The Untold Story: What Owen Wilson Said About His 2007 Suicide Attempt And Finding Peace Today

The question of "Did Owen Wilson try to kill himself?" is a deeply personal and sensitive one, and the answer, confirmed by the actor himself, is yes. In August 2007, the beloved comedic actor was hospitalized following a suicide attempt at his home in Santa Monica, California, an event that sent shockwaves through Hollywood and the media. While he has always been private about the details, in recent years, particularly in a 2021 interview, Wilson has offered a rare and candid look into the dark period of his life, his recovery, and the profound role his family played in his healing journey. As of December 2025, Wilson is thriving, focusing on his career resurgence with projects like *Loki* and openly discussing his mental health evolution.

The significance of this story lies not just in the past event, but in the actor's subsequent decision to use his platform to normalize conversations around depression, suicidal ideation, and the importance of seeking psychological treatments and family support. His honesty has transformed the narrative from a tabloid headline into an inspiring testament to resilience and recovery.

Owen Cunningham Wilson: A Complete Biography and Profile

Name: Owen Cunningham Wilson

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Date of Birth: November 18, 1968

Place of Birth: Dallas, Texas, U.S.

Siblings: Two brothers, Andrew Wilson and Luke Wilson, both actors and directors, known collectively as "The Wilson Brothers."

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Parents: Robert Andrew Wilson (advertising executive and public television operator) and Laura Cunningham Wilson (photographer).

Education: Attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he met future collaborator Wes Anderson.

Career Debut: Co-wrote and starred in the 1996 film *Bottle Rocket* with Wes Anderson and his brother Luke Wilson, marking the start of a long and fruitful creative partnership.

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Notable Films/TV: *Bottle Rocket*, *Rushmore*, *The Royal Tenenbaums* (Oscar-nominated for screenplay), *Zoolander*, *Shanghai Noon*, *Wedding Crashers*, *Marley & Me*, *Midnight in Paris*, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe series *Loki*.

Notable Collaborators: Wes Anderson, Ben Stiller, Jackie Chan, Vince Vaughn.

The 2007 Incident: Details of the Suicide Attempt and Immediate Aftermath

The event that brought the actor's private struggles into the public eye occurred in August 2007.

Following the incident, which was widely reported as an apparent suicide attempt, Owen Wilson was hospitalized.

The actor's representatives issued a brief statement at the time, requesting privacy for him to "receive professional care."

In the immediate aftermath, Wilson withdrew from the DreamWorks comedy *Tropic Thunder*, a film he was scheduled to appear in alongside his friend and frequent collaborator, Ben Stiller.

The intense media spotlight on the event cast a long shadow over his personal life, highlighting the hidden struggles with mental illness that can affect even the most seemingly happy and successful individuals.

While the initial reports were sparse on details, the focus quickly shifted to his recovery and the support system around him, particularly his family.

This period marked a significant turning point, forcing the actor to step away from his demanding Hollywood schedule to focus entirely on his mental health and well-being.

Andrew Wilson’s Crucial Role in Owen’s Recovery Journey

One of the most powerful and insightful pieces of information to emerge came years later, detailing the extraordinary role played by his older brother, Andrew Wilson.

In a candid 2021 profile for *Esquire* magazine, Owen Wilson spoke for the first time about the immediate weeks following the 2007 attempt.

He revealed that Andrew Wilson essentially took on the role of his caregiver and protector, moving in with him to ensure his safety and stability.

Andrew Wilson’s support was instrumental, involving daily routines like getting him up and ready for the day, and creating a structured, supportive environment that was critical for his initial recovery from severe depression.

This level of family intervention underscores a key message in mental health advocacy: the profound importance of a strong, compassionate support network in overcoming a major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidal ideation.

The actor has since described this period as an awakening, where he learned to appreciate the simple things and the gift of life, a sentiment he has carried forward into his later life.

Finding Peace: Owen Wilson’s Mental Health Advocacy and Life After 50

In the years following the 2007 incident, Owen Wilson has quietly and effectively become a subtle mental health advocate, sharing his journey on his own terms and timeline.

While he doesn't often give interviews on the topic, the moments he does speak out are incredibly impactful, offering hope to those struggling with similar issues.

He has reflected on finding a sense of "peace" after turning 50, a significant milestone in his journey toward long-term mental wellness.

The actor’s philosophy now centers on learning to "smell the roses" and appreciating the present moment, a perspective often gained through intensive psychological treatments and personal reckoning.

His return to high-profile projects, such as his role as Mobius M. Mobius in the Disney+ series *Loki*, has been viewed by many as a triumphant comeback, demonstrating that a history of mental health struggles does not define one's future success or happiness.

Wilson’s story serves as a powerful reminder that mental health is an ongoing journey, not a destination. His openness, though measured, helps to destigmatize conditions like depression and anxiety disorder, encouraging others to seek help without shame.

He continues to be a versatile star in Hollywood, balancing his comedic roots with dramatic roles that explore themes of redemption and reckoning, often mirroring his own personal growth.

A Message of Hope and Resilience

The narrative surrounding Owen Wilson's life is a complex one, moving from the heights of comedic stardom to the depths of a personal crisis, and finally, to a place of sustainable peace. His willingness to acknowledge the 2007 suicide attempt and share the story of his recovery, particularly the profound support from his brother Andrew, provides a vital message of hope.

It highlights that recovery is possible, and that vulnerability, especially when discussing severe mental illness, can be an incredible source of strength for both the individual and the community. Owen Wilson's journey is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please seek help. You can call or text 988 anytime in the US and Canada to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.