Home / Arts and Entertainment / Owen Thiele: The Unlikely Friend-Maker of Airport Delays
Owen Thiele: The Unlikely Friend-Maker of Airport Delays
17 Sep
Summary
- Actor Owen Thiele befriended nine strangers during an airport delay.
- Thiele stars in the sitcom 'Adults' and other Gen Z-focused shows.
- He embraces his 'nepo baby' status, crediting connections for opportunities.

Actor Owen Thiele, known for his roles in popular Gen Z-focused shows like the FX sitcom 'Adults,' recently showcased his extroverted nature during an unexpected flight diversion. When his journey from Los Angeles to New York was rerouted, Thiele transformed an airport layover in Albuquerque into an opportunity for connection. He befriended nine fellow travelers and led them on an outing to a local arcade, demonstrating a unique ability to bond with strangers.
Thiele's career has seen significant growth, with appearances in 'Overcompensating' and a nod in Lena Dunham's 'Too Much.' His role as Anton in 'Adults' is particularly noted for its depth, portraying a complex gay character with a developing storyline beyond simple comedic relief. This dimension is something Thiele actively sought in his roles, appreciating characters with narrative arcs.
Growing up in Los Angeles, Thiele comes from a family with deep ties to the entertainment industry, including music producer Bob Thiele Jr. and agent Jay Kanter. He readily admits to benefiting from nepotism, referring to himself as a "nepo grandchild" and acknowledging how his connections have opened doors. Despite a privileged upbringing, Thiele is developing a semi-autobiographical series, "Off Color," about his experience as a queer Black child in a white Jewish family.
The creators of 'Adults,' Rebecca Shaw and Ben Kronengold, praised Thiele's ability to bring warmth and humor to his characters, noting his impressive improvisational skills. Offscreen, Thiele maintains a decade-long relationship with celebrity stylist Jared Ellner. He continues to expand his presence in Hollywood, recently hosting the podcast 'In Your Dreams' and engaging with various industry figures.