The Exact Date: Unpacking Owen Wilson's 2007 Suicide Attempt And His Journey To Finding 'Peace'

Few events in Hollywood history were as shocking as the news that broke in the summer of 2007 concerning one of the industry's most beloved comedic actors, Owen Wilson. The star, known for his laid-back charm and signature crooked nose, was rushed to the hospital following a suicide attempt at his home, shattering the public perception of his seemingly carefree life.

The core question for many fans remains: what was the specific day this tragic event occurred? The confirmed date of Owen Wilson's suicide attempt was Sunday, August 26, 2007. This moment marked a severe turning point, forcing the actor to withdraw from the public eye and begin a long, private battle with depression and mental health struggles, a journey he has only recently begun to share publicly as of late (as of December 2025).

Owen Wilson: A Complete Biographical Profile

Before the 2007 crisis, Owen Wilson had already established a prolific and critically acclaimed career as an actor, screenwriter, and producer. His professional life began with a pivotal partnership that would define the '90s independent film scene.

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• Full Name: Owen Cunningham Wilson
• Date of Birth: November 18, 1968
• Place of Birth: Dallas, Texas, U.S.
• Parents: Laura Cunningham Wilson (Photographer) and Robert Andrew Wilson (Advertising Executive)
• Siblings: Andrew Wilson (Older Brother, Actor/Director) and Luke Wilson (Younger Brother, Actor)
• Education: Attended the New Mexico Military Institute and later the University of Texas at Austin, where he met future collaborator Wes Anderson.
• Career Debut: Co-wrote and starred in the independent film *Bottle Rocket* (1996), directed by Wes Anderson.
• Key Filmography (Pre-2007): *Bottle Rocket* (1996), *Rushmore* (1998), *Shanghai Noon* (2000), *Zoolander* (2001), *The Royal Tenenbaums* (2001), *Starsky & Hutch* (2004), and the smash hit *Wedding Crashers* (2005).
• Oscar Nomination: Nominated for Best Original Screenplay for *The Royal Tenenbaums* (2001) with Wes Anderson.

The Harrowing Details of August 26, 2007

The precise date of the incident, August 26, 2007, sent shockwaves across Hollywood and the world. The circumstances surrounding the 911 call were immediately shrouded in a mix of official confirmation and rumor, but the gravity of the situation was undeniable.

The Discovery and Immediate Aftermath

The attempt took place at Wilson's Santa Monica home. The actor was reportedly discovered by his younger brother, Luke Wilson, who was residing with him at the time. The Santa Monica Police Department's "Calls for Service" report confirmed the nature of the emergency, with the reason for the 911 call listed as a suicide attempt.

Reports indicated that the attempt involved cutting his wrists and ingesting pills, leading to a frantic rush to the hospital. Wilson was first transported to St. John's Health Center and later transferred to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles for intensive treatment and psychological evaluation.

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Withdrawal and Professional Impact

The immediate consequence of the crisis was Wilson's complete withdrawal from the public eye and professional commitments. He was scheduled to begin filming the highly anticipated comedy *Tropic Thunder*, directed by and starring Ben Stiller, a close friend and frequent collaborator. Due to his hospitalization and need for recovery, Wilson had to drop out of the film. His role, a washed-up professional golfer named Rick Peck, was ultimately taken over by Matthew McConaughey.

The withdrawal was a necessary step for the actor to focus on his mental health. His older brother, Andrew Wilson, moved in with him to provide full-time support, becoming instrumental in his initial recovery and helping him navigate the intense media scrutiny and the private battle with depression.

From Crisis to Candidness: Owen Wilson's Path to Peace and Advocacy

For years following the 2007 attempt, Owen Wilson remained notoriously private about the incident. He was known to walk out of interviews or shut down conversations at the mere mention of his "difficult times." This understandable reluctance was a coping mechanism to protect his fragile recovery and maintain personal boundaries.

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A New Chapter of Openness (Post-2020)

In recent years, however, Wilson has begun to speak more candidly about his mental health struggles, signaling a new chapter of peace and acceptance. In a 2021 interview with Esquire, he reflected on the experience, attributing much of his progress to the support of his brother, Andrew, and his own personal growth. He has transitioned from a comedy star avoiding the topic to a quiet, powerful advocate for mental health awareness.

Finding 'Peace' After 50

Wilson has spoken about how his perspective has changed significantly, particularly after turning 50. He describes a sense of "peace" he has found, learning to appreciate the simple things in life—a philosophy he calls learning to "smell the roses." This shift in focus has allowed him to move past the trauma and embrace a more balanced life, recognizing himself as a "survivor" who has overcome significant challenges with addiction and depression.

Thematic Resonance in Recent Work

His recent professional projects also reflect this thematic maturity. For instance, his role in the Apple TV+ series, *Stick*, where he plays a washed-up professional golfer seeking a "reckoning," mirrors his own journey of self-reflection and recovery. Furthermore, his lead role as Agent Mobius M. Mobius in the Marvel series *Loki* brought him back into the blockbuster spotlight, proving his enduring talent and resilience.

Owen Wilson’s story, centered on the stark reality of August 26, 2007, serves as a powerful reminder that mental health struggles can affect anyone, regardless of their public persona or success. His subsequent journey from crisis to candidness offers a message of hope and resilience, underscoring the importance of family support, professional treatment, and the slow, steady process of finding peace.