Luke Wilson, born September 21, 1971 in Dallas, Texas, is an American actor, director, and screenwriter. He is best known for roles in Bottle Rocket, Legally Blonde, The Royal Tenenbaums, Old School, and Idiocracy. As of 2026, his net worth is estimated at $50 million, reflecting a career spanning over three decades in both film and television.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Luke Cunningham Wilson |
| Birthdate | September 21, 1971 |
| Birthplace | Dallas, Texas, USA |
| Profession | Actor, Director, Screenwriter |
| Breakthrough | Bottle Rocket (1996) |
| Net Worth | $50 million (2026) |
| Height | 5′ 11¼″ (1.81 m) tall |
| Awards | Independent Spirit Award nominations |
| Siblings | Owen Wilson, Andrew Wilson |
| Recent Work | Stargirl (2019–2022), Horizon (2024), Landman (2025–2026) |
Early Life
Luke Cunningham Wilson was born on September 21, 1971 in Dallas, Texas. He is the youngest of three brothers, with Owen and Andrew Wilson also pursuing careers in acting. His father, Robert Andrew Wilson, worked in advertising, while his mother, Laura Wilson, is a noted photographer. Luke attended St. Mark’s School of Texas and later studied at Occidental College in Los Angeles, where he developed his interest in film and acting.
Career Timeline
1996–1999: Indie Beginnings
- 1996 – Bottle Rocket: Luke’s debut in Wes Anderson’s first feature film, co-written with Owen Wilson. Though modest at the box office ($560K), it became a cult classic and launched his career.
- 1998 – Rushmore: Supporting role in another Wes Anderson project, praised by critics.
- 1999 – Blue Streak: Comedy with Martin Lawrence, box office hit ($117M worldwide).
- 1999 – My Dog Skip: Family drama, warmly received, showing Luke’s versatility.
2000–2005: Hollywood Success
- 2000 – Charlie’s Angels: Supporting role, box office smash ($264M worldwide).
- 2001 – Legally Blonde: Romantic comedy opposite Reese Witherspoon, box office success ($141M worldwide).
- 2001 – The Royal Tenenbaums: Played Richie Tenenbaum, earning critical acclaim. Box office $71M worldwide.
- 2003 – Old School: Comedy hit with Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughn, box office $87M worldwide.
- 2005 – The Wendell Baker Story: Co-directed with brother Andrew Wilson, showing ambition beyond acting.
2006–2010: Cult Classics and Versatility
- 2006 – Idiocracy: Satirical comedy, initially poor box office ($495K) but later gained cult status.
- 2006 – My Super Ex-Girlfriend: Romantic comedy, moderate success ($61M worldwide).
- 2007 – Vacancy: Thriller, box office $35M worldwide.
- 2008 – Henry Poole Is Here: Drama, modest box office ($1.9M), mixed reviews.
- 2010 – Death at a Funeral: Ensemble comedy, box office $49M worldwide.
2011–2020: Continued Work and Television Expansion
- 2014 – The Skeleton Twins: Supporting role, praised for emotional depth.
- 2015 – Meadowland: Drama, limited release but strong critical reception.
- 2019 – Stargirl (TV): Cast as Pat Dugan, expanding audience through DC Universe. Positive reception.
2021–2026: Recent Work
- 2024 – Horizon: Western epic directed by Kevin Costner, anticipated box office success.
- 2025–2026 – Landman: Drama series by Taylor Sheridan, ongoing role reinforcing Wilson’s relevance in prestige television.
Personal Life
Luke Wilson is known for keeping his private life discreet. He has dated high-profile actresses but remains unmarried. He resides in Los Angeles and maintains close ties with his brothers Owen and Andrew. His reputation is that of a grounded actor who values family and privacy.
Family and Background
- Luke Wilson was born in Dallas, Texas in 1971, the youngest of three brothers.
- His siblings, Owen Wilson and Andrew Wilson, are also actors, and the three have collaborated on several projects.
- He remains close to his family, often crediting them for his support system throughout his career.
Lifestyle
- Luke is known for keeping his personal life low‑profile and private compared to many Hollywood stars.
- He resides in Los Angeles, California, balancing his professional commitments with a quieter lifestyle.
- He has a reputation for being grounded and approachable, avoiding the more flamboyant aspects of celebrity culture.
Relationships
- Over the years, Luke has been linked to several high‑profile actresses, but he has never married.
- He tends to keep romantic relationships out of the spotlight, preferring discretion over publicity.
Personal Interests
- Beyond acting, Luke has shown interest in writing and directing, co‑directing The Wendell Baker Story with his brother Andrew.
