A look at Owen Wilson's close friendship with Ben Stiller as 'Wedding Crashers' star turns 55
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson have a unique relationship that goes beyond their impressive body of work together. The two actors share a deep friendship and provide support for each other's mental health. As Owen Wilson turns 55, here's a look at his close bond with Ben.
Known for their parts in popular movies like 'Zoolander', 'Starsky & Hutch', and 'The Night at the Museum' series, the two have been friends since the 1990s. As of July 2023, they had co-starred in twelve films. But they are more than just colleagues.
Ben Stiller on Owen Wilson's struggles with mental health
On 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show', Ben previously discussed Owen's struggles with mental health and attempted suicide, saying, "He's doing really well. I sort of like to protect his privacy, 'cause I feel like it's his own thing. But he's a really good friend of mine. He's an incredible guy and I wish him as everybody does, all the best."
Shortly after, Owen attempted suicide and was admitted to the hospital. He requested privacy in order to "receive care and heal in private during this difficult time" during the summer of 2007, when he and Ben were filming 'Tropic Thunder'.
Owen Wilson says Stiller 'wrote the nicest letter' to him
Owen had gotten in touch with Ben prior to their collaboration to tell him how much he appreciated his work. Owen shared, "I think it was when he saw Bottle Rocket. He wrote me the nicest letter, saying how much he loved the movie, which meant a great deal, because no one saw Bottle Rocket," as reported by Mirror.
As Ben put it in the letter, he "hoped [they] might work together on something, some day, and that sure came to pass." Owen also mentioned, "I don't know if the relationship has developed over time. It's a little like these characters [in Zoolander]. There isn't a big arc."
Owen added, "From when we first became friends, walking around New York, I think that we are still sort of laughing at the same things and our dynamic is still pretty similar."