This girl-next-door actor, discovered while in college at UCLA, briefly played leads in Hollywood in the early 1950s and returned as supportive wives in Disney's family films of the 60s. 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
Was active in theater in college; discovered while at UCLA
1949
Made feature film debut in a supporting role in the 20th Century-Fox melodrama, "Canadian Pacific"
Signed by Paramount Pictures
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
1950
First film as female lead, "Union Station", also opposite Holden
