What do we really know about Owen Wilson?

Mary Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 06:49 PM EST

Happy Birthday Owen! Over the Hill? May it be sweeter! xoxo

Meri Sat, Sep 1, 2007 at 07:28 PM EST

There is always a place in each of us where we do not allow others. Sometimes it is easier to put on a smile, make a joke, or be the loudest in the room...it is a lot harder to be completely vulnerable and expose the feelings or inner thoughts you may really be experiencing. There is a fear with that type of "what if they really knew me ". However, that is how depression shows itself...in the form of self doubt, denial, irrational thought/behavior. While Owen is an incredibly gifted actor and comedian, I wish him all the rest, self reflection, and healing that he deserves. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to be followed around by the paparazzi daily, but Owen...there are people (friends, family, and fans) that care about you the person, not the celebrity. I pray you find the light at the end of this tunnel. You are here, that is the first step in the right direction. My prayers are with you. xoxo

Amy Fri, Aug 31, 2007 at 07:00 PM EST

Kudos to Susman for this well written post. I don't know Owen, but I enjoy his films and I will see them whenever he starts making them again. I hope he gets the help he needs, that the press and public respect him and his privacy at this time, and that the people who do know him give him the support he needs.

Stephen Thu, Aug 30, 2007 at 05:28 PM EST

I always liked Owen, as he is very diverse, as opposed to Vaughn, Ferrel, Sandler, and others who play the same role in every freakin movie.

Miss Magnificent Thu, Aug 30, 2007 at 02:23 PM EST

I don't normally comment, but at some point, I hope that Owen Wilson sees these comments and realizes that although we don't know him, we do care about him, and hope he gets all the help he needs and recovers. Some people just reach out and grab you from the screen, Owen is one of those. As for his career, if he chooses to continue in the movie biz, we'll be here to see his work. Good bless, Owen and you don't have to explain yourself to anyone.

melanie Thu, Aug 30, 2007 at 01:56 PM EST

Dear Father, please wrap your love and grace around Owen. shine your light bright so he may see his way to you. He is lost and needs you in his life. I pray that Owen will have the strength to look for you and the help he needs to get well and brought to a place that he will recognize he is worthy of your unconditional love. Stay with him through this and with his family, they all need your strength and love. This is a dark time for all of them but I have faith you will bring them out of this darkness and into your light. Thank you Lord you are all powerful and we are powerless without you, Amen

DOT Thu, Aug 30, 2007 at 11:52 AM EST

lOVE OWEN WILSON, HE HAS A FUNNY, AMUSING YET VULNERABILE PERSONA. IF OWEN WAS DOING DRUGS, HE WAS SELF MEDICATING...ITS UNFORTUNATE THAT TODAY'S YOUNG PEOPLE ARE NOT AS KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT HEROIN AND THE DEVASTATION THAT DRUG CAUSES. HEROIN IS A VERY HARD DRUG TO KICK, BUT IT CAN BE DONE. OWEN, WE'RE PRAYING FOR YOU GUY...DON'T BE EMBARASSED OR ASHAMED, JUST GET YOUR LIFE ON TRACK...GET ON ANTI-DEPRESSANTS...WE NEED YOU IN OUR LIVES...LOVE AND KISSES FROM A LOYAL FAN...DOT

monkeytime Thu, Aug 30, 2007 at 11:06 AM EST

It's so hard for me to believe that somone who's made me laugh so much has enough despair in his soul to prompt such an act. Having suffered an almost lethal depression myself, I remember what it felt like to look into the abyss and think that the jump into it would be a blessing. I didn't take the jump though, and I'm thankful I didn't.

Hang in there Owen. When things are that bleak, the thought goes "if they really knew me, they'd hate me." Maybe. But probably not, and we'd likely forgive you anyway.

Ames Thu, Aug 30, 2007 at 09:11 AM EST

I don't know Owen Wilson at all so I don't want to assume too much about him or his life. But I do know that seemingly happy-go-lucky people often suffer harder from depression b/c their friends expect them to be the life of the party and don't want the party to bring them down. We can't really help OW except for well-wishing, but we can use it as a reminder to be there for our friends and family -- not just when time permits.

