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Nancy Ann Olson (born July 14, 1928) is an American actress. In Sunset Boulevard (1950) she played Betty Schaefer, for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Her pairing with William Holden was considered a success and she appeared with him in three other films (Force of Arms, Union Station, and Submarine Command, all released in 1951), but none repeated their success in Sunset Boulevard. Her career subsequently declined and eventually stalled. After guest roles on television, she retired in the middle of the 1980s from acting. Olson was signed to a... MORE

Nancy Ann Olson (born July 14, 1928) is an American actress. In Sunset Boulevard (1950) she played Betty Schaefer, for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Her pairing with William Holden was considered a success and she appeared with him in three other films (Force of Arms, Union Station, and Submarine Command, all released in 1951), but none repeated their success in Sunset Boulevard. Her career subsequently declined and eventually stalled. After guest roles on television, she retired in the middle of the 1980s from acting. Olson was signed to a film contract by Paramount Pictures in 1948 and, after a few supporting roles, producers began to consider her for more prominent parts. She was up for the role of Delilah in Cecil B. DeMille's 1949 film Samson and Delilah, for which Olson later said she was not suited. When she was passed over in favor of Hedy Lamarr, Billy Wilder cast her for his upcoming project. In Sunset Boulevard (1950) she played Betty Schaefer, for which she garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Her pairing with William Holden was considered a success and she appeared with him in three other films LESS