History of Olivia Wilde in Timeline

Olivia Wilde is an acclaimed American-Irish actress, director, and producer known for her diverse contributions to film and television. She initially gained widespread recognition for her role as Dr. Remy 'Thirteen' Hadley on the hit medical drama series House. Throughout her career, she has appeared in notable films such as Tron: Legacy, Cowboys & Aliens, and Richard Jewell. In recent years, Wilde has successfully transitioned behind the camera, earning critical acclaim for her directorial debut, the coming-of-age comedy Booksmart (2019), and her subsequent psychological thriller, Don't Worry Darling (2022). Beyond her professional work, Wilde is frequently recognized for her advocacy regarding social and political issues, balancing her career in mainstream Hollywood entertainment with a commitment to activism. Her multifaceted career highlights her evolution from a prominent character actress into a respected creative force and filmmaker within the industry.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

March 10, 1984: Birth of Olivia Jane Cockburn

On March 10, 1984, Olivia Jane Cockburn, later known professionally as Olivia Wilde, was born.

Others born on this day/year

1984: Broadway Debut in 1984

In 1984 (the play adaptation), Olivia Wilde made her professional Broadway debut in New York City, portraying the character Julia throughout the production's 2017 run.

2001: Death of Kathy Scruggs

Kathy Scruggs, the real-life reporter portrayed by Olivia Wilde in the 2019 film Richard Jewell, passed away in 2001.

2002: Graduation from Phillips Academy

In 2002, Olivia Wilde graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, marking the completion of her secondary education.

2003: Television debut in Skin

In 2003, Olivia Wilde appeared in the role of Jewel Goldman on the television series Skin, which was noted for its short-lived run.

2004: Role in The O.C.

Beginning in 2004, Olivia Wilde gained significant industry attention for her recurring performance as Alex Kelly, a bisexual bar owner, on the popular teen drama series The O.C.

2004: Film appearance in The Girl Next Door

In 2004, Olivia Wilde appeared in the film The Girl Next Door, marking a milestone in her early acting career.

2005: Film appearance in Conversations with Other Women

During 2005, Olivia Wilde performed in the movie Conversations with Other Women.

2005: Conclusion of role in The O.C.

Olivia Wilde concluded her recurring role as Alex Kelly on the television drama The O.C. in 2005, having played the character since 2004.

2006: Film appearances in Bickford Shmeckler's Cool Ideas, Turistas, and Alpha Dog

In 2006, Olivia Wilde expanded her filmography by appearing in three distinct films: Bickford Shmeckler's Cool Ideas, Turistas, and Alpha Dog.

September 2007: Joining the cast of House

In September 2007, Olivia Wilde joined the cast of the medical drama television series House, playing the character Remy "Thirteen" Hadley, beginning with the episode titled "The Right Stuff".

2007: Role on House Begins

In 2007, Olivia Wilde began her role as Remy "Thirteen" Hadley on the medical-drama television series House.

June 30, 2008: Public Service Announcement Debut

On June 30, 2008, Olivia Wilde appeared in a public service announcement for the youth voter organization 18 in '08, urging young citizens to participate in the upcoming 2008 presidential election.

2009: Role in Year One

In 2009, Olivia Wilde appeared in the comedy film Year One, portraying the character Princess Inanna.

2010: Appearance in Tron: Legacy

In 2010, Olivia Wilde appeared in the action film Tron: Legacy.

2010: Tron: Legacy and Documentary Production

In 2010, Olivia Wilde starred as Quorra in Disney's Tron: Legacy and also served as an executive producer for the documentary short film Sun City Picture House, which focused on a community in Haiti building a cinema following the 2010 earthquake.

August 2011: Departure from House and Career Expansion

In August 2011, it was publicly announced that Olivia Wilde would be departing from the television series House to focus on her burgeoning film career, a transition that concluded later that year with her final appearance in the episode "Charity Case".

2011: Political Satire and Activism Support

In 2011, Olivia Wilde participated in a MoveOn.org mock-PSA that sarcastically championed the rights of the healthcare insurance industry. Additionally, during 2011, she received recognition and praise from the Coalition of Immokalee Workers for her advocacy regarding the Fair Food program.

2011: Appearance in Cowboys & Aliens

In 2011, Olivia Wilde starred in the action film Cowboys & Aliens.

May 2012: Return to House Series Finale and 2012 Film Appearances

In May 2012, Olivia Wilde reprised her role as Remy "Thirteen" Hadley for the final two episodes of the television series House. Throughout the same year, she starred in several films including People Like Us, Third Person, The Words, and Deadfall, while also serving as a producer for the short film Baseball in the Time of Cholera.