Snarf Thu, Aug 30, 2007 at 06:34 AM EST

No one can really "know" anyone.
Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

oxyrotten Thu, Aug 30, 2007 at 12:34 AM EST

New to the world of blog. sorry for not sticking to the subject as well as personalizing it. i am certainly not an authority on depression/suicide and did not mean to simplify the subject. However, if anyone can relate...great.

oxyrotten Thu, Aug 30, 2007 at 12:10 AM EST

you can count on 2 things regarding depression: it will always subside eventually and it will always eventually rear its ugly head again. When you self medicate, you're a mad scientist at work insulting your own brain to the point where your brain is telling you to slit your wrists. I suffer from depression and addiction as well. As for my two cents, what has always kept me from jumping from a building is #1, although i'd like to believe there's something divine waiting on the other side, i haven't seen proof and it may well just be "lights out". So, since this is the only hand i know for sure im getting dealt, i'm playing out the hand. In the grand schemes of things, we're here for just a real quick minute anyway. #2, I've come to terms with the simple fact that "life's hard!, but that's ok. it cant be x-mas everyday and even if it were the sweet times wouldn't seem so sweet. if feelin down, go get a puppy, kitten or anything u can c the beauty in on a daily basis and count your bles

Ginnie Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 10:42 PM EST

I am terribly saddened for Owen and his family or for anyone who is experiencing such heartache that suicide is seen as the only way out. It isn't. If you feel sad, depressed and have lost interest in activities that once made you happy, you need to tell someone who can help you. Hospital emergency rooms never close. If you don't feel you can get yourself to a hospital, call 911 and tell them you need someone to drive you. The United Way has lots of information about depression or grief support groups.

chippy Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 10:32 PM EST

Owen Wilson is a fine young actor who plays comedic roles very well. It is very sad that his life does not imitate his art.This life crisis he is presently going through clearly indicates that things are rarely ever what they appear to be. I wish him a successful recovery and hope his pain is eased as soon as possible....and that the media just stops trying to invade his privacy.

yothere Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 10:11 PM EST

Good article. The shock comes from the superficially obvious: a publicly likable young(ish) man in the midst of a thriving career with all the advantages it brings is unhappy/inhinged enough to want to end it all. The why of it will pass from his psyche and it's not our right or business to know anymore about the specifics. What it may do is shake people up enough to pay attention to those closer around them and just ask "You ok?" more often. I feel for him and hope he will be able to regain his equilibrium. Best wishes and plain old hugs to Owen Wilson.

Stephen to Houstonian Jen Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 09:42 PM EST

CNN is losing credibility. The worst is "Showbiz Tonight." All their alleged 'experts' are camera loving p.r. ppl and therapists. Between that and Larry, it's sickening. I.E. whenever they do a story on Rosie, Donald Trump is called in as an expert. Seriously.

Stephen to Stephanie T. Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 09:40 PM EST

That's what I meant. I know celebs are, at the end of the day, just like us. I am guilty for elevating them, along with millions of others. The only difference is their career and passion is very public, which unfortunately means so is their personal lives, which I disagree with. I think the media is vicious, which is why EW is really the only mag I read, they (usually) avoid gossip/scandal. (Unless, of course, they devote an entire issue to it. LOL).

Nix Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 09:00 PM EST

I think those who wish him the best should do their best to leave him alone. Aside from friends and family, we are not needed and are only intruding. Get those goddamn celeb mag editors off this man's pain. You know they're happy to do this dry run for when one of their favorite starlets actually does this and succeeds.

Houstonian Jen in DC Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 08:44 PM EST

I was completely disgusted last night when Larry King had on four "experts" to discuss the Owen Wilson situation. Who were these experts, you ask? Oh...just the guy who started TMZ.com, an Entertainment Tonight reporter, some dude from People.com, and a psychiatrist from that celebrity psych facility, Wonderland. I was overwhelmed by all of the credibility!

