Home / Arts and Entertainment / Country Noir Master Daniel Woodrell Dies at 72
Country Noir Master Daniel Woodrell Dies at 72
1 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Daniel Woodrell, who defined 'country noir', has died at 72.
- His novel 'Winter's Bone' was adapted into a film starring Jennifer Lawrence.
- Woodrell served in the Marines and earned degrees from KU and Iowa Writers'.
Daniel Woodrell, a celebrated author known for defining the 'country noir' literary genre, passed away at 72. His death occurred at his home in West Plains, Missouri, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Woodrell's literary career began in 1986 with 'Under the Bright Lights,' but he gained significant recognition for his 2006 novel 'Winter's Bone.'
This seminal work, set in the Missouri Ozarks, tells the story of a young girl searching for her father. The 2010 film adaptation of 'Winter's Bone,' starring Jennifer Lawrence, brought Woodrell's evocative storytelling to a wider audience and earned multiple Academy Award nominations. Other notable works include 'Woe to Live On' and 'Tomato Red.'
Born in Springfield, Missouri, Woodrell's life experiences, including his service in the Marines and his academic pursuits at the University of Kansas and the Iowa Writers' Workshop, informed his writing. He settled in the Ozarks with his wife, Katie Estill-Woodrell, drawing inspiration from the region's landscapes and inhabitants for his unique blend of literature.
