History of Rebel Wilson in Timeline

Rebel Wilson is an Australian actress, comedian, and producer. She began her career in Australian television with roles in comedy series like *Pizza* and *The Wedge*. Wilson also wrote, produced, and starred in *Bogan Pride*. She gained international recognition after moving to the United States and appearing in films such as *Bridesmaids* and *A Few Best Men*.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1966: Walt Disney's Death

In 1966, Walt Disney, who Rebel Wilson claimed was married to her great-aunt Lillian Disney, passed away. This connection, however, is disputed by genealogists.

March 1980: Rebel Wilson's Birth

In March 1980, Rebel Melanie Elizabeth Wilson was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Her parents are professional dog handlers, dog show judges, and breeders.

1988: 'The Hustle' Remake

In 2019, Rebel Wilson starred alongside Anne Hathaway in The Hustle, a female-centred remake of the 1988 comedy film Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

1997: Completed Higher School Certificate

In 1997, Rebel Wilson completed her Higher School Certificate, achieving a high ranking and excelling in Food Technology.

2002: Created 'The Westie Monologues'

In 2002, Rebel Wilson first came to the public's attention with her stage musical 'The Westie Monologues', which she wrote, starred in and produced in Sydney.

2003: Appeared in 'Pizza'

In 2003, Rebel Wilson began her television career by appearing in the SBS comedy series 'Pizza'. This marked an early stage in her acting career.

2003: Moved to New York after winning scholarship

In 2003, Rebel Wilson moved to New York after winning the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) International scholarship, which was funded by Nicole Kidman. While in New York, Wilson trained with The Second City.

2004: Australian Idol Telstra Advertisements

From 2004 to 2005, Rebel Wilson played an Australian Idol mad schoolgirl in a series of Telstra advertisements shown during Australian Idol.

2005: Australian Idol Telstra Advertisements

From 2004 to 2005, Rebel Wilson played an Australian Idol mad schoolgirl in a series of Telstra advertisements shown during Australian Idol.

2006: Appeared in 'The Wedge'

In 2006, Rebel Wilson appeared in the sketch comedy show 'The Wedge'. This added to her early television work in Australia.

2007: Appeared in 'The Wedge'

In 2007, Rebel Wilson appeared in the sketch comedy show 'The Wedge'. This added to her early television work in Australia.

2007: Role in 'Ghost Rider'

In 2007, Rebel Wilson had roles in the feature film 'Ghost Rider'.

2008: Created and Starred in 'Bogan Pride'

In 2008, Rebel Wilson created, wrote, produced, and starred in the musical comedy series 'Bogan Pride' on SBS One and also starred in the improvisational Nine Network series 'Monster House'.

2008: Created 'Bogan Pride'

In 2008, Rebel Wilson wrote, produced, and starred in the musical comedy series 'Bogan Pride'. This was a significant step in her career, showcasing her multifaceted talents.

2009: Graduated from University of New South Wales

In 2009, Rebel Wilson graduated from the University of New South Wales with Bachelor of Arts (Theatre and Performance Studies) and Bachelor of Laws degrees.

2009: Won Tropfest Best Actress Award

In 2009, Rebel Wilson won the Tropfest Best Actress award for her role in the film 'Bargain'.

January 2010: Moved to the United States

In January 2010, Rebel Wilson moved to the United States and signed with William Morris Endeavor.

July 2011: Jenny Craig Spokesperson

In July 2011, Rebel Wilson became a spokesperson for the weight loss company Jenny Craig in Australia.

August 2011: Replaced Casey Wilson in 'Bachelorette'

On August 19, 2011, Rebel Wilson replaced Casey Wilson in 'Bachelorette'.

2011: Appeared in 'Bridesmaids' and 'A Few Best Men'

In 2011, Rebel Wilson appeared in the comedy films 'Bridesmaids' and 'A Few Best Men' shortly after moving to the United States. These roles marked her entry into the American film industry.

2011: Siblings 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.

2011: Filmed 'A Few Best Men' and 'Small Apartments'

In early 2011, Rebel Wilson filmed 'A Few Best Men' at Fox Studios Australia. She also filmed a role in 'Small Apartments'. Wilson was named one of Variety magazine's "Top Ten Comics to Watch for 2011".

January 2012: Weight Loss Success

In January 2012, Rebel Wilson announced that she had lost 10 kilograms (22 lb) since starting the Jenny Craig program.

