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Actor Owen Wilson joins Conan O'Brien and Sona Movsesian to discuss his early days writing with Wes Anderson, getting expelled from high school for cheating in geometry, and his unexpected stint in military school. Throughout the conversation, Wilson and O'Brien trade stories about their fathers, childhood competitive games, and navigating public life.
Later in the episode, a listener calls in with a theory that people slowly become the animated characters they love most. This prompts O'Brien, Movsesian, and the production team to map themselves onto the cast of The Simpsons, with O'Brien declaring himself Mr. Burns and assigning Movsesian the role of Homer.
The episode opens with a playful ad and a quick introduction from the host, setting a light‑hearted tone before the guest arrives.
The host welcomes Owen Wilson, introduces the recurring co‑host Sona, and jokes about the absent Matt Corley, establishing the episode’s informal vibe.
Owen shares stories of his upbringing, his parents’ Irish heritage, and the family dynamics that shaped his early years and sense of identity.
A fan’s heartfelt letter asks Conan’s opinion on naming a future child after him, prompting a humorous debate about the name’s cultural weight and personal significance.
Owen and the host discuss the influence of family humor, the legacy of his dad’s jokes, and how storytelling became a coping mechanism in their lives.
The conversation turns to Owen’s entry into acting and advertising, his serendipitous meeting with Wes Anderson, and the creative partnership that defined his early film work.
The segment covers Owen’s workout routine, his quirky cowboy hat habit, and everyday moments that reveal his personality beyond the screen.
The episode wraps up with reflections on Owen’s past, his current projects, and a brief look ahead to upcoming work and personal endeavors.
The hosts discuss how boredom spurred imaginative play like BB gun and Roman candle wars, highlighting the creative spark it ignites.
They reflect on the cast and dynamics of the sitcom Stick, praising Tim O'Lefant and noting the camaraderie with Mark Maron.
The conversation shifts to rap music, the Rolling Loud festival, and Owen Wilson’s upcoming film about the experience.
Conan recommends the historical novel The Killer Angels, urging Owen to read it and hinting at a future Dartmouth connection.
Naming a Child Conanstory
O'Brien recounts how his father researched striking, uncomplicated names in 1963 and chose Conan, long before the barbarian movie made him a target for playground beatings.
Expelled for Geometry Cheatingstory
Wilson reveals he was kicked out of high school for cheating in geometry, and explains how his father's ad agency helped spin the incident for college applications.
Editing Bottle Rocket Next Doorstory
Wilson and O'Brien realize they first crossed paths decades ago when Bottle Rocket was being edited right next door to early late-night show offices.
The Secret Rich-Kid Speechinsight
Wilson shares that his father actually wrote the anti-rich-kid speech delivered by Bill Murray in Wes Anderson's film Rushmore.
Robin Williams on Press Junketsstory
Wilson recalls doing press junkets for Night at the Museum paired with Robin Williams, noting it was the easiest junket ever because Williams handled every question.
Rap Music Evolutiondebate
O'Brien and Wilson playfully contrast the old-school rap of their youth with the intense, metal-infused energy of modern festival headliners.
Simpsons Character Mappinginsight
Responding to a listener's theory, the room maps themselves onto The Simpsons, with O'Brien embracing the role of Mr. Burns and assigning Movsesian to Homer.
“When I was born, first brother was Neil, then Luke, and then, when I was born, I was unnamed, I think, for a few days.”
“I don't know how I feel about that.”
“I think Miles is a really good name. I like the name Miles.”
“Boredom is a great thing. It's where all the creativity comes, I think.”
“People say golf will reveal your true nature.”
Actor Owen Wilson feels good about being Conan O’Brien’s friend. Owen sits down with Conan to discuss how military school led him to a creative partnership with Wes Anderson, learning how to wear a cowboy hat, bringing Timothy Olyphant on for season two of Stick, his new film Rolling Loud: The Movie, and more. For Conan videos, tour dates and more visit TeamCoco.com. Got a question for Conan? Call our voicemail: (323) 362-2295.
13,110 words · 8 speakers
Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.
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