Great job, Larry King. Way to promote the responsible journalism!!

bootsycolumbia Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 08:19 PM EST

KingLouie, I struggle from a serious form of arthritis AND I have an extremely intellectually handicapped 12 year old son. According to you, it would be understandable if I attempted suicide. Well, the reason I haven't is because I've never had to deal with depression. Owen Wilson has buckets of money, fame and success the likes of which I can only dream, but he also battles clinical depression. That's why he attempted suicide. I wish him nothing but love and luck and hope that his recovery takes precedence over any movie role.

Teresa Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 07:31 PM EST

I'm sad for Owen and his family. I wish him a full recovery and all of the privacy he needs. My mother committed suicide and I was devastated but I understand that her pain was deep-rooted. A suicide isn't ever trivial; it signals a need for qualified mental health assistance. Take care, Owen. There are a lot of us rooting for you.

Martha Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 07:27 PM EST

Emperor, thanks for your excellent comments. I realize the downside of fame every time I stand in a supermarket line and look at the tabloids. Celebrities go through the same ups and downs as the rest of us, they just do it with everyone else watching. Makes my skin crawl. And King Louie, I understand what you're saying about not giving celebrities special treatment - it's unfortunate when "average people" can't get the help they need when they have mental (or physical) health problems. But that's a whole different post subject.

Eri Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 06:58 PM EST

My mom always told me you never know what goes on behind closed doors. Simply none of us know what he was dealing with. Nor is it important. His recovery is.

Valerie Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 06:42 PM EST

I was very saddened by the news of Owen Wilson's suicide attempt, mostly because he has always looked and sounded like an "actual person", who likes to work with his brother and his friends, and who is not seen everywhere doing outrageous things. In short, he is one of the few celebrities to which we feel we can relate.

So I'm feeling sad for him, of course, but mostly hoping he has the care and support he needs.

Cranky Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 06:41 PM EST

p.s. --I think the implosions of Britney and Lindsay illustrate a related principle. Those girls got too famous, too fast, and are unable to handle the demands of their notoriety. I don't think people should stop pursuing fame and wealth if that's what they want, but should be careful to examine their own ability to handle it. Be careful what you wish for. Best of luck to OW.

Cranky Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 06:37 PM EST

Well said, Emperor. I think Americans are obsessed with fame, without really understanding what sacrifice it entails. This sad situation illustrates what so many wise people have tried to tell us: money and fame cannot buy happiness. Who knows why he did it--I just hope the press will give him some space and kindness.

nunya Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 06:27 PM EST

i really like owen wilson and i hope he gets all the help he needs...but this news story has me thinking if there has ever been another celebrity who has made a suicide attempt and then rebounded. i mean, there will always be questions. and while i wish that owen regains a wonderful sense of life and purpose, man, i really like him as an actor and a writer....and i mean is it wrong of me to hope he'll grace a movie screen again for my (as well as many others) movie-going pleasure?

Stephanie T. Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 06:16 PM EST

Stephen:

Both the media and fanatics "elevates them to a higher level" they don't elevate themselves. I once had dinner with Michael Impirioli and his wife Victoria. To him acting is his chosen profession. These are people with problems just like everybody else.

to the King and the Emperor Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 05:46 PM EST

King Louie: Plenty of people who suffer from severe depression are unsuccessful at "sucking it up" and seeking the help they need. That's why suicides occur in all communities and in all walks of life. There's no reason to expect more from somone just because they are famous or wealthy. Mental health issues, almost by definition, can prevent people from seeing things clearly or thinking rationally. I don't think you need to pity anyone, but perhaps a little more education about the nature of clinical depression would be appropriate.

We don't know if OW suffered from depression, but it's by far the leading cause of suicide so it's a likely possibility. And as Emperor N brilliantly noted, artists are frequently plagued with mental health issues. There's a lot of evidence that comedians especially often suffer from depression -- but of course they hide it from the world beautifully.