January 2012: Announced 'Super Fun Night'

In January 2012, Rebel Wilson was announced to be writing and starring in 'Super Fun Night', a comedy about three friends having fun on Friday nights. CBS picked up the pilot with Conan O'Brien as an executive producer.

September 2012: Lived with Matt Lucas

From September 2012 until 2015, Rebel Wilson and her 'Bridesmaids' co-star, Matt Lucas, lived together in West Hollywood.

2012: Appeared in Multiple 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 starred in 'Pitch Perfect', gaining wider recognition.

2012: Role in 'What to Expect When You're Expecting'

In 2012, Rebel Wilson had a role in the ensemble comedy 'What to Expect When You're Expecting', as Janice, and co-starred in the indie film 'Struck By Lightning'.

2012: Voiced Character in 'Ice Age: Continental Drift' and Starred in 'Pitch Perfect'

In 2012, Rebel Wilson voiced a character in 'Ice Age: Continental Drift' and played Fat Amy in 'Pitch Perfect'. For the latter role, she received critical acclaim and earned various award nominations.

February 2013: End of Jenny Craig Agreement

In February 2013, Rebel Wilson confirmed that she ended her agreement with Jenny Craig the previous year.

April 2013: Hosted MTV Movie Awards

On April 14, 2013, Rebel Wilson hosted the 2013 MTV Movie Awards.

October 2013: 'Super Fun Night' Broadcasted

In October 2013, 'Super Fun Night' began broadcasting on ABC after being picked up by the network. The series was later cancelled after one season.

2013: Created Plus-Size T-Shirt Collection

In 2013, Rebel Wilson created a plus-size T-shirt collection named after her "Fat Mandi" character in The Wedge featuring images of donuts and cupcakes.

2013: Use of Physicality for Comedy

In 2013, Rebel Wilson stated she would make fat jokes as long as she looked a certain way, emphasizing how comedians use their physicality. She acknowledged that her agency signed her quickly due to her unique appearance.

2013: Won Choice Movie Actress: Comedy award for 'Pitch Perfect'

In 2013, Rebel Wilson won the Choice Movie Actress: Comedy award for 'Pitch Perfect' at the Teen Choice Awards. She had also been nominated for Choice Comedian at the 2013 Teen Choice Awards.

2013: Wrote and starred in 'Super Fun Night'

In 2013, Rebel Wilson wrote and starred in 'Super Fun Night', a television sitcom that aired for one season on ABC.

March 2014: Voice of Dish Network's Hopper DVR Kangaroo

In March 2014, Rebel Wilson became the voice of the animated kangaroo for Dish Network's Hopper DVR marketing campaign.

2014: Purchased Sydney Harbourside Home

In 2014, Rebel Wilson purchased a Sydney harbourside home for $3.75 million, which underwent $900,000 of renovations.

May 2015: Magazine Claims of Misleading Information

In May 2015, Woman's Day magazine published a story questioning Rebel Wilson's claims about her birth name, age, upbringing and Walt Disney relation, alleging she fabricated elements of her background. They also correctly stated her birth name as Melanie. The publication of this story was picked up by several other publications.

July 2015: Expressed Support for Stricter Gun Laws

In July 2015, Rebel Wilson stated her support for stricter American gun laws following the 2015 Lafayette shooting, advocating for America to follow Australia's example.

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'.

2015: Ended Living Arrangement with Matt Lucas

From September 2012 until 2015, Rebel Wilson and her 'Bridesmaids' co-star, Matt Lucas, lived together in West Hollywood.

2015: Settled on Balmain Investment Apartment

In 2015, Rebel Wilson settled on a Balmain investment apartment, a conversion of a historic mansion, for $1.88 million.

February 2016: Released in 'How to Be Single' and Presented at BAFTAs

In February 2016, Rebel Wilson appeared in the ensemble comedy 'How to Be Single' and presented the nominations for the Best Supporting Actor category at the 69th British Academy Film Awards.

May 2016: Defamation Suit

On 16 May 2016, Rebel Wilson filed a defamation writ in the Supreme Court of Victoria, claiming that articles in Woman's Day, the Australian Women's Weekly, NW, and OK! magazines portrayed her as a serial liar, damaging her reputation and career.

June 2016: Played Ursula in 'The Little Mermaid'

In June 2016, Rebel Wilson appeared as Ursula in an all-star concert version of 'The Little Mermaid' at the Hollywood Bowl on 3, 4 and 6 June.

