Inside the Actors Studio Season 11 Episode 16 Owen Wilson
- February 20, 2005
In season 11, episode 16 of Inside the Actors Studio, the renowned talk show host, James Lipton, sits down with the beloved comedic actor, Owen Wilson. The episode is an intimate and in-depth conversation, which provides an insightful look into the life and career of Wilson.
The episode begins with Lipton delving into Wilson's early life and upbringing, discussing his childhood in a family of creative minds. Wilson's mother was a photographer and his father was an advertising executive, which contributed to his early exposure to the arts. As a child, Wilson moved around quite a bit due to his father's job, but this only fueled his natural talent for storytelling and improvisation.
As the conversation moves into Wilson's early career, Lipton explores his time at the University of Texas at Austin, where he met and formed a lifelong friendship with fellow actor and collaborator, Wes Anderson. Wilson and Anderson spent countless hours writing and performing together, which led to their first film, Bottle Rocket, in 1996.
The episode takes a fascinating turn as Wilson discusses his battle with depression and how it affected his career. He talks about how difficult it was for him to come to terms with his mental health, and how he learned to cope with it over time. He credits his family and close friends, including Anderson and his brothers Luke and Andrew, for their unwavering support and understanding.
Throughout the episode, Lipton and Wilson laugh and joke, providing a light and humorous tone to the conversation. They discuss some of Wilson's notable comedic roles in films like Zoolander, Wedding Crashers, and The Darjeeling Limited, as well as his more serious performances in films like Midnight in Paris and The Royal Tenenbaums. Wilson also talks about his experiences working with some of Hollywood's biggest names, including Meryl Streep, Ben Stiller, and Woody Allen.
As the episode draws to a close, Lipton asks Wilson the show's signature question: "What is your favorite curse word?" Wilson responds with a cheeky grin, keeping the audience laughing until the very end.
Overall, season 11, episode 16 of Inside the Actors Studio provides an intimate look into the life and career of one of Hollywood's most beloved comedic actors. Wilson's openness and humor make for a delightful and engaging conversation, which is sure to leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for his talent and charisma.