Chris Owen was a standout presence during the late ‘90s teen movie wave, thanks to his distinctive look—tall, lanky, freckled, and with fiery red hair—that made him instantly recognizable. And let’s be honest, Chris Owen had a knack for bringing quirky, offbeat characters to life in a way that felt both authentic and memorable. He first stepped into the spotlight on television, landing a guest role in 1993 on the quirky CBS drama “Picket Fences,” where Chris Owen played the son of a burglary suspect with an unusual obsession—with frogs (played by Michael Jeter, no less). That same year, he popped up in an episode of ABC’s beloved teen sitcom “Boy Meets World,” giving audiences another glimpse of his budding talent.
Making his film debut in 1994, Chris Owen appeared in “It Runs in the Family,” sharing the screen with Kieran Culkin—a solid start for any young actor. Then came 1995, a big year for Chris Owen. He took on the role of a young cadet in the comedy “Major Payne,” starring Damon Wayans as a hyperactive Marine tasked with training a junior ROTC group during peacetime. It wasn’t just a minor appearance, though—Chris Owen really started to shine later that same year in “Angus,” where he co-starred as the loyal, nerdy best friend to the film’s socially awkward protagonist. His performance was heartfelt and genuine, proving Chris Owen could handle more than just comic relief.
Not long after, in 1996, he appeared in the Farley/Spade comedy “Black Sheep,” taking on a smaller but still noticeable role. Through each project, Chris Owen quietly built a reputation as a reliable and relatable character actor—one who may not have always been front and center, but whose presence you couldn’t help but notice.
So, when it comes to Chris Owen’s filmography, one standout performance definitely comes to mind—his role in October Sky (1999), which happens to be his highest rated movie. It’s clear that Chris Owen really made an impact with that one, earning both critical praise and audience appreciation. On the other hand, not every project turned out quite as well. For instance, National Lampoon’s Dorm Daze (2003) ended up being Chris Owen’s lowest rated film by a noticeable margin. While Chris Owen has taken on a variety of roles over the years, these two titles really highlight the range in his career—from a beloved, inspiring story to a more forgettable comedy. Still, Chris Owen continues to be recognized for his contributions, especially thanks to standout moments like October Sky.