Elizabeth Olsen, who plays the Scarlet Witch in Disney’s MCU, is turning 33. She was born February 16, 1989 in Sherman Oaks, California. Born into a theatrical family, her mother was a dancer and her older sisters are the infamous Olsen Twins (Mary-Kate and Ashley), Elizabeth Olsen began her acting career at the age of four, when she appeared in her sisters’ movie How the West Was Fun.(1994)
Geek Cred: the MCU and “Godzilla”
In addution to playing the Scarlet Witch, the youngest member of the Avengers, Elizabeth Olsen appeared in the horror movie Silent House (2011) and the remake of Godzilla (2014). She appeared un the TV show Harmonquest about RPGs. Elizabeth Olsen co-starred in the fantasy/myatery movie Red Lights (2012 starring Sigourney Weaver (Aliens, Ghostbusters) and Robert deNiro.
She first played Wanda Maximoff, aka the Scarlet Witch, in Captain America: the Winter Soldier. She has reprised the role in Avenger:s Age of Ultron, ACaptain America: Civil War, Avengers: In finity War, Avengers: Endgame, and in the Disney Plus show WandaVision. She will resume the role for Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (currently in post-production, and due out later this year). She earned an Emmy nomination for her performance in WandaVision.
Scarlet Witch
In the comic books, the Scarlet Witch was a mutant with the power to affect probability. She was not actually a witch, but she did attempt to learn magic in order to gain more control over her powers. If I remember correctly, she took lessons in the arts arcane from Agatha Harkness.
Wanda Maximoff was the twin sister of Quicksilver, the daughter of Magneto. She was originally, she was a member of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. She repented and reformed and joined the Avengers. Eventually she married fellow Avenger, the Vision.
In the MCU, she is a Sokovian refugee, and Quicksilver is still her twin brother. but both have been the subject of Hydra experiments. Her power comes from exposure to the Mind Stone, the same one that gave life to the Vision. It enhances her abilities beyond that which would be possible by any natural mutant, and she becomes gifted with arcane magic which makes her as much of a threat as a hero.
Other Roles
Elizabeth Olsen starred in Martha Marcy May Marlene (3011). The Central Ohiio Film Critics Association nominated her for both Breakthrough Film Artist and Best Actress for that role. The Alliance of Women Film Journalists also the EDA Female Focus Award for Best Breakthrough Performance. She was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Actress in Martha Marcy May Marlene. Elizabeth Olsen was also widely praised for starring in the comedy Liberal Arts, and has been performing since her first role in How the West Was Fun in 1994.
Happy Birthday, Elizabeth Olsen!
We hope you have a very happy birthday, We wish you cake, ice cream, balloons, and a bright future in Hollywood, both in the MCU and other roles.
-30-
Susan Macdonald is the author of the children’s book “R is for Renaissance Faire”, as well as 26 short stories, mostly fantasy in “Alternative Truths”, “Swords and Sorceress #30”, Swords &Sorceries Vols. 1, 2, & 5, “Cat Tails” “Under Western Stars”, and “Knee-High Drummond and the Durango Kid”. Her articles have appeared on SCIFI.radio’s web site, in The Inquisitr, and in The Millington Star. She enjoys Renaissance Faires (see book above), science fiction conventions, Highland Games, and Native American pow-wows.
