Olivia Wilde has opened up about her youthful marriage to Italian prince Tao Ruspoli, reflecting on the unique and unconventional nature of their relationship. The actress and director, now 39, spoke candidly during her recent appearance on the popular podcast “Call Her Daddy”, shedding light on the whirlwind romance that led to their elopement in 2003 and their eventual amicable separation in 2011.
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Wilde described her marriage as “bohemian” and acknowledged that their union was both “romantic and insane.” The pair wed at the alternative arts festival Burning Man after a few months of dating, with Wilde recalling the spontaneous nature of their decision. The couple had reportedly completed their wedding paperwork with a man they found online in Los Angeles prior to the festival, though Wilde described the official documents as “probably invalid.”
Reflecting on the impulsiveness of youth, she recounted the immediate sense of disbelief that followed her decision to marry. “Wait, what the f—k did I just do?” she recalled asking herself. Wilde admitted that this spontaneity was part of her character at the time and noted, “I think that is one of the beauties of youth, but I would get myself into a whole bunch of trouble all the time.”
The actress explained that their intimate and unconventional ceremony served as an act of rebellion, even though its nature was rather traditional. Despite the impulsive beginnings of their relationship, Wilde revealed that she was not initially seeking the commitment of marriage. “We did not have a very traditional marriage. It was very bohemian. And I am grateful for it because it meant that I spent most of my twenties [that way],” she shared.
As their lives progressed, Wilde and Ruspoli’s paths began to diverge. The couple announced their separation in February 2011, with the divorce finalised later that year. At the time, Wilde was only 25, a fact she reflected on with bemusement, noting she was just “barely old enough to rent a car.” The couple’s decision to part ways, however, was not marked by drama. Rather, Wilde described the ending of their marriage as a natural outcome of growing apart. “It was not a very tumultuous breakup. It was just like, this is clearly… we have grown up. We’re in very different stages of life,” she explained.
Now, years after their split, Wilde and Ruspoli maintain a friendly relationship. The actress spoke fondly of this connection, saying, “It’s funny now. Like, we’re friends. I mean, it seems like 100,000 years ago, it’s crazy.” This sense of camaraderie reveals a maturity that both have embraced since their youthful romance.
Since her divorce, Wilde’s personal life has garnered significant media attention. She has been romantically linked to several high-profile figures, including singer Harry Styles and comedian Jason Sudeikis, with whom she shares two children. Despite her past experiences, Wilde has yet to remarry, preferring to navigate her personal journey on her own terms.
In hindsight, Wilde appreciates the unique experiences and lessons from her early marriage. Reflecting on her journey, she asserts that while those years were unconventional, they played a significant role in shaping who she is today. As she continues to evolve both personally and professionally, Wilde remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, engaging with her audience through her work and candid reflections.
The story of Olivia Wilde and Tao Ruspoli is one that highlights the unpredictability of young love and the growth that can come from life’s surprising turns. Their tale serves as a reminder that even the most unconventional paths can lead to friendship and personal development.