Olivia Wilde: Bio, Age, Height, Husband, Net Worth (2025)
Olivia Wilde is an American actress, filmmaker, and activist, born Olivia Jane Cockburn on March 10, 1984, in New York City. Height is 5ft 7 or 170.2 cm tall net worth US$ 10 – 20 million, she is best known for her roles in House M.D., Tron: Legacy, and her directorial work on Booksmart and Don’t Worry Darling.
General Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Olivia Jane Cockburn (Wikipedia) |
| Date of Birth | March 10, 1984 (Wikipedia) |
| Age (2025) | 41 years old (Wikipedia) |
| Place of Birth | New York City, United States (Wikipedia) |
| Nationality / Citizenship | American — she also holds Irish citizenship through her family background. (Encyclopedia Britannica) |
| Profession | Actress, Film Director, Producer, Activist (Wikipedia) |
| Height | Approx. 5′7″ (170 cm) (Wealthy Peeps) |
| Years Active | 2003–present (Wikipedia) |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | Estimates vary: many public sources indicate around US$ 10 – 20 million, though some place it higher depending on recent projects and investments. (CelebsMoney) |
Family Background & Early Life
Olivia Jane Cockburn — known professionally as Olivia Wilde — was born on March 10, 1984, in New York City. (Wikipedia) Her parents, Andrew and Leslie Cockburn, are investigative journalists. (IMDb) Through her family she is connected to a long lineage of writers and journalists: her grandfather was novelist and political journalist Claud Cockburn. (IMDb)
Though born in New York, Olivia was raised in Washington, D.C. She spent summers in Ireland and retains ties to both the United States and Ireland through family roots and dual citizenship. (IMDb) Her upbringing exposed her to a culturally rich and intellectually charged environment — a backdrop that likely influenced her versatility later in acting and filmmaking. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
For her schooling, Wilde attended Georgetown Day School in Washington, D.C., followed by Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, graduating around 2002. (IMDb) During her teenage years she adopted the surname “Wilde” — a homage to Irish writer Oscar Wilde. (IMDb)
After high school, she moved to Dublin, Ireland, to study acting at the Gaiety School of Acting. (Encyclopedia Britannica) Although accepted to Bard College in the U.S., she chose to pursue acting directly instead of attending college. (IMDb)
This foundation — growing up in a family of writers and journalists, early education in acting, international exposure between the U.S. and Ireland — helped shape her artistic sensibility and drive toward entertainment and storytelling.
Entry into Acting & Early Career (2003–2006)
Olivia Wilde’s professional career began in the early 2000s. Her first television appearance was in the 2003 series Skin, a modern take on Romeo and Juliet — though the show was canceled shortly after. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
Her first feature film role came in 2004 when she appeared in the teen comedy The Girl Next Door. (AlloCiné) That same year, she gained significant visibility by joining the cast of the widely‑viewed teen drama The O.C., playing a club owner — a role that, despite mixed reviews for the show itself, helped raise her profile considerably. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
In 2006, she appeared in several films including Turistas and Alpha Dog, showcasing her range beyond teen or light‑hearted roles. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
These early years established Wilde as a promising young actress capable of shifting between television and film, drama and comedy — laying the groundwork for her subsequent breakthrough.
Breakthrough & Rise to Fame — “House” and Big‑Screen Roles (2007–2012)
The turning point in Olivia Wilde’s acting career came in 2007, when she was cast as Dr. Remy “Thirteen” Hadley in the hit medical‑drama series House M.D.. (Wikipedia) Her portrayal of “Thirteen” — a brilliant but troubled doctor — earned widespread acclaim and made her a household name. She remained a main cast member until the show ended in 2012. (Wikipedia)
While on House, Wilde did not abandon film — she appeared in movies such as Tron: Legacy (2010), a major sci‑fi adventure; Cowboys & Aliens (2011), a genre‑blending action film; and smaller independent productions — demonstrating her willingness to diversify and experiment with her roles. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
This period was critical: it solidified her reputation as an actress capable of both sustained television presence and substantive film work.
Transition to Variety – Indie Films, Supporting Roles & Dramatic Range (2013–2018)
After the conclusion of House, Olivia Wilde gradually shifted toward more varied and sometimes more challenging film projects. She appeared in a mix of indie films and studio productions, often taking roles that allowed her to showcase nuance and emotional depth rather than blockbuster glamour.