Stephen to KingLouisXVIII Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 05:28 PM EST

First of all, I'm not trying to start a fight. But, I think what i disagree with you (kinda) about is that yes, we all have problems, and perspective is important. Unfortunately, stars are elevated to a higher postion than the rest of us. Through rumors, stories, movies/music, we form a bond. We watch reality shows and dumb comedies like 'Wedding Crashers' to escape from our drama. So, it's hard to see the stars we love so much suffer. That I think is the point of this post, being despite all the blogs and glossy mags, we really don't know these people. If that did not make any sense, as I tend to ramble, let me know, and I'll try to clarify. :)

Calliope10 Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 04:43 PM EST

A great piece of writing - the best I've read so far on the subject. For some reason, Owen Wilson's suicide attempt has thrown me into an existential tailspin. For a person who seemed to have it all - good looks, talent, wealth - as well as seeming to be intelligent, funny and charming to try suicide - it's just really very sad. We were all the more deceived. Please get well soon, Owen.

Stef Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 04:12 PM EST

Rushmore is one of my all-time favorite movies and proof that he is an intelligent, thoughtful man. I couldn't care less whether or not he is in another movie again, as long as he gets better and finds happiness in his life. Best of luck to you, Owen Wilson.

Emperor Norton Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 03:57 PM EST

Here's the thing about being an artist of any kind: All art is about being an outsider, and most of it is about pain.

Humor is about pain. Great paintings are about pain. Great ballets, great films, you name it. Pain.

Yet most consumers of the entertainment-industrial complex totally ignore that. I don't know, maybe none of you are artists. Maybe you're here at EW just to watch. To put your money in the slot and make the monkeys dance for you.

But they're not monkeys. They're talented, unusual, strange outsiders who use art to communicate ideas and emotions that are not acceptable or "normal," in most cases.

And fame is a horror unless you're a very lite person with a big leaning toward narcissism. It's nothing to be envious about. Fame is a garden that gets WAY too much sun, and it can easily burn out a sensitive person like Owen.

We pay artists to be outsiders, to be sensitive, and to live in the pain of an art career. While we watch.

There's a price.

wildcat Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 03:27 PM EST

Yes hundreds of peoples jobs hinge on a movie being made or not. but, while I really like OW, any movie he is scheduled to be in already has other major stars in and he can be replaced. the ben stiller movie already started and will proceed without him. he's not taking food off anyones plate. a movie not making it into production is the price of the ticket you pay when you go into a business such as this.

whimsey Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 03:19 PM EST

meant "humor"

whimsey Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 03:17 PM EST

TO Sandee: I wondered how long it would take for someone to post some half-a$$ed rumor. Bad form.

Lesley Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 03:17 PM EST

I agree with that with Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan their behavior is more attention getting and narcissistic while Wilson clearly was in pain and needed help. If this has any negative affect on his career, I'd been very surprised.
I'm not really surprised, though, about some of the comments from people saying that the average person doesn't have the luxury to have melt downs like stars do. While I agree that we don't have the luxury of taking time out of our lives like that, it doesn't mean that I don't feel sympathy for someone that I see going through the same thing I've been through, no matter how much money they have. We may envy people's money and fame and talent, but every job and every situation in life has its own stresses and problems that other people will not really be able to understand. I think maybe some people think they are supposed to be super human and don't get help. I certainly hope Wilson does.

sandee Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 03:04 PM EST

The morning before i heard about the suicide attempt i heard on the radio that he had been caught in a bathroom with a man in Ohio on the weekend..but i haven't heard anything about that since...hmmm

KingLouieXVIII Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 02:34 PM EST

CATHERINE: I never said celebrities were super-human. I'm sure they all have tons of problems, but WE ALL HAVE PROBLEMS. The difference between a celebrity and the average person is that the AP cannot afford to take 3 months off from their job and deal with his/her issues. I really do wish OW the best, but he wont get a "pity party" from me.
MARTHA: If OW does suffer from depression or mental health issues couldn't he afford some decent treatment? Again, the average person would just suck it up and deal with it. I'm not trying to be an a**, but I am attempting to keep things in perspective.

lw Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 02:28 PM EST

butterscotch stallion forever! get well, owen, and move OUT of hell a. take luke with you.

Rose Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 02:14 PM EST

This seems like it's entirely his own business and the business of his loved ones and not ours.

With that said, I do wish him well. I hope that if a female celebrity finds herself in the same situation everyone here will be as sympathetic and understanding.

Lynny Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 01:21 PM EST

Thinking about him and hope he gets better. We forget these people have whole lives and other sides to their personality that we don't know. I'm glad he is still alive.

