Rebel Wilson really made a name for herself, evolving from just a funny side character into one of the most unique and memorable comedic voices of her time. Born in Sydney, Australia, Rebel’s journey took a major turn when she moved to New York in her early twenties on a scholarship—this opportunity led her straight to training at the renowned Second City improv theater. After honing her skills there, she returned home and began crafting her own path by writing and performing in original stage productions, like The Westie Monologues, which quickly started turning heads.
It wasn’t long before Rebel was cast in Fat Pizza (2003), the film spinoff of the popular SBS sitcom Pizza (2000–07). Her standout performance earned her a recurring role on the series and a spot in the follow-up project World Record Pizza (SBS, 2006). From there, Rebel continued building momentum with starring roles in Australian comedies such as The Wedge (Network 10, 2006–07) and Bogan Pride (SBS, 2008).
Eventually, Rebel set her sights on Hollywood—and it paid off. She landed guest appearances on American shows like Rules of Engagement (CBS, 2007–13) and Workaholics (Comedy Central, 2011–17), slowly making her presence known. But it was her small but unforgettable role in the blockbuster comedy Bridesmaids (2011) that truly introduced Rebel Wilson to a wider U.S. audience. Starring alongside Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and Melissa McCarthy, Rebel played one of Wiig’s eccentric roommates, and though her screen time was brief, her impact was huge.
That moment opened the floodgates. Soon after, she headlined A Few Best Men (2011) with Laura Brent and Olivia Newton-John, then joined the ensemble cast of What to Expect When You’re Expecting (2012). While it might not have seemed obvious at the time, her real breakthrough came with Pitch Perfect (2012). Playing the bold and hilarious Fat Amy in the musical comedy—alongside Anna Kendrick, Ben Platt, and Brittany Snow—Rebel stole the show. Though the film had modest box office success initially, it exploded in popularity once released for home viewing, becoming a cultural touchstone.
Following that, Rebel appeared in Pain & Gain (2013), the action-comedy starring Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne Johnson. Not one to slow down, she then created and starred in her own ABC sitcom, Super Fun Night (2013–14), showcasing her range both behind and in front of the camera. She went on to join Ben Stiller and the late Robin Williams in Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (2014), the third and final installment of the beloved franchise.
Of course, fans couldn’t get enough of Fat Amy, so Rebel returned for Pitch Perfect 2 (2015)—and this time, the movie more than doubled the earnings of the first. The success solidified Rebel Wilson as a leading lady in comedy. She continued her winning streak with roles in How to Be Single (2016), opposite Dakota Johnson and Alison Brie, and in Sacha Baron Cohen’s outrageous The Brothers Grimsby (2016).
In 2017, Rebel brought Fat Amy back one last time in Pitch Perfect 3, wrapping up the trilogy on a high note. Then, in 2019, she took center stage in Isn’t It Romantic, a clever satire where she played a cynical woman suddenly stuck inside a romantic comedy—ironic, yet perfectly fitting. She co-starred with Adam Devine, her former Workaholics and Pitch Perfect collaborator, adding a fun layer of nostalgia.
That same year, Rebel teamed up with Anne Hathaway for The Hustle, a fresh twist on the classic Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988), proving once again she could carry a major studio comedy. She also made time to return to her roots, heading back to Australia to star alongside Alexander Bertrand in the ABC series Les Norton (2019– ).
Meanwhile, her versatility shone in Taika Waititi’s acclaimed dark comedy Jojo Rabbit (2019), set during World War II, showing a more dramatic side to Rebel Wilson. And capping off a remarkable year, she joined an all-star lineup—including Jennifer Hudson and Taylor Swift—in the big-screen adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats (2019).
Throughout it all, Rebel Wilson has remained a standout—a performer who blends humor, heart, and undeniable charisma. Whether she’s cracking us up or surprising us with depth, Rebel continues to leave her mark, one unforgettable role at a time.
Rebel Wilson’s career has seen a range of successes, but her highest rated film to date remains Bridesmaids (2011), which earned widespread acclaim and solidified her status as a comedic powerhouse. On the other hand, The Hustle (2019) stands out as her lowest rated movie, receiving mixed reviews and not quite resonating with audiences the same way. Throughout her filmography, Rebel Wilson has consistently brought humor and charm to her roles, though not every project has hit the same high notes as Bridesmaids. While The Hustle may not have been her strongest performance, it’s a reminder that even top-tier actors have projects that miss the mark.