burton are often associated with each other due to their collaborations on films like "Beetlejuice" and "Edward Scissorhands," they have actually worked together only four times. However, Ryder credits Burton with kickstarting her career and providing her opportunities in the industry.

8. Romantic connections with Co-Stars

In addition to her high-profile relationships with Johnny Depp and Matt Damon, Winona Ryder has been romantically linked with actors such as Charlie Sheen, Rob Lowe, Christian Slater, and Gary Oldman. Her dating history includes a variety of well-known actors.

7. Winona's serial monogamous nature

Winona Ryder identifies as a serial monogamist and believes in maintaining long-term relationships. She has been dating fashion designer Scott Mackinlay Hahn since 2011, emphasizing the importance of partnering with someone she can be committed to, rather than going through multiple marriages and divorces.

6. The missed opportunity in The Godfather

Winona Ryder was initially considered for the role of Mary Corleone in "The Godfather Part III." However, she ultimately dropped out due to various reasons. Sofia Coppola replaced her, but Ryder potentially could have had a significant impact on the film had she taken the role.

5. Aquaphobia battle

Winona Ryder suffers from aquaphobia, a fear of water stemming from a childhood incident where she nearly drowned at the age of 12. Overcoming this phobia became challenging for her during the filming of "Alien: Resurrection," where she had to reshoot multiple underwater scenes.

4. Natural blond turned brunette

Although Winona Ryder is commonly associated with her dark hair, she is, in fact, a natural blonde. She first dyed her hair black for her film debut in "Lucas" and continued to maintain that look throughout her career. Her iconic role in "Edward Scissorhands" featured her wearing a wig that closely resembled her original blonde color.

3. On-set injuries and off-screen struggles

Winona Ryder has experienced a few on-set injuries, including hurting her knee during the filming of "Girl, Interrupted" and breaking her arm while shooting a scene with Adam Sandler in "Mr. Deeds." Off-screen, she has battled anxiety, exhaustion, and depression, even addressing these challenges openly after her arrest in 2001.

2. Grammy nods and accolades

While Winona Ryder is acclaimed for her acting and has received multiple award nominations and accolades, including two Academy Award nominations, a Golden Globe win, and a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, she also earned a Grammy nomination. This recognition came from her narration of "Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl" audiobook in 1991, showcasing her versatility.

1. Passion for acting

Throughout her career, Winona Ryder has demonstrated a dedication to her craft and a genuine passion for acting. Despite the ups and downs she has faced, both professionally and personally, she continues to embrace her love for the art form and has left an enduring impact on the film industry.