Olivia Wilde is an American actress, filmmaker and activist. She directed the critically acclaimed comedy Booksmart (2019), and the thriller Don’t Worry Darling (2022).
She took on the surname Wilde inspired by the Irish author Oscar Wilde, and to honor the writers in her family. She is the daughter to renowned journalists Leslie Cockburn and Andrew Cockburn, Wilde.
Her career in the movie industry started in 2003. She is gained public recognition for her role in the television series The O.C. (2004-2005), in which she took on the part as Alex Kelly. Subsequently appearing in several movies, and an off-Broadway production. Between 2007 and 2011 Wilde played an internist in the medical drama series House. She had the starring role in the HBO drama series Vinyl (2016). A year later she debuted in the Broadway production of 1984, with roles as Julia.
Olivia Wilde: Director
Her directorial debut was with a short film series, Free Hugs (2011). She has since directed a number of documentaries, amongst them Body Team 12, which in 2015 won Best Documentary Short at the Tribeca Film Festival, and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary.
In 2016 she directed the short documentary Us Women. Under her direction the 2019 comedy Booksmart she gained much acclaim by critics.
Her latest work to be released shortly is the thriller Don’t Worry Darling, which she directs and also plays the role of a 1950’s housewife. The shows stars Harry Styles and Florence Pugh.
Other Facts
Born on March 10, 1984
Place of birth: New York City
“I think it’s very healthy to spend time alone. You need to know how to be alone and not be defined by another person.”
“The one thing that all the actresses I love have in common is that they have diversity in their careers.”