Notable films from this period include:
- Drinking Buddies (2013), a realistic romantic‑comedy drama that emphasized naturalistic acting. (Wikipedia)
- The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013), a mainstream comedy. (Wikipedia)
- Rush (2013), a biographical sports drama by a major filmmaker — underscoring Wilde’s capacity for serious dramatic roles. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
- The Lazarus Effect (2015), a horror‑thriller; Meadowland (2015), a heavy psychological drama; A Vigilante (2018), a gritty feminist revenge film addressing domestic abuse. (Wikipedia)
Through these roles, she demonstrated range — from nuanced indie drama to mainstream cinema, from comedy to horror — reflecting her ambition to challenge herself continually.
Emergence as Filmmaker & Director (2019–Present)
Around 2019, Olivia Wilde began to transition from actress to filmmaker, stepping behind the camera. Her feature directorial debut came with Booksmart (2019), a coming‑of-age teen comedy that earned critical praise for its sharp writing, fresh tone, and sympathetic portrayal of young women. (Wikipedia)
Her second film as director was Don’t Worry Darling (2022), a psychological thriller that she also acted in. The film was polarizing — garnering both praise for ambition and debate over production controversies — but underscored her willingness to take creative risks and explore darker, more mature themes. (Wikipedia)
Throughout this transition, Wilde has balanced her roles as actress, producer, and director. Her evolution from on‑screen talent to storyteller behind the camera has broadened her creative footprint and reinforced her commitment to shaping narratives rather than simply starring in them.
Filmography Highlights
Here is a selective overview of Olivia Wilde’s significant works (films & TV) up to 2025:
| Year | Title | Role / Contribution | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Skin | Actress (TV) | Television debut (Encyclopedia Britannica) |
| 2004 | The Girl Next Door | Actress | First feature‑film role (AlloCiné) |
| 2004‑05 | The O.C. | Actress | Early high‑visibility TV role (Encyclopedia Britannica) |
| 2006–2007 | Alpha Dog, Turistas, etc. | Actress | Early film roles in varied genres (Encyclopedia Britannica) |
| 2007–2012 | House M.D. | Actress (Dr. Remy “Thirteen” Hadley) | Breakout TV role (Wikipedia) |
| 2010 | Tron: Legacy | Actress | Major sci‑fi blockbuster (Encyclopedia Britannica) |
| 2011 | Cowboys & Aliens | Actress | Genre action film role (Encyclopedia Britannica) |
| 2013 | Drinking Buddies / Rush / The Incredible Burt Wonderstone | Actress | Diverse mix of indie and studio films (Wikipedia) |
| 2015–2019 | Various films (The Lazarus Effect, Meadowland, A Vigilante…) | Actress / Producer | Dramatic and provocative roles (Wikipedia) |
| 2019 | Booksmart | Director / Producer | First feature film as director — critical acclaim (Wikipedia) |
| 2022 | Don’t Worry Darling | Director / Actress | Bold, controversial directorial project (Wikipedia) |
This table shows how Wilde’s career has evolved, shifting between acting, independent filmmaking, mainstream films, and directing. Her versatility remains a defining feature of her professional journey.
Social Activism, Public Image & Off‑Screen Work
From the beginning of her public career, Olivia Wilde has used her platform to speak on social, political, and human‑rights issues. Her parents’ background in investigative journalism exposed her early to social concerns and global issues, influencing her sense of activism. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
She has been outspoken in support of women’s rights, gender equality, and various progressive causes. As a filmmaker, she has often chosen projects with social relevance — such as A Vigilante, which centers on a survivor of domestic abuse seeking justice. (Wikipedia)
Beyond activism, Wilde balances her public and private life carefully. Despite fame, she has maintained a degree of privacy about her personal relationships and family. Her multi‑faceted public image — actress, director, activist — continues to evolve, shaping her legacy beyond just entertainment.
Net Worth & Income Streams (Analysis)
Estimations fluctuate depending on sources, but a consistent picture emerges: Olivia Wilde’s career across acting, producing, and directing has earned her significant financial success. (CelebsMoney)
Major sources of income & assets likely include:
- Film acting salaries (both mainstream and indie)
- Television contracts (notably House)
- Director and producer fees (e.g., Booksmart, Don’t Worry Darling)
- Residuals, royalties, backend profits from successful films
- Brand partnerships, public appearances, and potential investments
Given her continued activity in 2025 across various facets of filmmaking, her earning potential remains strong, supporting the mid-range net worth estimate above.
Why Olivia Wilde Stands Out (Her Unique Value Proposition)
- Versatility across genres and roles: From teen comedies to serious drama, horror to sci‑fi, independent films to blockbuster fare, Wilde has never been typecast.
- Transition from acting to filmmaking: Very few contemporary actors have successfully pivoted into directing while maintaining acting careers — Wilde’s success with Booksmart and her bold choices demonstrate her ambition and creative vision.
