That laid-back Texas drawl. The zany, off-kilter sensibility. An uncanny ability to improvise.
It was seemingly impossible to square actor Owen Wilson's public persona as a happy go-lucky bon vivant with news that he was hospitalized over the weekend after widespread but unconfirmed reports that he had tried to commit suicide.
Wilson, 38, considered one of Hollywood's top comedy stars, with such hit films as "Wedding Crashers," Shanghai Noon" and "Cars," was receiving medical treatment Monday at Cedars- Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. The hospital declined to comment.
Wilson's publicist, Ina Treciokas of I/D Public Relations, issued this statement from the actor: "I respectfully ask that the media allow me to receive care and heal in private during this difficult time."
Neither public authorities nor Wilson's publicist would confirm or deny reports by the National Enquirer and its sister publication, Star magazine, that the actor tried to commit suicide by slashing his wrist and swallowing a number of pills.
But it was those reports that triggered surprise and an outpouring of support Monday for Wilson.
"He always seemed very happy to me. . . . When I heard the news this morning, I was totally shocked and, quite honestly, saddened," said Robert D. Yeoman, the cinematographer on Wilson's upcoming movie, "The Darjeeling Limited." "I hope he pulls through and gets whatever help he needs to get his life back on track."
The Santa Monica police and fire departments dispatched medical aid to Wilson's home in the 900 block of 23rd Street at 11:59 a.m. Sunday, said Battalion Chief Jose Torres of the Santa Monica Fire Department.
Wilson was treated at his home before being taken to St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica. He was later transferred to Cedars-Sinai, and People magazine reported that Wilson's family visited him there.
Wilson is considered a charter member of the Frat Pack, a circle of funnymen that includes Will Ferrell, Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn. Wilson has appeared in half a dozen comedies with Stiller, including "Night at the Museum," "Starsky & Hutch" and Stiller's upcoming directorial effort, "Tropic Thunder."
Wilson's path to Hollywood success traces back to the University of Texas, where he met future director Wes Anderson. They launched both of their careers when they co-wrote "Bottle Rocket," about hapless would-be burglars. Anderson directed, and Wilson starred alongside his younger brother, Luke.
