Explore the life and career of Owen Wilson, from his early roles to his rise as a Hollywood icon. This timeline highlights key moments and milestones in Owen Wilson's journey, showcasing his achievements in the entertainment industry.
Owen Wilson was born on November 18, 1968, in Dallas, Texas, USA. He is the middle of three sons to Laura (Wilson), a photographer, and Robert Andrew Wilson, an advertising executive and operator of a public television station. Owen's brothers are Andrew, who also has a mix of acting and directing credits, and Luke, who is also an actor. Owen, known for his crooked nose, won the hearts of comedy fans after appearing in movies such as "The Wedding Crashers", "Zoolander", and "Night at the Museum".
Owen Wilson made his film debut in 1996 with the release of "Bottle Rocket", directed by Wes Anderson. The film, which was Anderson's directorial debut, was based on a short film of the same name and was co-written by Anderson and Wilson. Owen also starred in the movie alongside his brother Luke Wilson. Though not a commercial success, "Bottle Rocket" was praised by critics and has since become a cult classic, particularly noted for its offbeat humor and charming narrative. This film marked the beginning of a fruitful collaborative relationship between Owen Wilson and Wes Anderson.
On September 28, 2001, "Zoolander" was released, starring Ben Stiller as Derek Zoolander and Owen Wilson as Hansel. The movie is a satirical comedy that takes a funny look at the fashion industry and was directed by Ben Stiller. Owen Wilson's character, Hansel, is a rival male model who gains popularity and eventually teams up with Derek Zoolander to uncover a conspiracy. Owen Wilson's performance was praised for adding depth and hilarity to the film, contributing significantly to its cult status. The movie eventually became a fan favorite and is notable for its memorable quotes and humorous take on the fashion world.
"Wedding Crashers", starring Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn, was released on July 15, 2005. The film, directed by David Dobkin, is about two divorce mediators who crash weddings to meet women. Owen Wilson plays John Beckwith, who, along with his partner Jeremy Grey (played by Vaughn), lives by a set of rules for crashing weddings. However, the duo surprises themselves when they meet the daughters of the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury at one of the weddings. The film was a box office success and played a significant role in establishing Wilson as a leading actor in romantic comedy and buddy films. Owen Wilson's charming performance, along with his chemistry with Vaughn, was a key highlight of the movie.
Released on December 22, 2006, "Night at the Museum" features Owen Wilson in the role of Jedediah, a cowboy mannequin who comes to life in the museum thanks to the magical powers of an Egyptian artifact. Directed by Shawn Levy, the movie tells the story of Larry Daley, played by Ben Stiller, who becomes a night guard at the American Museum of Natural History. During his shifts, he discovers that the museum's exhibits come to life, including Wilson's character. The film was a huge box office success and led to two sequels with Wilson reprising his role. Owen Wilson’s comedic timing and character work were especially noted and praised.
On June 10, 2011, "Midnight in Paris," directed by Woody Allen, was released, starring Owen Wilson in the lead role of Gil Pender. The film is a romantic comedy that explores themes of nostalgia and modernism, taking the audience on a journey with Pender, a screenwriter in Paris who, during his midnight walks, travels back to the 1920s. The film was critically acclaimed and commercially successful, earning Allen an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Owen Wilson's portrayal of the whimsical and disillusioned writer was positively received, marking a significant and revered role in his career.
Owen Wilson appeared in Wes Anderson's masterpiece "The Grand Budapest Hotel," which was released on October 17, 2014. The film is set between the World Wars in a fictional European hotel, recounting the adventures of the hotel's concierge, M. Gustave, played by Ralph Fiennes. Owen Wilson features as M. Chuck, one of Mr. Gustave's loyal allies, among an ensemble cast of unique characters. The film received critical acclaim for its storytelling, unique color palette, and direction, winning several awards, including Oscars. Wilson's collaboration with Anderson added a familiar layer to the film's style and charm.
"Zoolander 2" premiered on February 10, 2017, with Owen Wilson reprising his role as Hansel alongside Ben Stiller's Derek Zoolander. The sequel to the 2001 cult hit "Zoolander" continues the story of the two dimwitted male models who find themselves thrust back into the spotlight, this time trying to stop a conspiracy to kill the world's most beautiful people. Despite mixed reviews, fans appreciated the return of key characters including Wilson's Hansel, whose comedic timing and chemistry with Stiller remained highlights. The film featured cameos from a range of celebrities, reflecting its fun mockery of the fashion world.
On November 19, 2021, Wes Anderson's "The French Dispatch" was released, featuring Owen Wilson in another collaboration with the director. The film is structured as a love letter to journalists, loosely based on Anderson's admiration for The New Yorker. Owen Wilson plays Herbsaint Sazerac, one of the journalists whose stories are recounted as part of the film's anthology format. The movie received positive reviews for its artistic direction and ensemble cast performance. Anderson's frequent use of Wilson in his films demonstrates their long-standing professional relationship, with Wilson's portrayal adding to the film's unique storytelling style.
Owen Wilson joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe with his role as Mobius M. Mobius in the "Loki" series, which premiered on October 7, 2022. Starring alongside Tom Hiddleston, the series explores the concept of multiverses with Mobius, an agent of the Time Variance Authority, playing a crucial role in the investigation of time anomalies caused by Loki. Wilson brought his distinctive charm and charisma to the character, which was well-received by audiences and critics alike, marking a successful foray into the superhero genre. The series was a hit, establishing Wilson's character as a fan favorite.
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