- He enjoys sports and outdoor activities, reflecting his Texas upbringing.
- He has also been involved in philanthropic efforts, though he rarely publicizes them.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Family | Youngest of three brothers (Owen & Andrew Wilson) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Known Relationships | Linked to actresses, kept private |
| Lifestyle | Low‑profile, grounded |
| Interests | Writing, directing, sports, philanthropy |
Net Worth
Net Worth Overview
- As of 2026, Luke Wilson’s net worth is estimated at around $50 million.
- His wealth comes from a combination of acting, directing, producing, and endorsements.
- With a career spanning three decades, he has built financial stability through consistent work in both film and television.
Sources of Income
- Film Salaries: Major earnings from box office hits like Legally Blonde, Old School, and Charlie’s Angels.
- Television: Long‑term contracts for Stargirl and upcoming prestige series Landman.
- Directing/Producing: Co‑directed The Wendell Baker Story and invested in creative projects.
- Residuals: Ongoing income from cult classics (Idiocracy, Bottle Rocket) and mainstream successes.
- Endorsements & Appearances: Collaborations with lifestyle and entertainment brands.
Analysis
Luke Wilson’s net worth reflects steady growth rather than sudden peaks. While he never commanded the ultra‑high salaries of Hollywood’s top tier, his consistent presence in successful films and cult classics ensured long‑term financial stability. His transition into television expanded his income streams, while his involvement in directing and producing diversified his portfolio.
Quick Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $50 million (2026) |
| Primary Sources | Acting, directing, producing, endorsements |
| Biggest Hits | Legally Blonde, Old School, Charlie’s Angels |
| Cult Classics | Idiocracy, Bottle Rocket |
| Recent Work | Stargirl (2019–2022), Horizon (2024), Landman (2025–2026 |
- Estimated at $50 million (2026).
- Sources of income:
- Acting salaries from films and TV.
- Directing and producing.
- Residuals from cult classics and mainstream hits.
- Endorsements and appearances.
Analysis
Luke Wilson’s career reflects versatility, resilience, and longevity. His collaborations with Wes Anderson gave him critical credibility, while mainstream hits like Legally Blonde and Old School ensured financial stability. Cult classics such as Idiocracy enhanced his cultural relevance, and his transition into television with Stargirl allowed him to reach new audiences. Recent projects like Horizon and Landman demonstrate his continued relevance in Hollywood. His net worth of approximately $50 million reflects steady, consistent work rather than blockbuster peaks.
Conclusion
Luke Wilson’s biography from 1996 to 2026 illustrates a career built on adaptability, credibility, and longevity. From indie beginnings to mainstream success and television expansion, Wilson remains a respected figure in American entertainment. His ability to balance cult classics with commercial hits ensures his place as one of Hollywood’s enduring actors.
Frequently Asked Questions about Luke Wilson
Who is Luke Wilson?
Luke Wilson is an American actor, director, and screenwriter born on September 21, 1971 in Dallas, Texas. He is best known for roles in Bottle Rocket, Legally Blonde, The Royal Tenenbaums, Old School, and Idiocracy.
What is Luke Wilson’s net worth?
As of 2026, Luke Wilson’s net worth is estimated at around $50 million, earned through acting, directing, producing, and endorsements.
What are Luke Wilson’s most famous movies?
His most notable films include Bottle Rocket (1996), Legally Blonde (2001), The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), Old School (2003), Idiocracy (2006), and Charlie’s Angels (2000).
What TV shows has Luke Wilson starred in?
He gained recognition in television with Stargirl (2019–2022) and is set to appear in Landman (2025–2026).
Has Luke Wilson won any awards?
He has received Independent Spirit Award nominations and critical acclaim for his performances, though he has not won major industry awards.
Who are Luke Wilson’s siblings?
Luke Wilson’s brothers are Owen Wilson and Andrew Wilson, both actors. The three have collaborated on several projects.
Has Luke Wilson directed films?
Yes. He co‑directed The Wendell Baker Story (2005) with his brother Andrew Wilson.
What recent projects has Luke Wilson worked on?
His recent projects include Horizon (2024), directed by Kevin Costner, and Landman (2025–2026), a drama series by Taylor Sheridan.
Is Luke Wilson married?
No. Luke Wilson has never married, though he has been linked to several high‑profile actresses. He is known for keeping his private life discreet.
What makes Luke Wilson unique in Hollywood?
Luke Wilson stands out for his versatility across genres, his cult status in films like Idiocracy, and his ability to balance indie credibility with mainstream success.
