Elizabeth Chase Olsen (born February 16, 1989) is an American actress. Born in Sherman Oaks, California, Olsen began acting at age four. She starred in her debut film role in the thriller Martha Marcy May Marlene in 2011, for which she was acclaimed and nominated for a Critics’ Choice Movie Award among other accolades, followed by a role in the horror film Silent House. Olsen received a BAFTA Rising Star Award nomination and graduated from New York University two years later.
Olsen gained worldwide recognition for her portrayal of Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch in the Marvel Cinematic Universe media franchise, appearing in the superhero films Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Captain America: Civil War (2016), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019), as well as the miniseries WandaVision (2021). Her performance in WandaVision garnered her nominations for a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. Outside of her work as Scarlet Witch, she continued starring in films, including the 2014 monster film Godzilla, the 2017 mystery film Wind River, and the 2017 dramedy Ingrid Goes West. She executive produced and starred in the drama series Sorry for Your Loss (2018–2019), earning a Critics’ Choice Television Award nomination for her role as a widow.
I have to admit, I had high expectations when meeting Elizabeth Olsen. Since her breakout role in last year’s Martha Marcy May Marlene, the indie darling (and kid sister of Mary-Kate and Ashley) has carved a niche for herself as one of those rare cool girls who don’t take themselves too seriously. And she proved me right. In person, Olsen, 23, is upbeat and genuine, and when she talks about her passions—school, clothes, her new role in this month’s romance Liberal Arts—her Kewpie-like eyes light up. Get ready to fall in love, because…
She doesn’t trade on her name
“My last name has always been my motivator to get proper acting training and be taken seriously. I didn’t get to where I am because of who I’m related to.”
She’s juggling it all (so normal!)
“I love school, but I got cast in Martha while I was at New York University. So I was like, Screw it. I’ll take this semester off. I’m still trying to figure out how I can finish my degree while doing all this!”
She’s weirded out by fame
“Yesterday three people told me that I look like Elizabeth Olsen. That’s never happened before. So awkward.”
She looks up to her big sisters
“They figured it all out, and I should just listen to them more.”
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