Olivia Olson
Olivia Olson (born May 21, 1992) is an American actress, singer-songwriter, and writer, largely known for her voice roles as Vanessa Doofenshmirtz in Phineas and Ferb and Marceline the Vampire Queen in Adventure Time. She also played the character of Joanna in the 2003 film Love Actually and its 2017 short sequel Red Nose Day Actually.
Olivia Olson | |
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Olson at the Florida Supercon in 2016 | |
| Born | May 21, 1992 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
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| Years active | 2003–present |
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| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instrument(s) |
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| Labels | RoseGold |
Along with this, she is also a writer, having written the Boom! Studios graphic novel Marcy and Simon, co-authored Adventure Time: The Enchiridion and Marcy's Super-Secret Scrapbook, and contributed writing to the best-seller Adventure Time Encyclopedia for Cartoon Network. In 2023, she began writing for the Phineas and Ferb revival.
Early life edit
Olson was adopted at birth and raised in Los Angeles, California. She lives with her father, Martin Olson, mother Kay Olson, and brother Casey Olson. Olson graduated from Agoura High School in 2010. She is of Afro-Jamaican descent through her biological father.[1]
Career edit
Olson has appeared as a singer and actress on television shows and in live theatre, including Comedy Central Stage, the HBO Theater, and The Fake Gallery.
2003: Love Actually edit
Olson moved into the mainstream with her role as Joanna Anderson in the 2003 holiday film Love Actually, singing the song "All I Want for Christmas Is You".[2][3] Her singing was praised, with director Richard Curtis stating in the commentary in the music section of the Love Actually DVD that Olson's singing was so perfect, they were afraid the audience would not believe that a ten-year-old could really sing the way she did and would assume she was lip-synching. They had to train her so her singing would sound more believable, and add the sounds of inhalations to the track.[4] This led to guest spots on The Ellen Show, The Tracy Morgan Show and singing with stars Jack Black and Kristin Chenoweth. Olson also posted original songs on her YouTube account. In 2017, Olson reprised her role as Joanna in Red Nose Day Actually, a short film which is a sequel to Love Actually.[2]
2008–2017: Phineas and Ferb, and Beauty Is Chaos edit
From 2008 to 2015, Olson voiced the recurring character Vanessa Doofenshmirtz in the Disney animated series Phineas and Ferb along with actor Thomas Sangster (Ferb Fletcher), who played Joanna's love interest Sam in Love Actually.[5][6][7] Olson said that she and Sangster talked "about the whole Ferb-Vanessa situation 'cause it's pretty funny."[4]
In Phineas and Ferb, she sings a number of songs, including the duet "Busted!" with Ashley Tisdale as well as popular solo songs, including "I'm Me", "Not So Bad a Dad", "I'm Lindana and I Wanna Have Fun", "Happy New Year" and many others, including her song in the Phineas and Ferb Christmas Vacation special "Got That Christmas Feeling". She has written songs for Phineas and Ferb and has written and recorded her own songs with renowned music producers Rick Nowels, Camara Kambon and Hollywood jazz great Rob Mullins, while Olson's father wrote "over 200 songs for the series" and various episodes.[8] In 2011, Olson voiced Vanessa in a deleted scene of Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension, which included a musical number, but sang a song for the film "I Walk Away".[9]
Her role as Vanessa led to her role as Marceline the Vampire Queen in Adventure Time. During the show's production, the show creator, Pendleton Ward, contacted Olson's father, Martin Olson, then writing for Phineas and Ferb, asking if he knew who played Vanessa in the show.[10][11] He was not aware, at the time, that Martin was Olson's father.[11] She would also voice Marceline in the 2012 video game, Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?!!.[9]
2013-2018: Adventure Time, Steven Universe, and Phineas and Ferb edit
In 2010, Olson got the role of Marceline the Vampire Queen on the animated Cartoon Network series Adventure Time. Olson said she was impressed by her character's fashion design and the costuming for Marceline, saying she occasionally admired the unique designs for the character in episodes.[12] During the audition for the role, Olson first read for Princess Bubblegum, but later read for Marceline.[12] Reportedly when getting into character for the role she often dressed similar to Marceline when she recorded her lines[10] In the show, her father played Hunson Abadeer, the father of Marceline.[13] In the series, Olson also sings Marceline's songs, which were written by storyboard artists, or other people affiliated with production.[14][15][16][17] As such, The Guardian praised Marceline as a character, noting in particular that "she's ... responsible for some of the show's best songs."[18]
The series was a commercial and popular success and her character attracted positive critical attention from critics,[19][20] and fans alike,[21] along with the production crew of Adventure Time.[22][23] This popularity was even recognized by the company that owns Adventure Time with the official press release for the Adventure Time: Marceline and the Scream Queens companion comic book referring to Marceline as a "fan-favorite".[24] Olson later said she was "honored" to be voicing a character in a show pushing the limits, including on "what a female character in a TV series brings to the table."[25]
In the Adventure Time mini-series "Stakes", Olson performs the popular song "Everything Stays", which was revealed by Olson and Rebecca Sugar at the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con.[26] In 2015 Olivia and her father, Martin Olson, co-authored a book adapted from the series Adventure Time, Adventure Time: The Enchiridion & Marcy's Super Secret Scrapbook.[8] Olivia wrote her section in first person as her character Marceline. The book was illustrated by artists including Mahendra Singh, Tony Millionaire, Renee French, Celeste Moreno and Sean Tejaratchi.
