Kaitlin Olson, star of High Potential, has revealed she collapsed on set after learning her father was seriously ill. The actress shared the difficult moment while discussing the most challenging period of her career.
Father's health crisis
Olson's father, Don Olson, was admitted to hospital for surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm. Complications arose, and he suffered an inflammatory response in his lungs, causing them to fill with fluid. He was later moved to intensive care.
While filming High Potential, Olson learned of her father's condition. She told Vanity Fair that she left the set, something she had never done before. "I literally just got in the car and drove home, called them on the way, and was kind of shut down for a little bit," she said.
Balancing two shows
Olson was simultaneously filming High Potential and Hacks, while also appearing in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. She travelled back and forth between Oregon and Los Angeles to be with her family.
On her first day back on set for Hacks, more bad news arrived. Her father had contracted pneumonia and slipped into a coma. Doctors did not expect a full recovery, though he later regained consciousness. Olson recalled: "Honestly, at this point, it's a blur. I collapsed in the line producer's arms. I said, 'I have to go.' And he said, 'Go.'"
A 'very special' episode
Olson described the emotional toll of working while her father was ill, saying she felt guilty for having fun on set. Her father was cared for at home from December until his death in May. Before he died, he saw her final appearance in Hacks, making that episode "very special" to her.
High Potential is streaming on Disney+.