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2012: Conclusion of Role on House

In 2012, Olivia Wilde concluded her time playing the character Remy "Thirteen" Hadley on the television series House.

2012: Advocacy in Half the Sky Docu-series

Throughout 2012, Wilde participated in the PBS docu-series Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, where she traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, to highlight the challenges faced by women. This project was based on the non-fiction book by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn.

2013: Appearances in Her and The Incredible Burt Wonderstone

In 2013, Olivia Wilde appeared in both the romantic drama Her and the comedy film The Incredible Burt Wonderstone.

2013: Productive Year in Film and Writing

In 2013, Olivia Wilde had a prolific year where she wrote the article "Do's and Don'ts of Turning 30" for Glamour Magazine, starred in and executive produced the film Drinking Buddies, performed in The Incredible Burt Wonderstone and Rush, appeared in the critically acclaimed film Her, and executive produced the documentary short The Rider and the Storm.

2014: Acting Roles in Better Living Through Chemistry and The Longest Week

Throughout 2014, Olivia Wilde expanded her filmography by starring as Elizabeth Roberts in the dark comedy Better Living Through Chemistry and portraying Beatrice Fairbanks in the romantic comedy-drama The Longest Week.

April 17, 2015: Premiere of Meadowland

On April 17, 2015, the drama film Meadowland, which Olivia Wilde both starred in and produced, held its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York.

2015: Appearance in The Lazarus Effect

In 2015, Olivia Wilde appeared in the horror film The Lazarus Effect.

2015: Success of Body Team 12

In 2015, Olivia Wilde served as an executive producer for the documentary short Body Team 12, which won Best Documentary Short at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival and earned an Academy Award nomination.

2016: Active Year of Directing, Acting, and Brand Shifts

In 2016, Olivia Wilde expanded her creative portfolio by directing music videos for Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, while simultaneously starring as Devon Finestra in the HBO television series Vinyl. Additionally, she directed a live table reading of Hannah and Her Sisters at The New York Times's Center Theatre and concluded her tenure as a brand ambassador for Revlon.

May 2017: Partnership with True Botanicals

In May 2017, Olivia Wilde took on the role of chief brand activist for True Botanicals, a company specializing in cosmetics and skin care products.

October 8, 2017: Conclusion of 1984 Broadway Run

On October 8, 2017, Olivia Wilde concluded her limited run on Broadway, where she made her debut playing the character Julia in the production of 1984 at the Hudson Theatre in New York City.

2017: Broadway Debut in 1984

In 2017, Olivia Wilde made her Broadway stage debut, playing the character Julia in the production of 1984.

March 10, 2018: World Premiere of A Vigilante at SXSW

On March 10, 2018, Olivia Wilde's film A Vigilante held its world premiere at the South by Southwest film festival.

September 21, 2018: Release of Life Itself

On September 21, 2018, the drama Life Itself, featuring Olivia Wilde, was released; however, it was met with negative critical reception and disappointing box office results.

March 29, 2019: Release of A Vigilante

The film A Vigilante, starring Olivia Wilde, was officially released to the public on March 29, 2019.

May 24, 2019: Directorial debut of Booksmart

On May 24, 2019, Olivia Wilde made her directorial debut with the release of the teen comedy film Booksmart, which garnered significant critical acclaim.

2019: Directorial Debut with Booksmart

In 2019, Olivia Wilde made her directorial debut with the critically acclaimed teen comedy film Booksmart, a project that earned her the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature.

2019: Appearance in Richard Jewell

In 2019, Olivia Wilde starred in the film Richard Jewell, portraying journalist Kathy Scruggs. The performance and the film's depiction of the character sparked significant controversy regarding the portrayal of women and character assassination.

February 8, 2020: Independent Spirit Award Win

On February 8, 2020, Olivia Wilde's film Booksmart received the award for Best First Feature at the 35th Independent Spirit Awards.

2020: Directing Wake Up

In 2020, Olivia Wilde directed the short film Wake Up, which featured actress Margaret Qualley in a starring role.

2022: Directing and Starring in Don't Worry Darling

During 2022, Olivia Wilde directed and starred in the psychological thriller film Don't Worry Darling.

2022: Release of Don't Worry Darling and DC League of Super-Pets

In 2022, Olivia Wilde directed and acted in the feature film Don't Worry Darling, which premiered at the 79th Venice Film Festival amidst various controversies and mixed critical reception. Additionally, during 2022, she provided the voice for the character Lois Lane in the animated movie DC League of Super-Pets.

2023: Co-founding of Proximity Ventures

In 2023, Olivia Wilde expanded her professional portfolio by co-founding Proximity Ventures, a venture capital firm based in New York City that provides financial support for early and growth-stage companies in the consumer and enterprise markets.