Owen Wilson, star of “The Wedding Crashers” as well as every Ben Stiller movie ever created and bona fide member of what some have dubbed “The Frat Pack,” was rushed to the hospital via ambulance on Sunday. The Star and the National Enquirer, which were the first to report the story, said Wilson had cut both wrists and taken an “indeterminate amount of pills.”
A Boston Globe report also mentioned that the actor was single, and proceeded to tell a story about ex-girlfriend Kate Hudson being in Boston but somehow avoiding an approaching reporter.
So welcome back to the game of celebrity hospitalization and “journalistic” speculation. Do we trust the accounts of the Star and the Enquirer, known in the past for stories of alien births and celebrity weight gains/infidelities? Are they reporting the seamy side of truth, or edging toward fiction? Was this a suicide attempt, or a grossly misinterpreted accident?
In case we don’t trust the two aforementioned sources (and to be clear, I don’t), we can go to more reliable outlets: The AP adds a descriptive element, saying Wilson was found “bloodied and dazed after a blow-up with a close friend.”
I have no idea how much of this report is accurate. None of us know except Owen Wilson and his family. And I can’t imagine the pain that causes someone to take an action like this. So until we hear it from Wilson himself, I’m tempted to believe that it’s all a misunderstanding. Beyond that, I find myself thinking about how this is yet another illustration of a simple fact of celebrity culture: A person is not always who they are on-screen–that even if someone seems relatable on screen, or seems raucously hilarious and fun loving, there is likely another side you can’t see, and might not want to see.
And according to FOX News, Wilson released a statement through his publicist: “I respectfully ask that the media allow me to receive care and heal in private during this difficult time,” he said.
At least this member of the media thinks that’s an excellent idea. On behalf of Idol Chatter, I wish Owen a full and speedy recovery.



posted August 28, 2007 at 1:31 pm
Even in our oversaturated-with-nonstories society, I remain confused about how this story has become a story. It’s private, we don’t know the facts, and it’s ridiculous that entertainment sites keep bringing it up.
posted August 28, 2007 at 5:38 pm
if story is true we all need to say aprayer for owen n pray for better world we live in
posted August 28, 2007 at 6:16 pm
If the man is suffering from depression and did attempt suicide, then the media should back the hell off. He needs room and time to heal – something that is not so simple with depression even when no one is knocking on your door.
posted August 28, 2007 at 6:19 pm
It’s a story because he’s a celebrity. And because people are obsessed with both building celebrities up into untouchables, and then being secretly delighted/relieved when human flaws are revealed. We like them for not being like us, and then like when we figure out that they are just like us. It’s complicated, Melissa, but I think if you re-read the piece, you’ll see that I agree that some facts are missing, and that, as Doris notes, we should say a prayer for recovery…
posted August 29, 2007 at 6:32 am
As an Owen Wilson fan, i am just hoping and praying that the situation is not as bad as it’s being made out to be. While i don’t like the fact that there so much speculation on entertainment sites, i also would wish to have a fuller picture of exactly what happened so that the speculation can stop. Whatever happened, no matter how bad, it is better to just reveal the story and stop the speculation. And fans can then move on and not be unduly worried.
posted August 29, 2007 at 10:14 am
as fans of Owen Wilson,we should keep him in our thoughts
and prayers and do what he asks.Support from everyone can
go a long way on the road to recovery.
posted August 29, 2007 at 11:02 am
Esther: I’m sorry I didn’t clarify my comment, that by “entertainment sites” I was not referring to Idol Chatter. I don’t consider it an entertainment site, as it is part of Beliefnet. I was referring to other sites that have posted Owen Wilson updates each day that amount to them repeating his statement requesting respect for his privacy, and little else. Seeing this story listed among updates about casting decisions and movie releases has struck me as bizarre from the beginning, and has hampered by enjoyment of sites I used to frequent for real entertainment news.
posted August 29, 2007 at 11:03 am
… sorry, has hampered *my enjoyment of sites …
posted August 29, 2007 at 11:50 am
I was absolutely stunned to hear this. Owen Wilson always comes across a fun, laid-back, down-to earth party boy. That he was hiding this depth of depression underneath is something I would never have expected. However, when I talked to my sister (who works for the mental health department of the local hospital) she told me that it is more common for comedians to have deep depression than many of their fans would ever think. They use their humor to escape. She went on to say, “it just goes to show you…anyone can suffer from depression.”
None of us will ever know exactly what happened that night. I just hope he thought to call his brother, Luke, or even his buddy Ben Stiller to talk about this first. When life is at its darkest, calling a trusted friend or family member can be a life saver.
posted August 29, 2007 at 1:38 pm
Owen do not let that girl get you down. The one thing you can take to the bank, no woman , no matter who she is, is not worth going to jail or killing yourself for. Pick your head up , move on , get back to work, don’t look back, and most important learn from it and come to know what is real. No hollywood BS, just real life world of living. Take care
posted August 30, 2007 at 10:20 am
I think that the media needs to leave him alone. I beleve that he loves life too much to do something like takeing his own life. I love his acting and can’t wait till his new movies are relesed on DVD’s. God Bless.
posted August 30, 2007 at 8:26 pm
I think it is really sad and pathetic what the media does for an extra buck and how society believes every word that is written or said concerning celebrities. I think Owen Wilson is an awesome actor and I hope he is granted the privacy he requested because celebrity or no celebrity everyone is entitled to work out their own private issues in a manner that is suited for them and only them.
posted August 31, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Just want to wish him well and hope he can get the right treatment for a rapid recovery because we all enjoy his work and am looking forward to seeing more of him…
Lot of Aloha from Hawaii
posted August 31, 2007 at 2:19 pm
Dear Owen my heart is with you I know what it is to experience deep inner pain and have lived to survive it. I have one thing to say to you look deep inside yourself for the truth and you will find your answer; and with that answer comes peace joy and the love you desparately need .I don”t have to mention any names when you look with your heart you will find truth Love you much from Ga.
posted August 31, 2007 at 5:13 pm
Owen, as hard as life may be, I know it’s not easy, step back take a deep breath and look around you. You are stronger than you think. You have supporters all across the globe. Don’t think your life isn’t worth anything, it’s not. It’s worth EVERYTHING. It’s not worth giving up on yourself and life. I’ve experienced it first hand with a friend who committed suicide who I’ve lived with and what that caused for everyone left to live with it. Myself and my girlfriend had to read the autopsy report and she had to look at the evidence pictures and it was horrible. It was awful. So, now every year that time, we are and will never be the same. I know Your friends, family and aquaintences will never be the same. You are needed in this world. So, please don’t go through with it. I am so very greatful that it was not a success and you’re getting help for it. I commend you.
It is going to be ok. I wish my girlfriend and I could be there to support you every step of the way through your recovery. Please; news media and every paparazzi out there, LEAVE THIS MAN ALONE TO RECOVER! Hope this helps in your recovery. Aloha all the way from Hawaii.
posted September 5, 2007 at 9:47 pm
Thanks for the clarification, Melissa. And good thoughts going out to anyone who struggles with darkness, to whatever degree.
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