Olson also performed the song "Haven't You Noticed (I'm a Star)", which was featured on the September 17, 2015 episode of Steven Universe entitled "Sadie's Song".[27] It was later featured in the Steven Universe mini-episode "Gem Karaoke", released on October 3, 2016. She appears at Comic-Cons and pop conventions around the world as do other Adventure Time cast members.[28]
Olson frequently posts original music on her YouTube and TikTok account. On July 18, 2013, Olson released her debut EP Beauty Is Chaos.[29][8] By December 2015, she had over 19,000 followers on her YouTube channel.[29]
From 2016 to 2019, Olivia voiced the fourth Powerpuff Girl Bliss on Cartoon Network's reboot of The Powerpuff Girls,[30][31] The character's initial announcement was met with negative reactions from some fans,[32][33] but when rumors began to spread that the character would be black, many fans began to express a more optimistic tone.[34] Reviewers later called the character a great step forward in terms of racial diversity and a good addition.[35][36][37] In all, reactions to the character were mainly positive, while others argued she was a stereotype and that the inclusion of the character seemed like tokenism.[38]
In 2019, Olson voiced Jun, PizzaRave, and another character in Fast & Furious: Spy Racers.[9] In 2020, she voiced Vanessa Doofenshmirtz in the Phineas and Ferb film, Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe, and Marceline in the "Obsidian" episode of Adventure Time: Distant Lands.[9] In the film, Olson sang the song "The Universe Is Against Me" with Ashley Tisdale, who voiced Candace, and Laura Dickinson while in "Obsidian", she sang "Woke Up" and "Monster" with other performers.
2018–present: Nowhere Land and The X Factor edit
On June 22, 2018, Olson released the album Nowhere Land.[39] She worked with K-pop producers Kairos Music Group and producer/singer/songwriter John Defeo on the project. In October 2019, she began competing in The X Factor: Celebrity, being the second act to be evicted from the live shows on October 26, 2019.[40] In 2023, it was revealed that she would be a writer for the Phineas and Ferb revival, in addition to reprising her role as Vanessa.[41]
Olson reprised her role as Marceline the Vampire Queen in the 2023 Adventure Time spin-off series Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake.[42]
Discography edit
Studio albums edit
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| The Father-Daughter Album of Unspeakable Beauty (with Martin Olson) |
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| Nowhere Land |
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Extended plays edit
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Beauty Is Chaos |
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Singles edit
| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Anyone Who Had a Heart" (X Factor Recording) | 2019 | Non-album singles |
| "Crows" | 2021 |
Soundtrack appearances edit
- Love Actually (2003)
- Phineas and Ferb (2009)
- Phineas and Ferb Holiday Favorites (2010)
- Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension (2011)
- Phineas and Ferb: Across the 1st and 2nd Dimensions (2011)
- Phineas and Ferb: Summer Belongs to You (2012)
- Phineas and Ferb-ulous: The Ultimate Album (2013)
- Phineas and Ferb: Rockin' and Rollin' (2013)
- The Music of Ooo (2016)
- Marceline the Vampire Queen – Rock the Nightosphere (2015)
- Steven Universe, Vol. 1 (Original Soundtrack) (2017)
- Adventure Time – Come Along with Me (Original Soundtrack) (2018)
- Adventure Time, Vol. 1 (Original Soundtrack) (2019)
- Adventure Time, Vol. 2 (Original Soundtrack) (2019)
- Adventure Time, Vol. 3 (Original Soundtrack) (2019)
- Adventure Time – The Complete Series Soundtrack (2019)
- Adventure Time: Distant Lands - Obsidian (Original Soundtrack) (2020)
Filmography edit
Film edit
| Year | Show | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Love Actually | Joanna Anderson | |
