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.
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
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.” She added, “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 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.
