Owen Wilson has left an indelible mark on Hollywood with his unique blend of humor and talent. Over the years, he has captivated audiences with a wide range of roles in popular films such as Wedding Crashers, The Internship, Zoolander, and many others. However, his versatility extends beyond comedy, as he has also showcased his acting skills in dramas and action thrillers like Wonder, Behind Enemy Lines, and No Escape.
Born in Dallas, Texas, Wilson never intended to pursue a career in show business. But everything changed when he met filmmaker Wes Anderson at the University of Texas at Austin. The two collaborated on Bottle Rocket in 1996, which marked Wilson’s first on-screen appearance. They later attended the Sundance Film Festival together, and from there, Wilson moved to Hollywood with his brothers, Luke Wilson and Andrew Wilson. Their partnership with Anderson continued, and within a decade, they earned their first Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay with The Royal Tenenbaums.
With over 80 acting credits, six producing credits, and four writing credits, Owen Wilson has established himself as a significant figure in the entertainment industry. Below are some highlights from his extensive filmography, along with behind-the-scenes stories that reveal more about his experiences.
Paint (2023)
In one of his most recent roles, Wilson plays an artist with his own television program, reminiscent of Bob Ross. While his character’s look and style were inspired by the late painter, the storyline, including his rivalry with an up-and-coming artist, is entirely fictional.
Wedding Crashers (2005)
This classic comedy features Wilson as one of the main characters, alongside Matthew Perry. Much of the film, including the iconic “Lock it up!” scene and the line “I think we only use ten percent of our hearts,” was improvised by the actor.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Wilson co-wrote and starred in this film about a dysfunctional family reuniting after years of chaos. He turned down a role in Ocean’s Eleven for this project—and so did Danny Glover and his brother, Luke Wilson.
The Internship (2013)
Wilson reunited with Vince Vaughn for this comedy about salesmen landing internships at Google. The film featured 100 extras who were real-life Google employees at the time.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Wes Anderson cast Wilson as Coach Skip in this animated tale of foxes versus farmers. The actors recorded their parts outside a traditional studio, choosing a stable in a forest to enhance spontaneity.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
In another Wes Anderson film, Wilson plays a concierge-turned-secret-society-member helping solve a mysterious murder. He bonded with costar Adrien Brody on set, even going bowling and beating him in a game that determined who would pay for drinks.
Wonder (2017)
Wilson played the father of a boy born with Treacher Collins syndrome. His performance was emotional, and he described how the young actor, Jacob Tremblay, became Auggie during filming.
Meet the Parents (2000)
Though Kevin Rawley was a supporting role, Wilson made the part his own. He improvised most of his lines as the wealthy ex-fiancé of Teri Polo’s character, Pam.
Meet the Fockers (2004)
Wilson reprised his role in the sequel, where the families of a couple meet for the first time. He shared a great time filming all of the Fockers films, often laughing with Ben Stiller during scenes.
Little Fockers (2010)
In the final movie of the Fockers trilogy, Wilson shared an intimate scene with Barbra Streisand. He joked about the experience, saying it was a major moment to check off the to-do list.
Cars (2006)
Wilson voiced Lightning McQueen in this animated classic. For the first time, Pixar focused much of the marketing around him, highlighting his role as the star of the film.
Cars 2 (2011)
Wilson reprised his role in the sequel, taking Lightning McQueen to the World Grand Prix. The film earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Film—the first Pixar movie to ever be nominated in this category.
Cars 3 (2017)
In this film, Lightning McQueen faces a new generation of race cars. Wilson tapped into his character’s emotions with the help of NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon, who served as a consultant.
Zoolander (2001)
Wilson costarred with Ben Stiller in this comedy about male models turned secret agents. Fun fact: His long blonde hair in the movie was a wig because he was filming Behind Enemy Lines at the time and had to keep his real hair short.
Zoolander 2 (2016)
A decade and a half later, Wilson and Stiller reunited for the sequel. To announce the film, they dressed as their characters and hit the Paris runway. Wilson was surprised by the positive reaction, calling it like a rock concert.
Marley & Me (2008)
Wilson and Jennifer Aniston play newlyweds whose lives change after adopting a mischievous puppy. He worked with 22 different dogs throughout the film and even performed alongside his real-life parents, who played his character’s parents.
Behind Enemy Lines (2001)
This intense film about a pilot being shot down over war-torn Bosnia marked a dramatic shift in Wilson’s career. To prepare, he rode in a jet at supersonic speeds. Despite injuring his shoulder during a stunt, he returned to filming the next day.
No Escape (2015)
Wilson portrays a father caught in the middle of an international coup. He found the script grounded and believable, which attracted him to the role.
She’s Funny That Way (2014)
Wilson played a playwright whose life spirals out of control due to an unexpected love triangle. Director Peter Bogdanovich originally put the film on hold after his first choice for the lead, John Ritter, passed away. After Wes Anderson introduced him to Wilson, he decided to bring the project back.
