Jeff Olson, a renowned visual effects producer and modelmaker who contributed to the Star Wars franchise, has died at the age of 77. His passing was confirmed on Instagram by his former employer, Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), which paid tribute to their "dear friend and former colleague."
Olson died on Sunday, June 21, 2026, as reported by the Daily Star. The cause of death has not been disclosed. He worked at ILM for nearly 25 years, serving as a modelmaker, model supervisor, and visual effects producer on numerous classic projects.
Notable Career and Contributions
Olson's impressive portfolio includes work on Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (1999), Star Trek: First Contact (1996), and J. J. Abrams' 2009 Star Trek. He also contributed to Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988), A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004), Herbie: Fully Loaded (2005), and Rush Hour 3 (2007).
According to the Express, Olson made a brief on-screen appearance in The Phantom Menace as an uncredited Pod Race Spectator in Jabba's private box. His final project as a visual effects producer was the 2011 action horror film Priest, starring Paul Bettany.
ILM's Heartfelt Tribute
In a touching Instagram post accompanied by a black and white photo of a smiling Olson, ILM wrote: "The ILM community is heartbroken to lose our dear friend and former colleague, Jeff Olson." The post continued: "Over nearly 25 years with the company, Jeff worked as a modelmaker, model supervisor, and visual effects producer on many classic projects, from Willow and Who Framed Roger Rabbit? to Star Wars: The Phantom Menace and A Series of Unfortunate Events."
ILM added: "His career spanned momentous change in the art form and industry, and no matter the techniques employed on a given show, Jeff was always committed to the team, leading his crews with humour and kindness."
Tributes from Colleagues
Friends and former co-workers flooded social media with tributes. On Facebook, a former colleague wrote: "Very sad to hear the news just now that ILM VFX Producer Jeff Olson passed away this morning. I always loved working with Jeff at ILM. He was kind, happy, extremely experienced and always made all of us feel truly appreciated. Rest well, old friend. You were a class act and are already missed by all of us who were lucky enough to know you and work with you."
Another wrote: "So sad, Jeff was one of the people who hired me both in the model shop and then later as an art director. He was such a wonderful man who saw something in me. I was bummed not to see him at last year's reunion. I pray for strength and healing for his family."
