Oliver Hudson Says Wilder, 19, Is Deferring College After Much Stress During First Semester
A difficult return to campus
On the Sibling Revelry podcast on Nov. 6, Oliver Hudson described Wilder’s struggle to return to school after six weeks of dental problems following a complicated wisdom teeth removal at home. Wilder, who is 19 and Hudson’s son with actress Erinn Bartlett, felt depressed and out of place on campus.
Hudson said the false start at the University of Colorado Boulder left Wilder carrying significant stress. He said he would rather his son smoke a pack of cigarettes than endure that level of stress.
A pause with a plan
After Wilder appeared with his father and Alicia Silverstone in Netflix’s A Merry Little Ex-Mas, Hudson understood why his son wanted to focus on acting. He said college would remain available to Wilder in the future.
Hudson helped his eldest son plan to defer the second semester and return for sophomore year. Wilder will live at home, find a job and work on auditions.
Building acting skills
Wilder also plans to take a screenwriting class at a local community college. Hudson said industry connections can open a door, but acting ability still matters. Hudson and Bartlett also have sons Bodhi, 16, and Rio, 13.
Key points
- Wilder plans to defer his second semester after a difficult start at the University of Colorado Boulder.
- Hudson linked the setback to dental problems, depression and stress on campus.
- Wilder intends to live at home, work, audition and take a screenwriting class.
- Hudson said Wilder may return to college for sophomore year.