Biography
Although she had no acting experience, Olsen played a role in "Canadian Pacific" (1949) and attracted attention as the second female lead in Billy Wilder's brilliant black comedy, "Sunset Boulevard" (1950). Although she was outshone by Gloria Swanson, William Holden and Erich von Stroheim, Olson was on hand to sound the film's one note of normality as a young woman romantically involved with a cynical gigolo writer, and she received a …
Latest Tv Credits
1 - 4 of 4
Career Milestones
1989 | Appeared as one of the interviewees on the Cinemax documentary special, "William Holden: The Golden Boy" | |
1986 | Was a co-chair for the panel which helped hold the tribute, "The American Film Institute Salute to Billy Wilder", which aired on NBC-TV | |
1984 | Played Marjorie Harper on the ABC primetime serial drama, "Paper Dolls"; series lasted half a season | |
1982 | Last feature film to date, "Making Love" | |
1977 | Played Jessica Frazier on the NBC drama series, "Kingston: Confidential", starring Raymond Burr; series lasted half a season | |
1972 | Last of five features for Walt Disney Studios over the course of a dozen years, "Snowball Express" | |
| Appeared on the ABC drama series, "Channing | ||
1960 | Began her association with Walt Disney Studios with her return to films, "Pollyanna", in which she played a supporting role | |
1956 | One of last TV appearances for some years, the CBS musical special, "High Tor" | |
1955 | Temporarily retired from films | |
1954 | Earliest TV work included the ingenue role of Gwen Cavendish in a TV presentation of the classic Broadway comedy, "The Royal Family of Broadway" | |
1953 | Began playing supporting roles in features with "So Big", which starred Jane Wyman | |
1951 | Last of four film opposite Holden, "Submarine Command" | |
1951 | Parted company with Paramount | |
1950 | First film as female lead, "Union Station", also opposite Holden | |
1950 | Played breakthrough role as the second female lead in the acclaimed Billy Wilder drama, "Sunset Boulevard"; received an Oscar nomination as Best Supporting Actress; also marked the first of four films in which she was William Holden's romantic interest | |
| Signed by Paramount Pictures | ||
1949 | Made feature film debut in a supporting role in the 20th Century-Fox melodrama, "Canadian Pacific" | |
| Was active in theater in college; discovered while at UCLA | ||
Awards
1950 | Academy Award for Actress In a Supporting Role in Sunset Boulevard |