Rainn Wilson
He transformed a socially awkward paper salesman into one of television's most uniquely hilarious and quotable characters.
Born 1966 (age 60)·American actor, comedian, producer, and writer·Birthday: January 20·Generation X
Biography
Rainn Wilson played Dwight Schrute on 'The Office,' the beet-farming, bear-loving assistant-to-the-regional-manager. A classically trained theatre actor who performed at the Shakespeare Theatre Company, Wilson paid his dues with odd jobs and small, eccentric TV roles before landing the part. His performance balanced utter sincerity with profound weirdness, making Dwight both a joke and a strangely empathetic figure. The role earned him multiple Emmy nominations. Beyond acting, Wilson co-founded the media company SoulPancake, which explores life's big questions, and has authored books. This thoughtful depth contrasts with the beet-fueled intensity of his most famous creation.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Rainn was born in 1966, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Rainn Was Born
The biggest hits of 1966
#1 Movie
The Bible: In the Beginning
Best Picture
A Man for All Seasons
#1 TV Show
Bonanza
Rainn's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1966Born
Star Trek premieres on television
Gas: $0.32/galHome: $14,200Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"The Ballad of the Green Berets" — SSgt Barry SadlerBest Picture: A Man for All Seasons
1971Started school
Voting age lowered to 18 in the US
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $18,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Joy to the World" — Three Dog NightBest Picture: The French Connection
1979Became a teenager
Iran hostage crisis begins; Three Mile Island accident
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $37,900Min wage: $2.90/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"My Sharona" — The KnackBest Picture: Kramer vs. Kramer
1982Could drive
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1984Could vote
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1987Turned 21
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1996Turned 30
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2006Turned 40
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2016Turned 50
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 60
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Received three consecutive Primetime Emmy nominations for his role as Dwight Schrute on 'The Office.'
- Co-founded the digital media company SoulPancake, which focuses on philosophical and inspirational content.
- Authored the memoir 'The Bassoon King: My Life in Art, Faith, and Idiocy.'
- Starred in and produced the film 'The Rocker,' showcasing his lead comedic chops.
Did You Know?
His middle name is Percival.
He is a practicing member of the Baháʼí Faith.
Before acting, he worked as a waiter for a children's theatre where he had to dress as a cockroach.
He is an avid fan of heavy metal music.
“I think the key to being happy is to lower your expectations. And to be grateful for what you have.”