Starsky & Hutch (2004)
This buddy cop comedy follows Stiller and Wilson’s characters as they catch criminals in their red and white Ford Gran Torino. When Wilson’s character sings “Don’t Give Up on Us Baby,” the voice was actually that of David Soul, who played the original Ken Hutchinson in the 1975 television series.
Bottle Rocket (1996)
Wilson co-wrote this crime comedy with Wes Anderson about friends planning a robbery. It marked his on-screen debut and allowed him to act opposite his brother, Luke. After the film didn’t perform well at the box office, he considered joining the Marines and giving up his acting career.
The Big Year (2011)
Wilson, along with Jack Black and Steve Martin, made the world of bird-watching hilarious in this comedy. He described the travel as a bonus, with the team visiting beautiful locations like the Yukon and Tofino.
The Wendell Baker Story (2005)
Wilson starred with his brother again in this comedy about an ex-con who gets a job at a retirement home. It was a passion project for Luke, who also wrote and directed the film. He raised money for the project by claiming he was Owen.
The Minus Man (1999)
In one of Wilson’s only thriller roles, he plays a serial killer targeting self-destructive people. It was on the set of this film that he met Sheryl Crow, and the two dated for two years after its release.
Shanghai Noon (2000)
Wilson and Jackie Chan teamed up for this Western comedy about a man and a train robber’s unlikely friendship. They paid homage to the 1994 classic The Legend of Drunken Master with a scene about their characters learning how to blow bubbles.
Shanghai Knights (2003)
For the sequel, the duo is out for revenge after the murder of Chan’s character’s father. When Wilson is hit by a carriage, he says, “Hey, I’m walking here!”—a reference to Midnight Cowboy from 1969.
Masterminds (2016)
In this comedy about one of the biggest bank heists in history, Wilson stars opposite Zach Galifianakis, Kristin Wiig, Jason Sudeikis, and more big-name comedians. The film is based on the real 1997 Loomis Fargo bank robbery in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Hall Pass (2011)
Wilson worked with Jason Sudeikis on Hall Pass. He played a husband given one chaotic week of no rules. He also contributed to the script and thought up one of the final scenes and his flash-forward scene.
Bliss (2021)
In this mysterious rom-com, Wilson plays a man who falls in love with a woman convinced the world is a computer simulation. He described the preparation as just Salma Hayek and him talking.
How Do You Know (2010)
Wilson plays Matty Reynolds, a pitcher for the Washington Nationals, who gets into a love triangle with Reese Witherspoon and Paul Rudd’s characters. Coincidentally, he wasn’t the first Wilson brother to play Witherspoon’s love interest; she and Luke famously costarred in Legally Blonde in 2001.
You, Me and Dupree (2006)
Three’s a crowd, as Wilson’s character learns in this comedy about a best man who overstays his welcome with his newlywed friends. Towards the end of the film, the actor’s uncle makes a brief cameo as a white-haired man named Joe.
The French Dispatch (2021)
Wilson plays travel writer Herbsaint Sazerac, who honors the late editor of The French Dispatch with a story about a cycling tour of the city of Ennui. This marked his eighth collaboration with Wes Anderson, as well as his second film with Adrien Brody and Léa Seydoux, following Midnight in Paris.
Inherent Vice (2014)
Wilson shines as Coy Harlingen, a man forced to leave his family, go into hiding, and become a police informant. It marked the second movie he starred in with Reese Witherspoon, who filmed all of her scenes in just four days.
Midnight in Paris (2011)
Wilson reunited with his Wedding Crashers costar Rachel McAdams, as well as Adrien Brody, for this sci-fi romance about a man who finds himself back in the 1920s every midnight.
Permanent Midnight (1998)
Both Wilson and Stiller show off their serious sides in this indie drama. They both play drug addicts navigating love, life, and careers in New York City. The film was based on the true story of Jerry Stahl, a successful TV writer behind popular series like Twin Peaks and ALF.
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
As pilot Ned Plimpton, Wilson’s character attempts to help an oceanographer track down a shark that supposedly killed his partner. Wes Anderson originally wanted to co-write this film with Wilson, but he couldn’t make it happen due to his schedule.
The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
Wilson unpacked his sentimental side in this tale about three brothers traveling across India after their father’s death. To maintain his character’s limp, he placed a lime in his shoe, which helped him act more convincingly.
Night at the Museum (2006)
Fans know Wilson as Jedediah Smith, a cowboy in the museum’s Wild West Diorama. Stiller and Wilson only filmed together for one day, so for most of their scenes, Stiller filmed opposite a toothpick while Wilson filmed the rest of his lines three months later.
Marry Me (2022)
In this recent role, Wilson plays a man who finds himself unexpectedly married to the world’s biggest pop star, played by Jennifer Lopez. It marks the second time this pair worked together—the first being in the horror thriller Anaconda in 1997.
Drillbit Taylor (2008)
Wilson plays a “budget bodyguard” in this dramedy about a man hired to protect three high schoolers from their bullies. Filming physical scenes was harder than expected—the actor was accidentally punched by Alex Frost during one of the final fight scenes.
