Rebel Melanie Elizabeth Wilson is an Australian actress and producer. She graduated from the Australian Theatre for Young People in 2003 and started her career in the SBS comedy series Pizza (2003–2007). Wilson later starred in the sketch comedy show The Wedge (2006–2007) and created, produced, and starred in the musical comedy series Bogan Pride (2008). After moving to the United States, she gained recognition for her roles in comedy films such as Bridesmaids and A Few Best Men, both released in 2011.
1966: Lillian Disney's Death
Rebel Wilson's great-aunt, Lillian Disney, who was married to Walt Disney, passed away in 1966. This family connection has been a point of contention and dispute.
March 1980: Rebel Wilson Birth
Rebel Melanie Elizabeth Wilson, originally named Melanie Elizabeth Bownds, was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, on 2 March 1980.
March 1980: Rebel Wilson Birth
Rebel Melanie Elizabeth Wilson, originally named Melanie Elizabeth Bownds, was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, on 2 March 1980.
1997: Higher School Certificate Completion
In 1997, Rebel Wilson completed her Higher School Certificate with an impressive ranking of 99.3, including second place in the state in Food Technology.
2002: The Westie Monologues
Rebel Wilson first came to public attention in 2002 with her stage musical The Westie Monologues, which she wrote, starred in, and produced in Sydney.
2003: Pizza and Fat Pizza
In 2003, Rebel Wilson appeared in the SBS comedy series Pizza and had a role in the feature film Fat Pizza.
2003: Graduation and Career Start
In 2003, Rebel Wilson graduated from the Australian Theatre for Young People and began appearing in the SBS comedy series Pizza, marking the start of her acting career.
2003: ATYP International Scholarship and Move to New York
In 2003, Rebel Wilson won the ATYP International scholarship, funded by Nicole Kidman, and moved to New York to train with The Second City, marking a significant step in her career.
2004: Telstra Advertisements
In 2004, Rebel Wilson played an Australian Idol mad schoolgirl in a series of Telstra advertisements shown during Australian Idol.
2005: Telstra Advertisements Continuation
Rebel Wilson continued her role in the Telstra advertisements during Australian Idol until 2005.
2006: The Wedge
In 2006, Rebel Wilson began appearing in the sketch comedy show The Wedge, where she played various characters until 2007.
2007: Ghost Rider
Rebel Wilson had a role in the feature film Ghost Rider in 2007.
2007: End of Appearances in Pizza
Wilson's appearances in the SBS comedy series Pizza came to an end in 2007, concluding her role in the show which ran from 2003.
2008: Bogan Pride and Monster House
In 2008, Rebel Wilson created, wrote, produced, and starred in the musical comedy series Bogan Pride and also starred in the improvisational Nine Network series Monster House.
2008: Bogan Pride Creation
In 2008, Rebel Wilson wrote, produced, and starred in the musical comedy series Bogan Pride, showcasing her multifaceted talent.
2009: University Graduation
Rebel Wilson graduated from the University of New South Wales in 2009 with Bachelor of Arts (Theatre and Performance Studies) and Bachelor of Laws degrees.
2009: Tropfest Best Actress Award
In 2009, Rebel Wilson won the Tropfest Best Actress award for her role in the film Bargain.
January 2010: Move to the United States
In January 2010, Rebel Wilson moved to the United States and signed with talent and literary agents William Morris Endeavor, marking a significant step in her international career.
July 2011: Rebel Wilson becomes spokesperson for Jenny Craig
In July 2011, Rebel Wilson became a spokesperson for the weight loss and nutrition company Jenny Craig in Australia. This marked her involvement in promoting a healthy lifestyle.
August 2011: Rebel Wilson replaced Casey Wilson in Bachelorette
On 19 August 2011, it was reported that Rebel Wilson replaced Casey Wilson in the film Bachelorette. This marked a significant career milestone for Rebel Wilson in 2011.
2011: Move to the US and Comedy Films
After moving to the United States, Rebel Wilson appeared in the comedy films Bridesmaids and A Few Best Men, both in 2011, expanding her international career.
2011: Variety's Top Ten Comics to Watch
In 2011, Rebel Wilson was named one of Variety magazine's "Top Ten Comics to Watch," highlighting her rising prominence in the comedy scene.
2011: Family on The Amazing Race Australia
In 2011, Rebel Wilson's siblings Liberty and Ryot appeared on the first season of The Amazing Race Australia, where they were the first team eliminated.
January 2012: Rebel Wilson loses weight with Jenny Craig
In January 2012, Rebel Wilson revealed to The Daily Telegraph that she had lost 10 kilograms since signing up with Jenny Craig. This achievement was part of her journey towards a healthier lifestyle.
January 2012: Announcement of Super Fun Night
In January 2012, it was announced that Rebel Wilson would be writing and starring in the comedy series Super Fun Night. The pilot was initially picked up by CBS but later taken up by ABC, marking a significant step in her career in 2012.
September 2012: Lived with Matt Lucas
From September 2012 until 2015, Rebel Wilson lived with her Bridesmaids co-star, British actor Matt Lucas, in West Hollywood. This period marked a notable phase in her personal life.
