Owen Wilson taken to hospital

US actor Owen Wilson was taken to hospital by paramedics, authorities in California confirmed today.

A number of US media outlets have speculated that the actor attempted suicide, following his recent break up with actress Kate Hudson.

In a statement released through publicist Ina Treciokas, Wilson said: “I respectfully ask that the media allow me to receive care and heal in private during this difficult time.”

No further comments were expected, she said.

It was not known why he was admitted, but a neighbour said a police car, fire truck and ambulance were outside the actor’s gated house in Santa Monica yesterday at about noon.

“These guys were kind of taking their time taking a stretcher out of the ambulance, then they went into the house,” said neighbour Geoffry White, 61, who lives directly across the street from the actor.

Santa Monica Fire Battalion Chief Jose Torres said the department responded to a call that involved Owen Wilson. He said Wilson was taken to St. John’s Health Centre in Santa Monica.

A hospital spokeswoman did not immediately return phone calls. The chief would not comment on Wilson’s injuries or condition, citing federal privacy laws.

Wilson is one of Hollywood's most popular comic actors of recent times, having starred in 'Night at the Museum', 'Starsky & Hutch', 'Wedding Crashers' and 'You, Me and Dupree'.

In addition, he was nominated for an Academy Award for best writing on a screenplay written directly for the screen for 'The Royal Tenenbaums' in 2001.

Wilson was later transferred to Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles.

He “is here in good condition,” said spokeswoman Cynthia Harding.