Was Owen Wilson’s Suicide Attempt Prompted By Drug Abuse? The Tears Of A Clown?
News stories are emerging today that Owen “The Butterscotch Stallion” Wilson made a failed suicide attempt this weekend and was transported from his Santa Monica home for emergency care after he was discovered by a family member with “superficial lacerations” on his wrists and an almost empty bottle of undisclosed pills near his person. Emergency personnel were contacted at approximately noon on Sunday and were dispatched to Wilson’s home where he was found unconscious.
No official statement has been disclosed to the press, but he is said to be with his brothers Luke and Andrew.
So, why would Owen, the purveyor of many a fine lady in Hollywood want to off himself? Was it Kate Hudson dumping his ass? Could it be his faltering career (You, Me and Dupree anyone?) or could it be a drug problem, as was hinted at by Malcolm McDowell on the radio this morning?
While being interviewed for his upcoming film Halloween, McDowell (A Clockwork Orange) spoke with Cleveland radio host Rover (talk show host for syndicated show “Rover’s Morning Glory“) and was informed of the suicide attempt by Wilson. In an off-the-cuff statement, McDowell said “that’s what that stuff will do to you.” Stuff being drugs, with cocaine being the implied drug of choice. McDowell later tried to re-clarify his statement by saying that he wasn’t sure if drugs were involved, but if they were, they could have contributed to Owen’s suicide attempt.
McDowell went on to say that Owen was one of the nicest fellows he’s worked with in Hollywood and hoped he was getting help. The two worked together on the film I Spy with Eddie Murphy in 2002. Maybe McDowell was speculating, or perhaps he knows more about the private Owen than we do.
This would hardly be the first casualty of Hollywood to succumb to the ravages of drug abuse, and if true, Owen wouldn’t be the first “funny man” to try to self-medicate his demons, especially with the “white lady” (John Bulushi, Richard Pryor, Chris Farley, Lenny Bruce, so on and so forth ad nauseam) but he isn’t the first person I would think of to attempt suicide.
You know what they say about the tears of clown…when no one’s around. Sad, sad, sad.
Owen, dude, seriously, what more do you want out of life? You’ve had half the panties in Hollywood, you are a working actor getting paid nice coin for your work and you are 50% responsible for the genius that is Wedding Crashers — don’t be greedy AND stupid. Stay away from the white lines man, get some help and find a nice girl to love, the rest will take care of itself.
It’s life, not rocket science. Sheesh.
UPDATE:Â Owen has issued a statement to the press and is currently seeking treatment at Cedars Sinai Hospital in LA where he has been visited by his family, including brothers Andrew and Luke.
“I respectfully ask that the media allow me to receive care and heal in private during this difficult time.”
There’s no word yet on what led to the comedic actor’s suicide attempt, but stories are beginning to emerge of drug and alcohol issues from his not so distant past. Star is citing a source who states that they were in AA with Owen, where he was seeking counseling for alcohol and drug related issues, especially prescription pills. According to the source, as Owen’s career began to take off he was seen at the meetings less and less, and quit coming in 2006 altogether.Â
It really is sad to watch someone as fun-loving as Owen Wilson seems to be battle a deadly addiction to alcohol — but it is NOT shocking considering his profession and environment. Hollywood is no place for the weak. Good luck man.
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Everyone goes through ups and downs. It’s easy to make a wrong turn. I hope he recovers from this.
Comment by Mangesh — August 27, 2007 @ 10:33 am
Me too. I like the guy. It’s just sad that a little bit of money and fame make people go absolutely bonkers. I wouldn’t wish the Hollywood lifestyle on my worst enemy.
Comment by dmdo1016 — August 27, 2007 @ 10:44 am
Man, don’t forget Zoolander. He was genius in that one.
It’s a shame that the love and affection from his fans can’t help him, because he’d get enough to lift the world off his shoulders.
Comment by Bill Peschel — August 27, 2007 @ 10:55 am
We love you and are praying for you.
Comment by Charlotte Taylor — August 27, 2007 @ 11:02 am
The human psyche is an amazing thing. There’s a lot of talent out there, but perceptions get skewed, confidence is fleeting, and that talent gets lost and muddled.
Hope that Wilson finds a steady path.
Comment by Mary K. Williams — August 27, 2007 @ 11:04 am
i’ve always love owen wilson as a comedian and i really love all of his movies. i just dont understand why he would do such a thing.
you really need this advice:
“Stay away from the white lines man, get some help and find a nice girl to love, the rest will take care of itself.”
Comment by gio — August 27, 2007 @ 11:52 am
How sad, unlike other bloggers I think Owen is absolutely gorgeous and funny!!! I hope he gets straightened out.
Comment by Lori — August 27, 2007 @ 1:55 pm
Further evidence of the strange enigma that is suicide.
Comment by j.sterling ellison — August 27, 2007 @ 2:21 pm
I hope it’s not the drug abuse and all. He made some fine comedies with Ben Stiller, my fave being Starksy & Hutch.
I hope that he, if it is the drugs, will really get some help or just move out of Hollywood and only return to do movies.
Comment by manfred — August 27, 2007 @ 4:16 pm
Truly sad to hear. He is and will always be one of Hollywoods greatest talents. You me and dupree has helped me through the summer and some very tough times, along with wedding crashers(were on hbo all summer). We will be praying for you big guy. Again you me and dupree was a great great movie, if you cany see that then you are a moron and dont understand comedy.