2012: Comedy Films and Pitch Perfect
In 2012, Rebel Wilson appeared in the comedy films What to Expect When You're Expecting, Struck by Lightning, and Bachelorette. She also gained recognition for her role in the musical comedy Pitch Perfect film series.
2012: What to Expect When You're Expecting
In 2012, Rebel Wilson had a role in the ensemble comedy film What to Expect When You're Expecting, furthering her film career.
2012: Voice role in Ice Age: Continental Drift and starred as Fat Amy in Pitch Perfect
In 2012, Rebel Wilson voiced a character in Ice Age: Continental Drift and played the role of Fat Amy in Pitch Perfect. For her role in Pitch Perfect, she received critical acclaim and earned various award nominations, making 2012 a notable year in her career.
February 2013: Rebel Wilson ends agreement with Jenny Craig
In February 2013, Rebel Wilson confirmed that she had ended her agreement with Jenny Craig the previous year, concluding her role as a spokesperson for the weight loss company.
April 2013: Hosted the 2013 MTV Movie Awards
On 14 April 2013, Rebel Wilson hosted the 2013 MTV Movie Awards, showcasing her versatility and establishing her as a prominent figure in entertainment in 2013.
October 2013: Super Fun Night began broadcasting
The series Super Fun Night, created and starred in by Rebel Wilson, began broadcasting on 2 October 2013. However, the show was cancelled after one season. This event marked both a milestone and a challenge in 2013.
2013: Super Fun Night
In 2013, Rebel Wilson wrote and starred in the television sitcom Super Fun Night, which aired for one season on ABC.
2013: Rebel Wilson discusses her comedic approach
In a 2013 interview with Hunger Magazine, Rebel Wilson stated that she would continue to make fat jokes as long as she looked the way she did, emphasizing that all comedians use their physicality in their work. She also mentioned that her agency signed her because they had nobody like her on their books.
2013: Created plus-size T-shirt collection
In 2013, Rebel Wilson created a plus-size T-shirt collection named after her 'Fat Mandi' character from The Wedge, featuring images of donuts and cupcakes. This venture showcased her entrepreneurial spirit in 2013.
2013: Won the Choice Movie Actress: Comedy award for Pitch Perfect
In 2013, Rebel Wilson won the Choice Movie Actress: Comedy award for her performance as Fat Amy in Pitch Perfect at the Teen Choice Awards. This was a significant recognition of her talent in 2013.
March 2014: Dish Network campaign featuring Rebel Wilson
In March 2014, Rebel Wilson was featured in a marketing campaign for Dish Network's Hopper DVR, voicing an animated kangaroo. This campaign highlighted her popularity and influence in 2014.
2014: Rebel Wilson purchases Sydney harbourside home
In 2014, Rebel Wilson paid $3.75 million for a freestanding Victorian house in Sydney. The home underwent $900,000 worth of renovations. This year also marked her acquisition of a Balmain investment apartment, a conversion of a historic mansion.
May 2015: Rebel Wilson faces controversy over personal details
In May 2015, Australian magazine Woman's Day published a story claiming that Rebel Wilson had been misleading about her birth name, age, and upbringing. This brought significant media attention and controversy, as other publications picked up the story.
July 2015: Supported stricter American gun laws
In July 2015, Rebel Wilson publicly supported stricter American gun laws following the 2015 Lafayette shooting, advocating for safety and expressing concern over frequent shootings in the US. This stance highlighted her engagement with social issues in 2015.
September 2015: Replaced in Kung Fu Panda 3
In September 2015, Rebel Wilson was replaced by Kate Hudson in the voice cast for Kung Fu Panda 3. This event marked a notable change in her career trajectory in 2015.
2015: Rebel Wilson invests in a New York-inspired terrace
In 2015, Rebel Wilson paid $1.88 million for a two-bedroom apartment off the plan, marking her investment in a New York-inspired terrace home. The apartment was part of a three-year conversion project of a historic mansion.
February 2016: Appeared in How to Be Single and Grimsby
In February 2016, Rebel Wilson appeared in the ensemble comedy How to Be Single and the action comedy Grimsby. These roles demonstrated her versatility and added to her career achievements in 2016.
May 2016: Rebel Wilson files defamation suit
On 16 May 2016, Rebel Wilson filed a defamation suit against Bauer Media Group over articles that portrayed her as a serial liar. She claimed the articles harmed her career and reputation.
June 2016: Performed as Ursula in The Little Mermaid concert
In June 2016, Rebel Wilson appeared as Ursula, the sea witch, in an all-star concert version of The Little Mermaid at the Hollywood Bowl. This performance showcased her talent in a live concert setting in 2016.
August 2016: West End debut in Guys and Dolls
From 28 June to 21 August 2016, Rebel Wilson made her West End debut in the musical Guys and Dolls, playing the role of Miss Adelaide. She received positive reviews for her performance, marking a significant milestone in her acting career in 2016.