August 2016: West End Debut in 'Guys and Dolls'

In August 2016, Rebel Wilson made her West End debut in the musical 'Guys and Dolls' as Miss Adelaide from 28 June to 21 August. She received positive reviews.

2016: Professional Setbacks

Following the media scrutiny in May 2015, Rebel Wilson was allegedly "sacked from two DreamWorks animations" and "missed out on movie roles during 2015 and 2016".

2016: Advantage of Size in Comedy

In 2016, Rebel Wilson commented that larger women tend to do better in comedy because they are easier to laugh at, noting she used this to her advantage.

June 2017: Charitable Intentions

In June 2017, Rebel Wilson tweeted her intention to donate any money received from the defamation case to charity, scholarships, or the Australian film industry.

June 2017: Defamation Case Victory

On 15 June 2017, a jury ruled in Rebel Wilson's favor, finding that Bauer Media Group wrongly depicted her as a serial liar and that the articles likely harmed her career.

September 2017: Awarded Damages in Defamation Case

On 13 September 2017, Rebel Wilson was awarded A$4,500,000 in damages for her defamation case against Bauer Media, marking a record verdict in Australia.

2017: Starred in 'Pitch Perfect' film series

In 2017, Rebel Wilson continued her role in the 'Pitch Perfect' film series (2012-2017).

2017: Launched Plus-Sized Clothing Range

In 2017, Rebel Wilson launched a plus-sized clothing range called Rebel Wilson x Angels on the heels of a collaboration with Torrid.

2017: Reprised Role in 'Pitch Perfect 3'

In 2017, Rebel Wilson reprised her role in 'Pitch Perfect 3', continuing her involvement in the successful film series.

May 2018: Played LeFou in 'Beauty and the Beast'

In May 2018, Rebel Wilson played LeFou in a production of 'Beauty and the Beast: Live in Concert' at the Hollywood Bowl on 25–26 May. She also appeared on the cover of Vogue Australia for the first time.

June 2018: Appeal Victory for Bauer Media

On 14 June 2018, Bauer Media won its appeal, and the damages awarded to Rebel Wilson were reduced to $600,000, requiring her to repay A$4.1 million plus interest and cover a portion of Bauer's appeal costs.

July 2018: Appeal Lodged with High Court

In July 2018, Rebel Wilson announced her intention to appeal against the decision, and lodged an appeal with the High Court.

November 2018: High Court Appeal Refusal

On 16 November 2018, the High Court refused Rebel Wilson's application for appeal, finalizing the reduction in damages awarded to her.

2019: Lead Roles in 'Isn't It Romantic' and 'The Hustle'

In 2019, Rebel Wilson had her first lead roles in the comedies 'Isn't It Romantic' and 'The Hustle', as well as a supporting role in 'Jojo Rabbit'.

November 2020: "Year of Health" Success

By November 2020, Rebel Wilson achieved her goal of losing 60 pounds (27 kg) during her "year of health", expressing increased confidence in her appearance.

May 2022: Released in 'Senior Year'

In May 2022, Rebel Wilson starred in the Netflix comedy film 'Senior Year'.

June 2022: Public Same-Sex Relationship Reveal

In June 2022, Rebel Wilson publicly announced her relationship with Ramona Agruma on Instagram, expressing her newfound love with a "Disney Princess". She chose to announce her relationship with Agruma to pre-empt an article by Andrew Hornery of The Sydney Morning Herald that would have outed her.

November 2022: Announced Birth of First Child

In November 2022, Rebel Wilson announced on Instagram the birth of her first child, a daughter born via surrogacy.

2022: Starred in and Produced 'Senior Year'

In 2022, Rebel Wilson starred in the Netflix comedy film 'Senior Year', also serving as a producer.

February 2023: Engagement Confirmation

In February 2023, Rebel Wilson confirmed her engagement to Ramona Agruma in a tweet.

September 2023: Began Production on 'The Deb'

In September 2023, production began on 'The Deb', a musical comedy film set in the Australian outback, marking Rebel Wilson's directorial debut.

April 2024: Publication of Memoir

In April 2024, Rebel Wilson's memoir, Rebel Rising, was published. It contained information about Sacha Baron Cohen's alleged requests for nudity and inappropriate behavior during a sex scene.