Comment by Jeremy Brain — August 27, 2007 @ 7:21 pm
I am so shocked and deeply sad to hear about this. I am a chanter and i am chanting strongly for his recovery.It has helped in so many situations so i hope we can all send good vibes in our own way. He has brought so much happiness to my life through his work - particularly Starsky and Hutch.”Found a wallet, nothin in it” What a legend!! Funniest man in movies ever!!!! Hang in there Owen, i a Scorpio monkey too and i tell ya, we got the will to win over anything. The world loves you.
Jamie. (female Jamie) : )
Comment by Jamie (female Jamie) — August 27, 2007 @ 7:24 pm
America needs to rethink what kind of society it wants to be. We don’t need better rehab programs, we need a better society, where individuals aren’t pushed into despair for the lack of human warmth and decency. So much for the “land of freedom”….
Comment by Alex — August 27, 2007 @ 7:42 pm
If I could choose any of the Wilson brothers to marry, I’d choose Owen without skipping a breath. I LOVE him, forget Kate Hudson I’ll take you Owen!!!
Comment by Gabby — August 27, 2007 @ 8:25 pm
Get help quick dude.
Comment by Marfa — August 28, 2007 @ 1:47 am
that is sad.
Comment by EW — August 28, 2007 @ 2:17 am
where individuals aren’t pushed into despair for the lack of human warmth and decency. So much for the “land of freedomâ€â€¦.
This is America’s problem, give me a break this is a hole in his soul problem that no amount of women no amount of drugs and no amount of fan love is going to fix. If this is anything it is a Hollywierd problem where anything that feels good goes and morality be damned ie: hole in the soul.
Comment by Jaded — August 28, 2007 @ 8:26 am
If Owen’s problem is drugs, I hope he can successfully beat his addiction. I always wonder how actors and actresses who must have had to use all the strength, determination and perseverance they could muster to achieve their success could become addicted to drugs, or have difficulty beating such an addiction. Surely they still have that strength and determination, and can use it to fight addiction.
Comment by Kate — August 28, 2007 @ 1:08 pm
I love you Owen and I hope you see that you have been given a second chance at life. God gave that to you when you did not succeed to take your life. I really hope that you seek Him now. Talk to Stephen Baldwin. He will help you find what you are missing. God is only waiting for you to ask for His help. ASK!!! My prayers are with you.
I really hope the media leaves him alone and does not cause more stress for him or his family during this time of recovery. Let him BE!!!!
Comment by Christi — August 28, 2007 @ 4:03 pm
God has nothing to do with this… Owen needs to find peace in himself and until he does, death will wait around the corner. I like Owen, I just don’t like the Hollywood life of excess that plagues all who partake in it. I hope he can extricate himself from it and then I am sure he will find peace. FYI, Christi, Steven Baldwin is an idiot!!!!
Comment by bmac — August 28, 2007 @ 7:20 pm
I would have a bad day, watching a movie of yours
just laughing away because that is what laughter does……….removes the aches and pains of all sorts. My kind of comedy….crazy and funny…thanks for being in them….so tall and handsome, and funny too! While you are getting better, why don’t you watch some funny and crazy movies…best wishes.
Comment by PmZ — August 28, 2007 @ 7:59 pm
I have had an ongoing battle with depression and drug abuse. Many of the things readers/writers here have laid down are true, about the excess of hwood. The, not being good enough, not being the new thing, etc.. It really works on your self esteem hard. Heroin and coke go well together, up and down. When you self medicate with heroin, like I do, it works for awhile. You actually feel much better, until it wears off and you run out..
Recently I stopped using…Started showing up for life.
Good Luck Mr. Wilson, and to all adicts and people with crippling depression…
Comment by curt — August 28, 2007 @ 9:41 pm
Depression is a disease. There is nothing that can make you feel better until you get the proper medicataion. Without the medication,I would probably rather die then live with the horrible lows of this terrible disease. Therapy and medication made life worth living and believe me I so enjoy feeling better.
Comment by Lorraine — August 29, 2007 @ 12:07 pm
I think it’s sad that he went this far. But I also think that it must be hard to live your life with newsreporters reporting on what kind of socks your wearing evvery day. I think this guy just needs some time out from the public eye. But I hope he gets well soon.
Comment by Kara — August 29, 2007 @ 8:11 pm
“Hollywood is no place for the weak?” PLEASE, unless you’ve been there you have no business commenting. How dare you call him weak!
Comment by Chicago — August 30, 2007 @ 10:50 am
Owen, Get over it there are people out there with real problems. No home, food, …
Comment by gracie cabuto — September 5, 2007 @ 6:18 pm
get a fast car and upgrade it !! that’ll make any guy feel better,
Comment by ryan — September 20, 2007 @ 11:15 am
Humans are complex beeings, so telling that the only problems they can have are home food, etc etc its a closed opinion and notion of what we are. I tend to think that we have both material and emotional needs and that, in lack of one, the other compensates. The poor have material problems but they have strong codes among them, there is, normally a strong bound in how the families are realted and among friends. They live day by day pain, and in situations of pain, we tend to seek confort in others like us. The poor dont have material possessions and suffers for it’s lack, but they are people with a strong moral of their own.
Hollywood people (this is only to out an example) have too many material possessions, but I can tell that thats all they care. Human beeings, in hollywood do not existes. I think the lack of emotional contetion, the unconditional love, doesnt exist there and a life without love is just as bad and hollow as a life without food.
Comment by Astrid — February 17, 2008 @ 6:20 pm