Charlie Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 01:00 PM EST

No amount of money or fame can buy you happiness. And at the end of the day, no matter what your position in this world is, we're all just ordinary people. This kind of thing, unfortunately, can happen to anyone. So I wish Owen Wilson all the best and hope for a speedy and healthy recovery.

Just Sayin' Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 12:59 PM EST

I wish the man well and that he has a speedy recovery.

But riddle me this. What reason could a blonde haired, blue eyed millionaire actor/ ladies man have to kill himself? Dude got to date Sheryl Crow and Kate Hudson. He hangs out with Vince Vaughn, knows Jackie Chan and gets to make movies with Ben Stiller. And it's not like his movie career was showing any signs of trouble. Seems to me like he was living the life.

Sure, there was the breakup with Kate Hudson, but come on. Dude never got dumped in 38 years? Suicide over an ex girlfriend seems so "high school" to me.

I'm sorry, but didn't this cat have any friends to speak to? He couldn't afford a good shrink with his salary?

Really, I do wish Mr. Wilson a speedy recovery, but darn it if lots about this incident don't bug me.

Maybe it is the feeling that Wilson has a "next door neighbor and good pal to have at the BBQ" quality about him we could all relate to.

Ron Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 12:58 PM EST

I wish Owen Wilson the best and hopes he gets the time he needs to fully recover. He seems to have a great support system and thousands of fans who want nothing but the best for him. I hope the outpouring of good will allows him to see this.

reh Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 12:58 PM EST

it is funny, as Gary says in his post, how we in the audience can feel like we have a relationship with Owen just from seeing his films. i guess that's just a credit to his abilities as an actor and writer. i certainly wish him all the best and look forward to seeing him back on his feet again.

the wilson family deserves a lot of credit through all of this. instead of doing the popular thing and going straight to the nearest media outlet to ask for "help" for their "loved one" (hello amy winehouse's parents), they have done what any decent family would do - circled the wagons and told the rest of us to mind our own business.

anonymous Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 12:47 PM EST

"I love when you post any viewpoint other than the opinion of the blog poster, you get ridiculed"

Right, it's always suppression of individuality. Never because of something mispoken or incorrect on the part of the commenter.

Stephanie Travitsky Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 12:43 PM EST

First off I would like to say that the statement his publicist gave on Monday deserves a round of applause. Not many celebrity publicists would say that. On the other hand as a former journalist when you make that statement (especially after the Lindsay Lohan fiasco) you are holding out a great big sign that says "I'm hiding something". Then the following day reports were flagging around that Wilson tried to commit suicide.

Now as a daughter of a woman who has attempted to commit suicide a few times, I can tell you that suicide is a big red flag for a numerous amount of problems. These problems not only affect the person involved, they affect their family members as well. Let's just say that I never expected to be a 21 year old substitute mother to my 13 year old brother. I am glad that my mom is well, but I digress. Whatever Owen Wilson is going through, hopefully with therapy he will deal with his issues. Perhaps he should retire from acting and go back to writing.

GingerCat Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 12:36 PM EST

My sympathy goes out to Owen Wilson and his family. I hope he gets better and see no need for him to "go public" about what happened or how he feels about it.
The idea that Ben Stiller would end their friendship over Owen dropping out of a CAMEO in his movie (which is what it is) is ludicrous. The idea that Kate Hudson is somehow to blame . . . also ludicrous. And the idea that Owen "should" be totally happy because he's had a successful career--well, that's not logical. I think having career and material success can sometimes magnify personal problems, i.e., "I have everything, so why am I still not happy?"
Of course, I don't know if that's what happened with Owen, and I don't want to know. I just hope he recovers.

junior Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 12:30 PM EST

Obvs, the "junior (con't)" is not me. I love when you post any viewpoint other than the opinion of the blog poster, you get ridiculed (if that's what "my parents are cousins" was, I'm really not sure). I WISH OWEN WILSON THE BEST! My point was he's not the only person in the world. Other people's jobs can also be affected. Hopefully, the media will report on that (if it happens and it may not) in a respectful manner.

alm034 Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 12:24 PM EST

So much of celebrity scandal nowadays reeks of "look at me!", a desperate attempt for attention (I'm looking in your direction, Lindsay Lohan). With Owen Wilson being much more low key and scandal-free, I think people understand that this is an honest-to-God, very personal thing he's going through. I know he's got my sympathy and hope that we will all just leave him alone until when and if he ever wants to come back into the spotlight.

