What Happened to Olivia Wilde?
Olivia Wilde is an American actress, director, and producer known for her roles in television series like "House" and films such as "Tron: Legacy." She successfully transitioned into directing with the critically acclaimed "Booksmart" in 2019. After a period of public scrutiny surrounding her 2022 film "Don't Worry Darling," Wilde has made a notable comeback in 2026 with two new films, "The Invite" (which she directed and starred in) and "I Want Your Sex," both receiving positive attention at the Sundance Film Festival.
Quick Answer
Olivia Wilde has continued to evolve her career as a prominent actress and director. After gaining recognition for her acting roles, particularly as 'Thirteen' in "House," she made a successful directorial debut with "Booksmart" in 2019. Her 2022 film "Don't Worry Darling" garnered significant media attention, both for its content and behind-the-scenes dynamics. As of April 2026, Wilde is experiencing a strong resurgence, having directed and starred in "The Invite," which premiered to critical acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2026 and opened the San Francisco International Film Festival on April 24, 2026. She also appeared in "I Want Your Sex," another Sundance premiere.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline17 events
Born in New York City
Olivia Jane Cockburn, known professionally as Olivia Wilde, was born in New York City.
Married Tao Ruspoli
At 19, Wilde married Italian filmmaker and musician Tao Ruspoli in a secret ceremony on a school bus in Virginia.
Breakthrough role in 'The O.C.'
Wilde gained early recognition for her role as Alex Kelly, a bisexual club owner, on the second season of the popular teen drama 'The O.C.'
Joined 'House' as Dr. Remy 'Thirteen' Hadley
She became a main cast member on the critically acclaimed medical drama 'House,' a role that significantly raised her profile.
Divorced Tao Ruspoli
Wilde and Ruspoli announced their separation and subsequently divorced.
Began dating Jason Sudeikis
Wilde started a relationship with actor and comedian Jason Sudeikis after meeting him at a 'Saturday Night Live' wrap party.
Welcomed son Otis Alexander
Wilde and Sudeikis celebrated the birth of their first child, a son named Otis Alexander.
Welcomed daughter Daisy Josephine
The couple welcomed their second child, a daughter named Daisy Josephine.
Directorial debut with 'Booksmart'
Wilde's first feature film as a director, the teen comedy 'Booksmart,' was released to critical acclaim.
Split from Jason Sudeikis
After nine years together, Wilde and Sudeikis ended their engagement and relationship.
Began dating Harry Styles
Wilde started a relationship with singer and actor Harry Styles, whom she met while directing him in 'Don't Worry Darling.'
'Don't Worry Darling' released
Her second directorial feature, a psychological thriller, was released amidst significant media attention and mixed reviews.
Relationship with Harry Styles ended
Wilde and Styles' relationship concluded after nearly two years.
Relationship with Dane DiLiegro
Wilde was in a relationship with actor Dane DiLiegro during this period.
'The Invite' premieres at Sundance
Wilde's third directorial film, 'The Invite,' which she also stars in, premiered to positive reviews at the Sundance Film Festival.
'The Invite' opens San Francisco International Film Festival
Wilde attended the opening night of the 69th San Francisco International Film Festival, where 'The Invite' was screened in 35mm.
'The Invite' theatrical release
A24 is scheduled to release 'The Invite' in a limited theatrical run in the United States.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Olivia Wilde, born Olivia Jane Cockburn on March 10, 1984, in New York City, established herself early in her career as a versatile actress. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Dr. Remy 'Thirteen' Hadley in the popular medical drama series "House" from 2007 to 2012. Concurrently, she appeared in major films like "Tron: Legacy" (2010) and "Cowboys & Aliens" (2011), solidifying her presence in Hollywood.
Wilde made a significant pivot in her career by stepping behind the camera, making her directorial debut with the teen comedy "Booksmart" in 2019. The film was a critical success, praised for its fresh perspective and smart humor, earning her the CinemaCon Breakthrough Director of the Year Award. This achievement marked her as an exciting new voice in filmmaking.
Her second directorial feature, the psychological thriller "Don't Worry Darling" (2022), starring Florence Pugh and Harry Styles, faced a more tumultuous reception. While ambitious, the film received mixed reviews and its release was largely overshadowed by extensive media coverage of alleged on-set conflicts and Wilde's personal relationship with co-star Harry Styles, which began during production and ended in November 2022. This period presented a challenging public relations landscape for Wilde.
In her personal life, Wilde was married to Italian filmmaker Tao Ruspoli from 2003 to 2011. She then began a long-term relationship with actor Jason Sudeikis in 2011, with whom she has two children, Otis (born 2014) and Daisy (born 2016). Their engagement ended in November 2020, leading to a highly publicized custody dispute. Following her relationship with Harry Styles, Wilde was in a relationship with actor Dane DiLiegro from 2024 to 2025.
As of 2026, Olivia Wilde has staged a remarkable comeback, particularly in her directorial endeavors. Her third feature film, "The Invite," a comedy co-starring Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2026, to overwhelmingly positive reviews. The film sparked an intense bidding war, with A24 acquiring North American distribution rights for a theatrical release on June 26, 2026. Wilde also stars in "The Invite" and presented it as the opening film of the San Francisco International Film Festival on April 24, 2026. Additionally, she appeared in Gregg Araki's film "I Want Your Sex," which also premiered at Sundance 2026. These recent successes highlight her resilience and continued artistic growth, positioning her as a significant figure in contemporary cinema.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Olivia Wilde made different choices?