Luke Wilson

by Andre Ward | Published September 21, 2007

Versatile actor Luke Wilson was born today in 1971. In addition to working often with brothers Owen and Andrew, Luke has made three movies with director Wes Anderson, including the men’s critically acclaimed debut Bottle Rocket in 1996. Together the four have a knack for bringing out childlike whimsy in kooky and flawed characters. Despite mainstream success in high profile movies like Charlie’s Angels and Blue Streak, Wilson has shown he’s more than willing to return to his indie roots. In 2001 he re-teamed with Anderson to play a former child tennis star in the dark comedy The Royal Tenenbaums. Previously Owen Wilson had been the brother behind the scenes for their collaborative efforts, writing Bottle Rocket and Tenenbaums. But for The Wendell Baker Story, Luke took his first stab at writing and co-directing with older brother Andrew. Luke played the title con man in the 2005 movie, who finds himself working in a retirement hotel, making friends with the senior citizens and cleaning up the corruption. Throughout his career, Luke has surrounded himself with smart talent including the recently-dubbed “Frat Pack,” the new generation of comedians that includes Will Ferrell, Jack Black, Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn, who together have collaborated on some of the biggest comedies of the past 10 years.

Coming Attractions: Up next for Luke is Blonde Ambition (2007), a Working Girl rehash co-starring Jessica Simpson. In 2008 comes Henry Poole is Here, a dramedy about a man with only six weeks to live.