10 Shocking Facts About Brett Harrelson: Woody's Brother Who Became A Vegan Cart Racing Champion

As of late 2024, Brett Harrelson remains a figure of intense curiosity, primarily known as the younger brother of Oscar-nominated actor Woody Harrelson, yet his own life story is arguably even more captivating, featuring a convicted hitman father, a brief but notable acting career, and a surprising turn as a champion athlete and health advocate. This article dives deep into the unique and often dramatic life of Brett Voyde Harrelson, exploring the family legacy he shares with his famous sibling and the distinct path he has forged in the world of film, motorsports, and wellness. The Harrelson name carries a weight of both Hollywood stardom and a dark criminal past, a duality that has shaped Brett's public and private life. While his brother Woody has achieved global fame, Brett has quietly built a multifaceted career, stepping into the spotlight for roles that often mirrored his own turbulent family history, while simultaneously dedicating himself to a strict vegan lifestyle and professional cart racing.

Complete Profile: Brett Voyde Harrelson Biography

Brett Voyde Harrelson’s life is a tapestry woven with threads of Hollywood, high-speed racing, and a notorious family history. Here is a detailed look at the man behind the famous surname, Brett Harrelson.

• Full Name: Brett Voyde Harrelson
• Date of Birth: June 4, 1963
• Age (as of late 2024): 61 years old
• Birthplace: Midland, Texas, United States
• Nationality: American
• Parents: Charles Voyde Harrelson (Father) and Diane Lou Oswald (Mother)
• Siblings: Woody Harrelson (Older Brother) and Jordan Harrelson (Brother)
• Occupation: Actor, National Cart Racing Champion, Entrepreneur (CBD Industry)
• Notable Film Roles: Jimmy Flynt in The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996), Ray Bob in From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money (1999), Steve Christian in Strangeland (1998)
• Current Residence: Venice, California
• Dietary Lifestyle: Vegan for over 35 years
• Known Affiliation: Co-founder of Harrelson's Own CBD

The Shadow of a Hitman: Family History and the Podcast

The most distinctive and often discussed element of the Harrelson brothers' lives is their father, Charles Voyde Harrelson. Charles Harrelson was a convicted hitman who gained notoriety for the 1979 assassination of U.S. District Judge John H. Wood Jr. in San Antonio, Texas.

The tragic and criminal life of their father cast a long shadow over the Harrelson family, forcing them to grapple with a very public and dark legacy. This complex family dynamic was brought back into the public eye with the release of the investigative podcast, Son of a Hitman.

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In a rare move, Brett Harrelson participated in discussions about the podcast, offering his perspective on his father's life and crimes. This involvement highlights Brett’s willingness to confront the difficult truths of his family history, a history that is often sensationalized but deeply personal to him and his brothers, Woody and Jordan Harrelson.

Brett’s own acting career saw him take on roles that sometimes echoed this troubled background. In the critically acclaimed film The People vs. Larry Flynt, he played Jimmy Flynt, the brother of the titular character, a role that put him directly opposite his real-life brother, Woody Harrelson. This shared screen time, portraying fictional siblings, added another layer of intrigue to their already complex real-life relationship.

Beyond Acting: Veganism, Cart Racing, and the CBD Empire

While his acting credits are notable, particularly within the world of cult films like Strangeland and From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money, Brett Harrelson has established a powerful identity outside of Hollywood.

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One of the most surprising facts about Brett is his success in the world of professional motorsports. He is recognized as a National Cart Racing Champion. This achievement showcases a competitive drive and talent that is completely distinct from the artistic path chosen by his older brother. The high-octane world of racing provides a stark contrast to the quiet life of an actor and entrepreneur.

Furthermore, Brett is a passionate advocate for health and wellness, having been a strict vegan for over 35 years. This long-standing commitment to a plant-based lifestyle is a testament to his dedication to personal well-being and ethical living. His dedication to veganism predates the mainstream popularity of the movement, marking him as a long-time pioneer in the space.

The Harrelson Family's Hemp Legacy

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In line with his healthy lifestyle and the family's well-known advocacy for cannabis reform, Brett is a key figure in the CBD industry. He is involved with the company Harrelson's Own CBD. The Harrelson family has a long history of being outspoken supporters of hemp and cannabis, making this business venture a natural extension of their personal beliefs and public activism.

This entrepreneurial move demonstrates Brett's shift from being solely an actor to a multifaceted businessman. The company emphasizes organic, full-spectrum CBD products, aligning with Brett's personal commitment to natural and healthy living.

Brett’s life in Venice, California, allows him to maintain a balance between these diverse interests—the creative world of film, the thrill of racing, and the business of wellness. While he may not seek the same level of mainstream fame as his brother Woody, Brett Harrelson’s life is a testament to carving out a unique and authentic path, even when born into extraordinary circumstances.

His story serves as a fascinating case study of a celebrity sibling who successfully navigated a difficult family legacy to become a champion in his own right, both on the racetrack and in the world of plant-based advocacy.