Owen Wilson, born on November 18, 1968, has an extensive acting portfolio spanning many genres but is inarguably best known for his comedic roles. Wilson began his work in comedy writing and acting when he started working with friend and director Wes Anderson. He starred in multiple action and thriller films in the 1990s but found his footing in comedy in earnest in the early 2000s, particularly with his collaborations with fellow comedic actor Ben Stiller. Wilson has won multiple awards and nominations for his work in the comedy genre, which is no small feat for an actor in such a popular genre. Join us to celebrate his birthday here today!
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Owen Cunningham Wilson
Nickname:
Butterscotch Stallion
Birth date:
November 18, 1968
Age:
56
Zodiac Sign:
Scorpio
Height:
5' 11"
Relationship Status:
Single
Net Worth:
$70 million
Background
Owen Wilson is a legendary name in the world of comedy and internet memes. Owen Cunningham Wilson was born on November 18, 1968, in Dallas, Texas. His father, Robert Andrew, is a public television operator and advertising executive and Wilson’s mother, Laura, is a photographer. After attending school at the New Mexico Military Institute, he began studying for a bachelor of arts degree at the University of Texas at Austin, but he did not complete his studies. After leaving university, Wilson pursued a career in acting.
Wilson had his first major acting role in director Wes Anderson’s crime comedy film “Bottle Rocket” in 1996. He began working with comedy writer and actor Ben Stiller, at the same time starring in “The Cable Guy.” During the late 1990s, Wilson starred in an array of genres outside of comedy, including the first installment of the action franchise “Anaconda,” the Bruce Willis’ action film “Armageddon,” and the horror movie “The Haunting.” In 1998, he began writing films, assisting Anderson with writing the film “Rushmore.” He starred in his first TV role the following year as Heat Vision in the pilot episode of “Heat Vision and Jack.”
Wilson’s comedy acting career began in earnest the following decade. His roles in comedies such as “Zoolander” (2001), “Wedding Crashers” (2005), and “Marley and Me” (2008) firmly cemented his reputation as a bonafide comedy actor. In 2001, Wilson was nominated alongside Wes Anderson in the Best Original Screenplay category at the Academy Awards, the British Academy Film Awards, and the Writers Guild of America Awards for “The Royal Tenenbaums.” Wilson was nominated in the Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical category at the 2011 Golden Globe Awards for his role in Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris.” Wilson returned to the action genre with his appearance in the 2015 action thriller film “No Escape.” In 2021, he began starring as Mobius M. Mobius in the Marvel Studios TV series “Loki” opposite Tom Hiddleston as the titular character.
Career timeline
The actor stars in Wes Anderson’s hit film “Bottle Rocket.”
The actor makes his T.V. debut in the lead role in the only episode of “Heat Vision and Jack.”
The actor receives three major award nominations for the screenplay for “The Royal Tenenbaums.”
The actor receives a nomination for his work as the lead character in Woody Allen’s comedy “Midnight in Paris.”
Wilson appears in an action film, “No Escape,” after a hiatus from the genre lasting over a decade.
The actor is cast in the Marvel T.V. show “Loki” alongside British actor Tom Hiddleston.
Why We Love Owen Wilson
He’s a philanthropist
Wilson financially supports several charities and organizations. He has participated in BID 2 BEAT AIDS, a charity auction that raises funds for LIFEbeat, and he has donated to the Chandler Sky Foundation, which provides refuge for orphaned children.
He loves animals
Wilson is a known advocate for animal rights. He has worked to end greyhound racing, raised funds for two elephant sanctuaries, and invested in a vegan ‘meat’ brand.
He’s open about mental health issues
Wilson is no stranger to mental health issues, having attempted suicide before. Since then, he’s been honest about his struggle with depression, urging people not to be afraid to seek help.
5 Surprising Facts
Both his brothers are also actors
Andrew and Luke Wilson are also prolific Hollywood actors.
He met Wes Anderson at college
Wilson and Anderson were roommates at university.
He’s collaborated with Ben Stiller 12 times
The two comedy actors have starred in a whopping 12 films together, including “Meet the Parents” (2000) and “Night at the Museum” (2006).
He’s the face of a sofa campaign
Wilson is the face of an advertising campaign for the U.K. sofa company, Sofology.
He’s a film billionaire
The films Wilson has starred in have collectively grossed over $2 billion.
Owen Wilson FAQs
How many wives has Owen Wilson had?
The actor has never been married.
Why do all the Wilson brothers have the same middle name??
Andrew, Luke, and Owen Wilson all have Cunningham as their middle name because it is their mother’s maiden name.
Why is Owen Wilson uncredited in “Night at the Museum”?
Although Wilson had a supporting role, he is uncredited as he was originally meant to have only a cameo role.
Owen Wilson’s birthday dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | November 18 | Tuesday |
2026 | November 18 | Wednesday |
2027 | November 18 | Thursday |
2028 | November 18 | Saturday |
2029 | November 18 | Sunday |