Wilder Hudson, the 19-year-old son of actor Oliver Hudson and actress Erinn Bartlett, is taking a step back from college after his first semester. The decision, which his father discussed on the Nov. 6 episode of the Sibling Revelry podcast, comes after Wilder experienced depression and mounting stress on campus following a difficult wisdom teeth removal. This Wilder Hudson College Break is not a permanent departure; rather, it is a deferral of his second semester, with plans to return for sophomore year.
A Rough Start at CU Boulder
According to Oliver, Wilder’s initial experience at the University of Colorado Boulder was a “false start.” A six-week ordeal with dental issues left the teenager feeling disconnected and low. “Going back to school was a bit of a task,” Oliver recalled, noting that Wilder felt he no longer belonged there and was carrying a heavy burden of stress. Oliver, 50, did not mince words about the toll stress can take. “Stress is a killer,” he said, adding that he would rather his son smoke a pack of cigarettes than endure such pressure—a stark comparison that underscores his concern for Wilder’s well-being.
Acting Takes Center Stage
Wilder’s pivot back home is not just about recovery; it is also about pursuing a passion. He recently starred alongside his father and Alicia Silverstone in the Netflix film A Merry Little Ex-Mas, and the experience convinced him that acting is where he wants to focus his energy right now. Oliver understands this impulse. “He wants to take a shot at his life,” he explained, while emphasizing that college will still be there when Wilder is ready to return. For now, Wilder will live at home, get a job, and work on his auditions.
A Structured Plan for Growth
Oliver and Erinn have helped Wilder shape a plan that balances ambition with education. In addition to auditioning, Wilder will enroll in a screenwriting class at a local community college to develop his craft. Oliver also addressed the reality of nepotism in the industry, acknowledging that family connections can open doors but cannot substitute for talent and hard work. “It will get your foot in the door, no doubt about it,” he said, but he has learned that performance is what ultimately matters.
Mental Health in the Spotlight
Wilder’s story is part of a broader conversation about mental health, particularly among young adults facing the pressures of college life. Oliver’s openness about his son’s struggle with depression and stress echoes similar disclosures from other celebrities who have shared their own journeys. While Wilder’s path is unique, his decision to prioritize well-being over a traditional timeline reflects a growing recognition that taking a break can be a healthy choice.
As Wilder embarks on this new chapter, his family remains supportive. The coming months will be a test of his resolve, but with a job, acting pursuits, and a screenwriting class on his schedule, he is charting a course that feels right for him—at least for now.
