Instantly recognizable by his signature nose, dry delivery, and ability to blend easygoing charm with profound melancholy, Owen Wilson has enjoyed a career spanning every genre, from action-comedy blockbusters to critically revered auteur dramas. He is equally famous for his long-running creative partnership with Wes Anderson—a collaboration that earned him an Oscar nomination for screenwriting—and his spot in the “Frat Pack” of comedy superstars.
To honor his special day, here are 10 roles that perfectly showcase the breadth of his versatile, often understated, brilliance.
Bottle Rocket (1996)
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This low-key crime caper, which Wilson co-wrote with director Wes Anderson, marked his film debut and was the foundational piece for both of their careers. Wilson starred as Dignan, a dreamer and the eccentric mastermind of a series of amateur, often disastrous, heists. His unique blend of desperate ambition and earnest delusion established the quirky, sincere persona that would become his trademark.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
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Continuing his work with Wes Anderson, Wilson co-wrote this highly acclaimed film and delivered a memorable supporting performance as Eli Cash, the Tenenbaums’ wealthy, drug-addicted next-door neighbor and family friend. The role, which earned him a shared Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay, saw him perfectly embody the film’s blend of tragicomic absurdity and literary eccentricity.
Meet the Parents (2000)
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Wilson delivered a hilariously droll performance as Kevin Rawley, the wealthy, handsome, and impossibly well-adjusted ex-fiancé of Pam Byrnes (Teri Polo). As an amiable, wealthy stock investor/carpenter, Kevin is the perfect foil to the neurotic chaos of Ben Stiller’s character, Greg Focker. Wilson’s calm, successful demeanor and deep rapport with the Byrnes family hilariously exacerbate Greg’s insecurities and the paranoia of Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro).
Zoolander (2001)
In one of the most defining comedies of the early 2000s, Wilson proved his comedic prowess as Hansel McDonald, the effortlessly cool rival of male model Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller). Hansel, the “Butterscotch Stallion,” was a chaotic, spiritual, and hilarious parody of fashion ego, demonstrating Wilson’s masterful ability to play an absurdly handsome idiot with a totally straight face.
Shanghai Noon (2000)
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This action-comedy successfully launched Wilson as a leading man outside of the Wes Anderson universe, proving his chemistry translated to global action star standards. He starred as Roy O’Bannon, a lazy but charismatic Western outlaw who is forced to partner with a Chinese Imperial Guard (Jackie Chan). Their dynamic created a highly successful buddy-cop franchise that blended martial arts with laid-back humor.
Wedding Crashers (2005)
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Wilson co-led this R-rated comedy smash hit as John Beckwith, a divorce mediator who partners with his friend (Vince Vaughn) to crash weddings in search of romantic conquests. The film capitalized on his affable, charming persona while adding a layer of cynical desperation, cementing his status as one of Hollywood’s most bankable comedy leads.
You, Me and Dupree (2006)
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This comedy put Wilson front and center as the star, playing Randolph “Dupree”, the charming but utterly irresponsible best friend who loses his job and home and moves in with his newlywed buddy, Carl, and his wife, Molly. The film is a perfect vehicle for Wilson’s trademark sweet-spirited slacker persona, chronicling his endearing attempts to be helpful which invariably result in him straining the couple’s relationship and sanity.
Marley & Me (2008)
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Wilson showcased his dramatic vulnerability in this emotional film adaptation, playing journalist John Grogan, a newly married man who adopts a rambunctious but lovable Labrador retriever. The movie is a quiet, touching exploration of marriage, family life, and loss, with Wilson providing the grounding, relatable center to the bittersweet narrative alongside co-star Jennifer Aniston.
Midnight in Paris (2011)
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In Woody Allen’s whimsical, Golden Globe-nominated romantic comedy, Wilson starred as Gil Pender, an American screenwriter who magically travels back to the 1920s every night. Wilson’s performance perfectly captured the character’s signature blend of low-key neurosis and romantic longing for a past he never lived through, earning him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
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Reuniting with Wes Anderson for this Oscar-winning film, Wilson played the supporting role of Monsieur Chuck, one of the many kind, discreet members of the secret society of concierges, “The Society of the Crossed Keys.” Though brief, his cameo was a memorable demonstration of his commitment to Anderson’s intricate, unique ensemble worlds.
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Cars (2006)
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In his most commercially successful role, Wilson provided the voice of the enthusiastic, hot-shot rookie race car Lightning McQueen for the Pixar animated franchise. His vocal performance gave the cocky but ultimately good-hearted character his emotional depth, anchoring one of Disney’s biggest animated film series and extending his appeal across multiple generations of fans.