Jilly Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 12:24 PM EST

This is a very well-written article. I am an OW fan as well and sincerely hope he gets better. The last thing he needs to be worried about is his career; he needs to focus on himself for a while. I'm sure Ben Stiller understood this and has no hard feelings. It's good that Owen has supportive family and friends.

jenjen Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 12:19 PM EST

I was shocked by this. I hope he can get through this. His health and well being are more important than his career right now. I'm sure there are plenty of actors who will be willing to replace him in his upcoming projects. I think Ben Stiller ending his friendship over this would be wrong. I don't believe in kicking somebody when they are down and he needs the people who are his true friends right now. Unfortunately it usually takes hitting rock bottom to find out who true friends are.

I wish him and his family well.

Martha Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 12:17 PM EST

King Louie, the fact of the matter is that celebrities are also just people, with problems just like the rest of us. Just because Owen Wilson is rich, handsome and famous doesn't mean that he might not suffer from depression or other mental health issues. If he did have a breakdown or try to commit suicide, blaming him for messing up the Stiller movie when "there are thousands of talented struggling actors...who never get the chance" is a pretty cheap shot and devalues his suffering. A friend of mine is a realtor (and father of five) who just had a breakdown and is in the hospital, but nobody's moaning that other realtors would like to own his business but don't have that chance.

Chuck_A Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 12:13 PM EST

I rarely post anything without humour, but this one really bothers me. I hope he gets the time and privacy needed to recover completely (and who gives a damn about having to skip a movie comittment after something like this?). Get well soon, OW.

Catherine Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 12:08 PM EST

To KingLouieXVIII: From the outside, it might appear that celebrities have it all, but they are celebrities, not superhumans!! One cannot judge the actions of another, especcially a person like Owen Wilson, when we don't even know of the situation he is in. I have known some people in my (odrinary) life who commited suicide and it always come as a surprise, believe me!
I truly admire Owen Wilson, as an actor and as a person, and wish him well! Love.

Kate Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 12:07 PM EST

I also was shocked and sad to hear Owen Wilson tried to commit suicide because he always seemed like a pretty roll-with-it kind of guy in his films. I am glad that he or his camp is admitting what happened and I hope he gets the help he needs. This is a big reminder that all the money or the relationships in the world aren't going to help someone who feels that lonely and isolated. I hope he can work this out and get back to acting, or sheep herding if that's what he decides to do next.

kth Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 12:05 PM EST

I agree with Gary's comment about OW's reservoir of goodwill. I also think that he just comes off in interviews and in movies as a good guy and a decent human being, so I have a lot of sympathy for him. Depression can hit anyone, regardless of financial situation or career success. I hope he gets the help that he needs and comes out OK. While I agree that it is the media's job to put this event into a context, I'd hope they would be sensitive about it.

Pam Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 11:56 AM EST

Jonathan, I had the exact same thought about Royal Tenenbaums. It was such a shocking scene in a movie that had been, up until that point, fairly light.

jonathan Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 11:47 AM EST

I think it is really sad what happened to OW. My first thought when I heard about his attempt was about the scene in RT when Richie tries to committ suicide. It made me wonder if it was Owen who wrote that scene and it kinda left me feeling a bit sick.

I wish him the best and look forward to seeing his new Wes Anderson film.

KingLouieXVIII Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 11:33 AM EST

I feel sorry for OW. I wish him well, and I hope he is able to recover soon. Having said that, I don't understand how celebrities can screw up their life so bad when they have it so good. Sure, many people will argue that money, success, and fame do not guarantee happiness. Very true, but here is a newsflash: that's already waaaaaaay ahead of the game than the average person. There are single mothers struggling to earn a living and taking care of their children, thousands of people living with terminal diseases, parents who despite working two jobs are unable to pay rent and bills. These are the people who have it bad and whose attempt at suicide would be somewhat understandable. An actor who gets paid millions of dollars per picture, not so much. I know I'm being extremely judgmental, but it makes me angry to know there are thousands of talented struggling actors, writers, and directors who would trade places with the Lindsey's and Owen's in a heartbeat but who never get the chance.

