Nancy Olson Looks Back on 'Sunset Blvd' as 11-Time Oscar-Nominated Film Turns 70

Publish date: 2024-05-02

The 1950 movie, "Sunset Boulevard," recently turned 70 years and one its star actresses, Nancy Olson, reflected on the Hollywood classic.

"Sunset Boulevard," a 1950 movie that is ranked among the greatest movies ever made recently turned 70. One of the star actresses from the film, Nancy Olson, opened up about her time on the film.

Speaking about the movie, Olson described the experience as one that had stayed with her throughout her lifetime. As a 20-year-old girl, the young actress played the role of Betty Schaefer, a script reader who aspires to become a screenwriter.

Nancy Olson attends the Los Angeles Premiere of "Be Like Trees" at Regent Landmark Theater on April 30, 2019 in Los Angeles, California | Photo: Getty Images

Nancy's acting career kicked off after she was noticed by a talent scout who had seen her perform in a Bruins production of "The Play's the Thing." Soon after that, she landed a seven-year contract, which gave room for her to continue her college education.

As Olson became more popular, she got more attention from men, and she explained that she learned how to deal with those who showed sexual interest in her. She said:

"I had a technique of dealing with anybody who came too intimately. I just handled it so straight...and that would put them off."

Actress Nancy Olson attends a Q&A of the 70th Anniversary Screening of "Sunset Boulevard" at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres on January 27, 2020 in Hollywood, California | Photo: Getty Images

While recalling how she auditioned to appear in "Sunset Boulevard," the 91-year-old explained that Billy Wilder, who directed the movie, had auditioned her without Olson being aware.

According to Nancy, Wilder had frequently caught up with her to inquire about her life and thoughts. Unknown to her, this was because Billy wanted to be sure he wasn't giving the role to just any actress.

In 1951, "Sunset Boulevard" won an Oscar Award for Best Picture.

Actress Nancy Olson Livingston speaks onstage at the screening of 'Sunset Boulevard' during day 3 of the 2018 TCM Classic Film Festival on April 28, 2018 in Hollywood, California | Photo: Getty Images

After the filming of "Sunset Boulevard" ended, Nancy went on to star in movies such as "Mr. Music," "United Station," and " Force of Arms."

However, before any of these films were released, Olson decided to walk away from Hollywood. One of the reasons being her inability to continue her education. She said:

"I could not go back to UCLA and be with all my friends and have them treat me exactly the way they used to."

Nancy Olson attends the 'Dumbbells' Los Angeles premiere at SupperClub Los Angeles on January 7, 2014 in Los Angeles, California | Photo: Getty Images

The most important reason, however, was that Nancy had already begun to see through the facade of stardom.

Actress Nancy Olson attends the premiere of GoDigital's "Dumbbells" at SupperClub Los Angeles on January 7, 2014 in Los Angeles, California | Photo: Getty Images

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