Luke kicked off his acting career by having fun with some buddies. Granted, he had to work hard like everybody else, but he was lucky enough to make his debut alongside his brother, Owen Wilson and friend, Wes Anderson. The trio collaborated on Bottle Rocket, and indie sensation which launched their careers. Brothers Owen, Andrew, and Luke Wilson grew up in Dallas, Texas. All three harbored acting aspirations, but Luke didn’t really take a serious interest until college. Attending Occidental College, Luke was at first more interested in the school’s athletics department than in Drama or Theatre. He excelled at track and field, but eventually Luke gave up sports after attending a theatre course. The plays of Sam Shepard in particular were of interest to him and he enjoyed performing them.
Luke pretty much owes his film career to Owen (how would you like to be able to hold that over your brother’s head!). While attending the University of Texas, Owen decided to make a film with his friend and schoolmate, Wes Anderson, and they cast Luke in it. The film became Bottle Rocket, which went on to earn critical raves on the Independent film circuit. Luke also had a small role in their next collaboration, Rushmore, as a young doctor who gets caught up in a very awkward dinner party and ends up on the receiving end of the jealous anger of Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman).
Luke has continued to work steadily since, and is a definite Hollywood up-and-comer. He earned praise for his role opposite Drew Barrymore in Home Fries, and also got a taste of celebdom when he and Barrymore became an item. They dated for close to a year before calling it quits, but the two remain friends.
Wilson has continued to work primarily in Independent films, but has been gradually landing roles in a few higher profile pictures - most notably Blue Streak, in which he plays straight man to manic comedian Martin Lawrence.
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