| 2011 | Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension | 2nd Dimension Vanessa Doofenshmirtz (deleted scene) | Voice role |
| 2020 | Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe | Vanessa Doofenshmirtz | Voice role |
Television edit
| Year | Show | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | The Tracy Morgan Show | Julia | One episode, "Career Day" |
| 2006 | Zoey 101 | Girl #1 | Episode: "Broadcast Views" |
| 2008–2015 | Phineas and Ferb | Vanessa Doofenshmirtz, additional voices | Voice |
| 2010–2018 | Adventure Time | Marceline the Vampire Queen | Voice |
| 2017–2019 | Milo Murphy's Law | Vanessa Doofenshmirtz, additional voices | Voice |
| 2017–2019 | The Powerpuff Girls | Blisstina Utonium | Voice, 4 episodes |
| 2017 | Red Nose Day Actually | Joanna | |
| 2019 | The X Factor: Celebrity | Herself / Contestant | |
| 2020 | Adventure Time: Distant Lands | Marceline the Vampire Queen | Voice, episode: "Obsidian" |
| 2020 | Robot Chicken | Mal, Yellow Power Ranger | Voice, episode: "Sundancer Craig in: 30% of the Way to Crying" |
| 2023 | We Baby Bears | Ursa Major | Voice, episode: "Little Fallen Star" |
| 2023 | Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake | Marceline the Vampire Queen | Voice, 2 episodes |
Video games edit
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I Don't Know! | Marceline the Vampire Queen |
| 2015 | Adventure Time: Finn & Jake Investigations | |
| Lego Dimensions | ||
| 2018 | Adventure Time: Pirates of the Enchiridion | |
| 2020 | Chex Quest HD | Wheatney Chexworth |
References edit
- ^ "Olivia Olson on Instagram: Happy Easter! ❤️💛💚 I have a resurrection story for ya..." Instagram. April 4, 2021. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
- ^ a b Hough, Q.V. (July 5, 2021). "Love Actually Cast Guide: Every Actor & Cameo". Screen Rant. from the original on July 23, 2021.
- ^ Fletcher, Henry (December 24, 2015). "Here's what the Love Actually kids Joanna and Sam look like now". Digital Spy. from the original on August 3, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ a b Bierly, Mandi (December 17, 2009). "All 'Love Actually' scene-stealer Olivia Olson wants for graduation is a record deal". EW. from the original on April 29, 2021.
- ^ O'Brien, Conor (April 2, 2020). "10 Things You Didn't Know About Phineas and Ferb". CBR. from the original on February 27, 2021.
- ^ McMillian, Laurise; Chilton, Charlotte (November 20, 2019). "What Your Favorite Christmas Movie Stars Look Like Now". Elle. from the original on January 1, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ Rosa, Christopher (December 2, 2015). "The Little Girl From Love Actually Is Gorgeous Now—And Still Singing". VH1. from the original on February 13, 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ a b c Frauenfelder, Mark (August 21, 2013). "Gweek 108: Adventure Time with Martin & Olivia Olson". Boing Boing. from the original on June 15, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ a b c d "Oliva Olson". Behind the Voice Actors. from the original on July 23, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ a b Chevat, Zoe (August 2, 2013). "The Mary Sue Exclusive Interview: Olivia Olson, Voice of Marceline the Vampire Queen". The Mary Sue. from the original on June 23, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ a b Lloyd, Robert (August 23, 2018). "As 'Adventure Time' Wraps, a Look Back at How the Series Broke Barriers and Changed the Genre". Los Angeles Times. from the original on June 23, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ a b Orange, B. Alan (July 25, 2011). "SDCC 2011 EXCLUSIVE: Adventure Time Cast Interviews". MovieWeb.com. from the original on September 20, 2011. Retrieved October 25, 2012.
- ^ Gaddy, Laura (July 28, 2011). "Comic-Con Interview with Adventure Time!". Racket Magazine. from the original on August 14, 2012. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
- ^ Muto, Adam [MrMuto] (June 14, 2012). . Archived from the original on March 16, 2013. Retrieved October 25, 2012 – via Formspring.
