Olivia Jane Cockburn, known professionally as Olivia Wilde, is an American actress and filmmaker born March 10, 1984 in New York City. She played Remy “Thirteen” Hadley on the medical-drama television series House from 2007 to 2012.
๐ญ Early Life and Family
Wilde grew up in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., while spending summers at Ardmore in Ireland. She attended Georgetown Day School and Phillips Academy, graduating in 2002.
She is a dual citizen of the United States and Ireland. She derived her professional surname from Irish author Oscar Wilde and began using it in high school to honor the writers in her family.
๐ฌ Acting Career
Wilde appeared in the action films Tron: Legacy (2010) and Cowboys & Aliens (2011), the romantic drama Her (2013), and the comedy The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013). She made her Broadway debut playing Julia in 1984 (2017).
She appeared as Jewel Goldman on the short-lived television series Skin (2003). She gained attention for her recurring role as bisexual bar owner Alex Kelly on The O.C. from 2004 to 2005.
๐ฅ Directing and Producing
Wilde made her directorial debut with the teen comedy film Booksmart (2019), which received critical acclaim and won the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. She subsequently directed the thriller film Don’t Worry Darling (2022) and The Invite (2026).
She has executive-produced several documentary short films, including Sun City Picture House (2010) and Body Team 12 (2015). Body Team 12 was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject.
๐ Career Highlights Table
| Year | Project | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007โ2012 | House | Remy “Thirteen” Hadley | Medical-drama television series |
| 2010 | Tron: Legacy | Quorra | Action film |
| 2019 | Booksmart | Director | Directorial debut; won Independent Spirit Award |
| 2022 | Don’t Worry Darling | Director and supporting role | Erotic psychological thriller |