Owen Wilson | Source: Getty Images
Actor Owen Wilson is a father to three children, yet he shares different dynamics with each of them. While his sons have a close bond with their dad, his youngest child remains a part of his life only in name, as the two have never met.
As Owen Wilson turns 56 on November 18, 2024, his life continues to intrigue fans. The actor, known for his work in films like “The Royal Tenenbaums” and “Cars,” also carries the title of father. While his acting career has often cast him in fatherly roles, Wilson’s real-life experiences with parenthood tell a much more nuanced story.
Owen Wilson in “Zoolander” as seen in its theatrical release on September 28, 2001 | Source: Getty Images
In interviews, Wilson has shared heartfelt glimpses into his life with his children, revealing moments of joy and the occasional challenges of raising kids. Despite his relaxed on-screen persona, the actor admits that parenting isn’t easy. Let’s look closely at Wilson’s three children, starting with his firstborn, Robert Ford Wilson.
Owen Wilson pictured at the premiere of “She’s Funny That Way” on August 19, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Robert Ford Wilson — The Firstborn
Wilson welcomed his first child, Robert Ford Wilson, in January 2011 with his then-partner, Jade Duell. Wilson, who calls him by his second name, Ford, explained that they chose the name because it felt unique and quintessentially American.
Owen Wilson pictured during an interview in 2017 | Source: Getty Images
“Jade and I just liked the name… it seemed kind of original,” he
shared
in an interview. “And now, it’s just like what I was saying to you, I can’t imagine him having any other name because he is Ford.”
Ford Wilson attends a football game, from a post dated April 21, 2024 | Source: Instagram/lafc
Wilson has opened up about his special bond with Ford, especially as the boy grew older. The actor has shared stories of their adventures, including a memorable trip to Sequoia National Park. He has recounted humorous moments that showcase Ford’s sharp wit and playful personality.
Owen Wilson and his son Ford celebrating in a video shared on April 21, 2024 | Source: Instagram/lafc
On one memorable trip to Sequoia National Park, Ford brought out his dry humor. As they stood in front of the world’s largest tree, he
quipped
, “I’ve seen bigger.” Despite Wilson’s attempts to set the record straight, Ford cheekily
responded
, “If you say so,” leaving his dad amused and exasperated.
Though Ford, 13, may not always agree with his dad, he does appreciate Wilson’s voice work in the beloved “Cars” series. He was particularly excited about Wilson’s reprisal of his role as Lightning McQueen in the animated film “Cars 3.”
The actor shared that Ford’s friends were thrilled to meet the voice behind Lightning McQueen, though one
commented
, “Oh, I thought Lightning McQueen would be taller.”
Owen Wilson speaks at the “Cars 3” press conference on June 10, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Ford’s relationship with his younger brother is just as strong, with the two boys often teaming up, much to their father’s amusement. Wilson once
joked
, “Sometimes it feels more like that I’m already sort of seeing how they’re gonna be as teenagers, where they’re gonna sorta be ganging up on me.”
Owen Wilson is seen with his son, Ford, attending a game between Austin FC and Los Angeles FC on October 29, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Finn Lindqvist Wilson — The Playful Middle Child
Wilson’s
second child
, Finn Lindqvist Wilson, was born on January 30, 2014, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Finn’s mother, Caroline Lindqvist, was Wilson’s personal trainer.
Their relationship
made headlines at the time due to its unique circumstances.
When Lindqvist became pregnant with Finn, she was in the process of divorcing her then-husband, Ritu Chopra. Despite the
complicated situation
, Owen made it clear from the start that he intended to be an active part of Finn’s life.
Finn Wilson attends a football game, from a post dated April 21, 2024 | Source: Instagram/lafc
Wilson and Lindqvist chose not to pursue a romantic relationship but maintained a
cooperative co-parenting
arrangement. In an interview, Wilson shared that he lived close to the mothers of his sons, ensuring that he was a present figure in their upbringing.
“Owen has the boys on a single-dad schedule,” one journalist
noted
after visiting the actor at home. During the interview, Wilson was seen trimming Finn’s fingernails. When the boy protested,
saying
, “Don’t go below the line!” Wilson calmly
responded
, “Just relax.”
Owen Wilson attends the 74th annual Cannes Film Festival on July 12, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
After the task was done, Wilson
asked
, “What do you say?” to which Finn dutifully
replied
, “Thank you,” before
muttering
to his older brother, “for nothing.” Finn’s father tells stories that really bring out his lively personality.
Wilson has described Finn as a playful and cheeky child who looks up to his older brother. “It’s unbelievable,” Wilson once
said
during an appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” He
recalled
, “Anything Ford says is just like the funniest thing ever [to Finn]. And I can make a joke, and it’s like crickets. It’s like nothing from those guys.”
Owen Wilson’s sons, Finn and Ford, as seen in a video shared on Instagram in April 2024 | Source: Instagram/lafc
The two brothers share a strong bond, often joining their dad for activities like painting classes inspired by Bob Ross. Wilson fondly
remembered
, “All three of us did a similar mountainscape and I think they turned out pretty good.”
Owen Wilson and his sons, Ford and Finn, attend Game Five of the 2023 NHL Stanley Cup Final between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Florida Panthers on June 13, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Although balancing his
busy career
with parenting is challenging, Wilson remains actively involved in his sons’ lives. In April 2024, he made a
rare public appearance
with Ford and Finn at a Los Angeles Football Club game, where the trio was spotted enjoying the match together.
Lyla Aranya Wilson — The Daughter He Has Never Met
While Wilson has embraced his role as a father to his two sons, his relationship with
his third child
is entirely different. According to the child’s mother, Varunie Vongsvirates, the actor has never met
his daughter
, despite confirming his paternity through a test in 2018.
Vongsvirates and Wilson dated casually for about five years before parting ways. When
Lyla Aranya Vongsvirates
was born, Wilson was notably absent, and since then, his involvement has reportedly been limited to financial support.
Vongsvirates has been open about her desire for Wilson to take a more active role in Lyla’s life. In an interview, she
expressed
her disappointment. Revealing that Wilson is “not involved at all,” she
said
, “He helps financially, but it’s never been about that,”
adding
, “Lyla needs a father.”
“It’s ironic how [Owen] keeps getting these father roles, he’s playing a father in his new movie, and he’s never even met his own daughter,” Vongsvirates also
remarked
.
On social media, Vongsvirates has shared glimpses of Lyla as she grows up. She often receives comments from followers who notice the striking resemblance between father and daughter. One fan
commented
,
“Wow, no mistake who her father is,”
while another
said
,
“Owen’s clone!”
Photos of the little girl, with her blue eyes and blonde hair, have drawn admiration and
remarks
like,
“She’s [too] perfect”
and
“BEAUTIFUL!!! She is grewing up so fast.”
Another Instagram user added,
“Wow she looks like her daddy.”
Despite the public’s fascination and speculation, Wilson has remained silent on the matter. A source close to the actor told People magazine that Wilson always fulfilled his obligations for financial support. However, there have been no indications that he intends to pursue a relationship with Lyla.
The story of Lyla Aranya Wilson stands in stark contrast to the relationship Wilson has with his sons, Ford and Finn. While he shares memorable moments with his boys, Lyla remains a distant figure in his life.