Ceballos Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 11:26 AM EST

If I were asked to compile a list of celebrities most likely to try to committ suicide (though I'm not sure why anyone would ask this), Owen Wilson wouldn't have even cracked my top 500 and it wasn't till I thought about it that's it's due to his screen persona and, to a lesser extent, the easy going charm he puts on to promote a project.

I was watching Wedding Crashers this past weekend right before this news broke and the scene where he's comically suicidal (reading a book called "Don't Jump") now has become extremely morbid all of a sudden.

I also agree with Junior that, while the most important thing is for Wilson to solve whatever issues led him to apparently try to take his own life, people can't just ignore how it affects his and other people's (often multi-million dollar) livelihood.

Simon Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 11:24 AM EST

I wish him a successful recovery.

Phil Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 11:23 AM EST

Shooting movies in Hawaii are expensive, since like any movie shot on location, you're trying to keep your budget down & get the movie done as quick as possible.

Oh, and here is my one light hearted joke about this entire matter...MAYBE IT WASN'T KATE HUDSON! Maybe owen Wilson FINALLY got so sick of hearing Sean Kingston's "Beautiful Girls" on the radio all the time!! (That attempt at levity was intended to add some humor to a serious situation. I'm not that big of a jerk!)

wildcat Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 11:22 AM EST

I honestly hope that he just goes back to work - after a complete recovery, however long that may take - and never addresses what happened. It's not our constitutional right to know. it's Owen and his family's private affair. so what if he is a "major" actor, it is none of our business.

Phil Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 11:19 AM EST

I have to agree with Junior on this. I mean, sure Owen & Ben have worked together before & I'm sure he'd loved to have done this film together as well, but regardless of whether Wilson attempted to committ suicide last weekend (which, I'm NOT making light of, AT ALL), the fact of the matter is simply, he is incapable of being in Hawaii this week for the shoot, since he is in a hospital recovering. So yes, clearly, his actions last weekend, prevent him from doing his job this week.

I know this story isn't going away anytime soon & I'm at least glad that the Wilson family admitted Owen attempted suicide rather than some ridiculous excuse, but lets address the rumored cause: Kate Hudson. Sure she seems liked by all, but she married that Black Crowes creep years ago then wound up divorced when a cuter leading Hollywood man came along & now over the past few months, it appears Kate dumped Owen for a similiar looking actor, without the smashed in nose, Dax Shepard. Its gotta be rough!

CarrieKat Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 11:16 AM EST

I agree 100% on the "reservoir of good will"/Wilson's lack of previous scandals comment. I have tons of good will for him and am sending lots of positive thoughts his way. I don't normally feel sorry for celebrities, especially ones like Lindsey Lohan and Britney Spears. But, for some reason, I'm feeling really sad for Owen. Maybe it's because he seemed so low key. I also hope that he gets the help he needs and his and his family's focus should be on that, not his work or potential work or what this might do to his work. Work should come second some one's mental health. If we all lived that way, we'd be a lot more sane.

junior (cont'd) Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 11:15 AM EST

Yeah, I think people aren't really selfish enough. They need to just stop worrying about his mental health and more worried about when they can see Wedding Crashers 2! I mean, look at me! My parents are cousins and I don't go trying to kill myself! It's his own fault, and Ben Stiller should end their friendship for pulling out of his movie!

junior Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 11:10 AM EST

I like OW and wish him the best, but I can't stand when people get upset when reporters ask questions about his films. He is a star and he drops out of a film for any reason, the film may not get made or it may be postponed and the crew members, writers, directors, assistants, everyone involved doesn't have that job they thought they would have. Just because something awful happened to him (which if he did try to commit suicide, he did that to himself but I won't go there) doesn't mean the world stops. Asking about his projects is a fair question.

Stephen Wed, Aug 29, 2007 at 11:03 AM EST

I agree. It churns my stomach when I read a story about this and the reporter asks, "But how will this affect his career?"