Olivia Wilde, born Olivia Jane Cockburn in New York City, has carved out a dynamic place for herself in Hollywood. Though many first noticed Wilde when she appeared on the teen drama The O.C., her career quickly expanded into much bigger things – both on screen and behind the camera.
As an actress, Wilde’s roles have run the gamut from the sci-fi action of Tron: Legacy to the beloved medical drama House. But it’s her jump into directing that’s brought her some of her biggest acclaim. Her first feature, Booksmart (2019), was an energetic, heartfelt coming-of-age comedy that immediately marked her as a filmmaker to watch.
Away from the spotlight, Wilde has used her platform to champion causes close to her heart. Whether she’s advocating for gender equality or environmental action, she often seems more interested in making a difference than grabbing headlines.
Love and relationships have often landed Wilde in the public eye, sometimes even overshadowing her work. She was married young – at just 19 – to Italian filmmaker Tao Ruspoli. Their eight-year marriage ended in 2011. Not long after, she met comedian Jason Sudeikis at a Saturday Night Live after-party. They were together for nearly a decade, had two children, and – despite their breakup in 2020 – continue to co-parent with a focus on respect and stability.
In early 2021, Wilde’s romantic life became tabloid fodder again when she started dating Harry Styles, who starred in her film Don’t Worry Darling. Their relationship drew intense media scrutiny, especially as rumors swirled around the film’s production. By late 2022, reports suggested they’d gone their separate ways. Throughout it all, Wilde has mostly kept her private life private, rarely commenting directly and typically choosing dignity and silence over drama.
There have, inevitably, been various Hollywood rumors – some swirling during the often-gossipy atmosphere of Don’t Worry Darling’s production – but Wilde and her colleagues have largely dismissed the chatter.
What does seem clear is Wilde’s thoughtful approach to relationships and life in general. She’s spoken about how the right partnerships help her grow, saying, “I believe that when you really find the right person, they help you become the best version of yourself.” That outlook comes through in how she carries herself – low-key, with maturity and perspective, even when under a relentless spotlight.
Past Relationships
Dane DiLiegro
Harry Styles
Jason Sudeikis
Bradley Cooper
Justin Timberlake
Ryan Gosling
Tao Ruspoli
These days, as of late 2023, Wilde appears focused on her creative projects and raising her children. She’s linked to several upcoming films, and if her recent moves are any indication, her best work – both personal and professional – may still be ahead. As she once put it, “I’m someone who has always been very interested in the bigger picture, in how my actions affect others.” That sense of care and intentionality continues to define Olivia Wilde, perhaps even more than her Hollywood résumé.