Elizabeth Olsen, the acclaimed actress known for her role in WandaVision, has opened up about her unique and heartfelt perspective on growing older, describing the process as "such a privilege" rather than something to fear.
A Personal Connection to Ageing
The 36-year-old star, who leads David Freyne's new afterlife romantic comedy Eternity alongside Callum Turner and Miles Teller, explained to USA Today that her viewpoint stems from personal family history. "I knew one grandparent growing up. The other three passed before I was born," Olsen revealed. "So I don't see growing old as a given. I think of it as such a privilege."
This early experience with loss contributed to what she describes as her "fantasy of growing old." She added that ageing is "something I've always looked forward to, and maybe in a weird way, because I just thought it was something that was so foreign to me and exotic."
Confronting Mortality and Fear
Olsen didn't shy away from discussing her thoughts on mortality, admitting she thinks "a lot" about her own death because of a significant "fear of death." She stated plainly: "I don't want to die young."
The actress further elaborated on her perspective about what comes after life. "I don't think about an afterlife," she continued. "I think that's why I really don't like the idea of dying. I would be comforted if I had a belief in something else, but I don't. I've been curious, but I can't quite believe in it."
Family Connections and New Projects
Olsen comes from a well-known family, being one of six children. She has an older brother, Trent, 41, and two older twin sisters, former child actors Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who are 39. She also has two younger half-siblings, Courtney Taylor, 28, and Jake, 27, from her father David's second marriage.
Her new film Eternity, which premieres in cinemas on Wednesday, November 26, features Olsen as Joan, a character who must choose between spending her afterlife with her longtime husband Larry (played by Miles Teller) or her first love Luke (Callum Turner).
Olsen, who married musician Robbie Arnett in an intimate 2020 ceremony, found particular resonance with her character's relationship. "It was almost like a fantasy I got to live out, that (my husband and I) got to grow old together," she shared.
She described the film's message as being about how "special the simplest and most ordinary relationships can be," highlighting the beauty in everyday connections that stand the test of time.
The Emmy-nominated actress also recently expressed her views on streaming services, stating that she doesn't believe streaming should be the "end-all" model for film distribution. "I think it's important for people to gather as a community, to see other humans, be together in a space," she told InStyle magazine last month.
Elizabeth Olsen's refreshingly positive outlook on ageing serves as a powerful reminder to appreciate the journey of life, with all its chapters and experiences that shape who we become.