- ^ Sugar, Rob. "Robsugar's Channel". YouTube. from the original on April 13, 2016. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
- ^ Seibert, Fred (October 12, 2010). . Frederator Studios. Archived from the original on March 28, 2016. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
- ^ Seibert, Fred (October 13, 2010). . Frederator Studios. Archived from the original on March 28, 2016. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
- ^ O'Neill, Phelim (December 19, 2013). "Adventure Time – Box Set Review". The Guardian. from the original on March 4, 2014. Retrieved December 22, 2013.
- ^ Shea, Cam (October 21, 2012). "Our Top 10 Adventure Time Moments – Season 1". IGN. News Corporation. from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved October 30, 2012.
- ^ Anders, Charlie (October 18, 2012). "How Did Adventure Time Become Better Than Most Live-Action TV Shows?". io9. Gawker Media. Archived from the original on April 11, 2013. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
- ^ Ward, Pendleton [buenothebear] (June 22, 2010). "How do you feel about the ridiculously massive fanbase Marceline has gained after only one episode with her?". Archived from the original on April 12, 2013. Retrieved October 25, 2012 – via Formspring.
- ^ Ward, Pendleton [buenothebear] (July 3, 2010). "Who plays Marceline's voice? And why is she your favorite character?". Archived from the original on February 19, 2013. Retrieved October 25, 2012 – via Formspring.
- ^ Rynda, Phil [philrynda] (September 9, 2010). . Archived from the original on March 16, 2013. Retrieved October 26, 2012 – via Formspring.
- ^ Wright, Eddie (August 19, 2012). "'Adventure Time: Marceline and the Scream Queens' #1 Gets a Badass Baltimore Comic-Con Variant". MTV Geek. MTV. from the original on September 18, 2012. Retrieved October 26, 2012.
- ^ Rearick, Lauren (August 30, 2018). ""Adventure Time" Showrunner Adam Muto and Olivia Olson on the Show's Legacy". Teen Vogue. from the original on January 24, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ robsugar (July 13, 2015), Everything Stays, archived from the original on December 12, 2021, retrieved March 15, 2017
- ^ Rebecca Sugar (composed), Aivi & Surasshu (arranged), Olivia Olson (vocals), Stemage (guitar) (September 17, 2015). (audio). Spotify. Archived from the original (Audio) on June 22, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ Todd, Carolyn L. (December 1, 2016). "What This Adorable Love Actually Actress Looks Like 13 Years Later". Refinery29. Archived from the original on July 23, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ a b "Olivia Olson, who played the singing schoolgirl in Love Actually, is all grown up". News.com.au. December 3, 2015. from the original on January 24, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ "Fifteen Celebrities to Voice Fourth Powerpuff Girl in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Australia". from the original on April 24, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ Grant, Stacey (October 19, 2017). . Seventeen. Archived from the original on April 24, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ Valente, Danielle (September 20, 2017). "There's A New Powerpuff Girl But Twitter Can't Get Over This Major Detail". Elite Daily. from the original on April 25, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ "What You Need to Know About Bliss, the Newest Member of The Powerpuff Girls". geeks.media. Archived from the original on July 23, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ Warner, Sam (September 7, 2017). "Powerpuff Girls fans are not happy about a new member". Digital Spy. from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ McCreesh, Louise (September 20, 2017). . Digital Spy. Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ Herstik, Gabriela (September 20, 2017). "Introducing the fourth Powerpuff Girl: Bliss!". HelloGiggles. from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ Anderson, Kritsty (September 29, 2017). . Moviepilot.com. Archived from the original on October 8, 2017. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ Heisler, Adina. "Diversity in Kid's Cartoons". Novella Mag. from the original on February 19, 2018. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ Macke, Johni (August 23, 2020). "'Love Actually' Cast: Where Are They Now? Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant and More". US Weekly. from the original on July 24, 2021. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
- ^ Duke, Simon (October 12, 2019). "When is X Factor: Celebrity on? ITV show returns with star lineup". Evening Chronicle. from the original on October 26, 2019. Retrieved October 12, 2019.
- ^ "Dan Povenmire on TikTok". from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
- ^ Uzoije, Adaeze (September 20, 2023). "'Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake' returns to the land of Ooo". The Michigan Daily. from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved October 7, 2023.