2016: Rebel Wilson discusses body image in comedy
In 2016, Rebel Wilson shared her views on body image, stating that bigger girls do better in comedy because they are easier to laugh at. She emphasized the importance of being comfortable in one's own skin at any size.
June 2017: Rebel Wilson's Charity Pledge
In June 2017, Rebel Wilson tweeted that any money she received from her defamation case would be donated to charity, scholarships, or invested in the Australian film industry to create jobs.
June 2017: Rebel Wilson wins defamation suit
On 15 June 2017, a six-person jury ruled in favor of Rebel Wilson in her defamation case against Bauer Media Group. The jury found that the articles published by the group had likely caused harm to her career.
September 2017: Rebel Wilson Awarded A$4,500,000 in Damages
On 13 September 2017, Rebel Wilson was awarded A$4,500,000 in damages in a defamation case against Bauer Media. This was a record-setting verdict, as stated by her lawyer Richard Leder. Wilson had earlier tweeted her intention to donate any received money to charity, scholarships, or the Australian film industry.
2017: Pitch Perfect Series Conclusion
The Pitch Perfect film series, in which Rebel Wilson gained wider recognition, concluded in 2017 with the release of Pitch Perfect 3.
2017: Reprised role in Pitch Perfect 3
In 2017, Rebel Wilson reprised her role as Fat Amy in Pitch Perfect 3, continuing her significant contribution to the successful film series.
2017: Launched plus-sized clothing range Rebel Wilson x Angels
In 2017, Rebel Wilson launched a plus-sized clothing range called Rebel Wilson x Angels, following a collaboration with Torrid. This marked another significant step in her entrepreneurial journey in 2017.
May 2018: Played LeFou in Beauty and the Beast: Live in Concert
On 25–26 May 2018, Rebel Wilson played LeFou in a production of Beauty and the Beast: Live in Concert at the Hollywood Bowl, showcasing her talent in musical performances in 2018.
June 2018: Bauer Media Wins Appeal, Damages Reduced
On 14 June 2018, Bauer Media won its appeal, reducing the damages awarded to Rebel Wilson from A$4,500,000 to $600,000. Consequently, Wilson had to repay A$4.1 million and A$60,000 in interest and cover 80% of Bauer's appeal costs.
July 2018: Rebel Wilson Appeals to High Court
On 11 July 2018, Rebel Wilson lodged an appeal with the High Court against the decision to reduce her damages in the defamation case against Bauer Media.
November 2018: High Court Refuses Rebel Wilson's Appeal
On 16 November 2018, the High Court refused Rebel Wilson's application to appeal the reduced damages in her defamation case against Bauer Media.
2019: Lead Roles and Supporting Role
In 2019, Rebel Wilson had her first lead roles in the comedies Isn't It Romantic and The Hustle, and also had a supporting role in the comedy drama Jojo Rabbit.
2019: Starred in Isn't It Romantic and The Hustle
In 2019, Rebel Wilson starred in the comedies Isn't It Romantic and The Hustle, showcasing her versatility. These films marked her first solo lead role and her first producer credit, along with a co-producer role in The Hustle.
November 2020: Rebel Wilson achieves weight loss goal
By November 2020, Rebel Wilson successfully lost 60 pounds (27 kg) as part of her 'year of health' mission. She stated that she has always been confident in how she looked but now feels 'super confident'.
May 2022: Starred in Netflix comedy film Senior Year
In May 2022, Rebel Wilson starred in the Netflix comedy film Senior Year, playing a woman who returns to high school after waking up from a 20-year coma. This role added to her diverse film portfolio in 2022.
June 2022: Rebel Wilson comes out as lesbian
In June 2022, Rebel Wilson publicly came out as a lesbian on Instagram, revealing her relationship with Ramona Agruma. She made the announcement to pre-empt an article by The Sydney Morning Herald. The event was significant in her personal life and public image.
November 2022: Birth of Rebel Wilson's first child
In November 2022, Rebel Wilson announced on Instagram the birth of her first child, a daughter born via surrogacy. This event marked a significant milestone in her personal life.
2022: Senior Year
Rebel Wilson starred in the Netflix comedy film Senior Year in 2022, where she also served as a producer.
February 2023: Rebel Wilson confirms engagement
On 19 February 2023, Rebel Wilson confirmed her engagement to Ramona Agruma via a tweet, marking a joyful milestone in her personal life.
September 2023: Began production for directorial debut The Deb
In September 2023, Rebel Wilson began production on her directorial debut, The Deb, a musical comedy film set in the Australian outback. This marked a significant career milestone as she stepped into the role of director in 2023.
April 2024: Publication of Rebel Wilson's memoir
In April 2024, Rebel Wilson's memoir 'Rebel Rising' was published. It garnered attention for recounting her discomfort on the set of 'The Brothers Grimsby' and allegations against Sacha Baron Cohen, which he denied. The publication faced delays and redactions in the UK.
2024: Rebel Wilson reveals personal life details
In 2024, Rebel Wilson revealed that she was a virgin until the age of 35. As she approached her 40th birthday, she decided to freeze her eggs, leading to healthy life changes. She also shared her struggles with polycystic ovarian syndrome and emotional eating.