- Balance between mainstream and indie: She comfortably operates in both Hollywood blockbusters and smaller, risk‑taking films — a rare duality that broadens her appeal and artistic credibility.
- Social consciousness and activism: With a background rooted in journalism, she brings a critical, socially aware lens to her projects and public persona — often engaging with issues beyond entertainment.
- Resilience & reinvention: Over two decades, Wilde has adapted to changing industry landscapes, shifting between roles, mediums, and responsibilities while growing her career steadily.
Challenges, Criticisms & Public Controversies
Like many public figures with a multifaceted career, Olivia Wilde has faced challenges:
- Her 2022 directorial film Don’t Worry Darling drew significant media scrutiny — both for its themes and for the off‑screen controversies surrounding its production and publicity. Some critics questioned certain aspects of the film’s tone and execution; others debated the separation between artist and media spectacle. (Wikipedia)
- Going from acting to directing can bring increased responsibility — expectations from audiences, critics, and industry stakeholders have grown accordingly. Such transitions often expose filmmakers to more public scrutiny, demanding both artistic vision and managerial competence.
- As a public figure outspoken about social and political issues, Wilde sometimes finds herself in polarized debates — a reality for many celebrities who leverage visibility for activism.
Still, her willingness to take risks — creatively, socially, and professionally — remains a defining trait.
Olivia Wilde: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Olivia Wilde?
Olivia Wilde is an American actress, filmmaker, and activist, born Olivia Jane Cockburn on March 10, 1984, in New York City. She is best known for her roles in House M.D., Tron: Legacy, and her directorial work on Booksmart and Don’t Worry Darling.
2. How old is Olivia Wilde in 2025?
As of 2025, Olivia Wilde is 41 years old.
3. How tall is Olivia Wilde?
Olivia Wilde’s height is approximately 5′7″ (170 cm).
4. What is Olivia Wilde’s net worth?
Estimates suggest that Olivia Wilde’s net worth in 2025 is around US$ 20 million, including earnings from acting, directing, producing, and brand partnerships.
5. What are Olivia Wilde’s most famous roles?
- Dr. Remy “Thirteen” Hadley in House M.D. (2007–2012)
- Quorra in Tron: Legacy (2010)
- Debbie in Rush (2013)
- Roles in indie films such as Drinking Buddies (2013) and A Vigilante (2018)
6. Has Olivia Wilde directed any films?
Yes. Olivia Wilde made her feature directorial debut with Booksmart (2019), followed by Don’t Worry Darling (2022). Both films showcase her interest in complex storytelling and strong female leads.
7. Is Olivia Wilde married?
Olivia Wilde is in a long-term relationship with Harry Styles, though she was previously married to Italian filmmaker Tao Ruspoli. She maintains a degree of privacy regarding her personal life.
8. Does Olivia Wilde have children?
Yes, Olivia Wilde has two children. She is committed to balancing family life with her career in acting and filmmaking.
9. Where did Olivia Wilde grow up?
She was born in New York City but raised primarily in Washington, D.C., and spent part of her childhood in Ireland, maintaining ties to her Irish heritage.
10. What is Olivia Wilde’s educational background?
Olivia Wilde attended Georgetown Day School and Phillips Academy. She briefly studied acting at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, Ireland, before pursuing her professional career.
11. Has Olivia Wilde received awards or nominations?
Yes, she has received critical acclaim for her acting and directing, including nominations and recognition from film festivals and industry awards, particularly for her directorial work on Booksmart.
12. Is Olivia Wilde active in activism?
Yes, Olivia Wilde is outspoken on social issues including women’s rights, gender equality, and progressive causes. Her family background in investigative journalism has influenced her engagement with activism.
13. What languages does Olivia Wilde speak?
Primarily English, with exposure to Irish culture through her family; she may also have some familiarity with Irish Gaelic due to her heritage.
14. How can I follow Olivia Wilde on social media?
Olivia Wilde maintains an active presence on platforms such as Instagram and Twitter, sharing updates on her films, advocacy work, and personal projects.
15. What upcoming projects does Olivia Wilde have?
As of 2025, Olivia Wilde continues to direct, act, and produce films. She may also expand into streaming projects, feature collaborations, and initiatives combining film with social awareness.
Summary
Olivia Wilde’s life and career reflect a continuous evolution: from her upbringing in a family of journalists, to early acting roles, to breakout television success, to a diversified filmography, and finally to becoming a filmmaker in her own right. Her journey is marked by reinvention, versatility, ambition, and a willingness to tackle both mainstream and challenging projects.
As of 2025, she stands as a respected actress, a daring director, and an outspoken advocate of social issues. Whether on screen or behind the camera, Olivia Wilde continues to build a legacy defined by talent, versatility, and purposeful storytelling.