Maria Olsen

Maria Olsen is a South African actress and film producer born on July 22, 1966 in East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Her early years were shaped by the vibrant cultural tapestry of the Eastern Cape, where she developed a love for storytelling that later translated into a prolific career in cinema. After relocating to the United States in January 2005, Olsen quickly immersed herself in the horror genre, a niche that would come to define her on‑screen persona. Since debuting in 2005, she has accumulated over one hundred film credits, deliberately favoring supporting roles that afford her the flexibility to work on a broader array of projects. This strategic choice has enabled her to appear in cult favorites such as Paranormal Activity 3, The Lords of Salem, Gore Orphanage, and Starry Eyes, while also securing parts in mainstream productions like Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. Olsen’s on‑set presence is often described as both professional and personable, earning her a reputation as a reliable character actress whose performances consistently enhance the atmospheric tension of horror narratives. Her dedication to the craft is further evidenced by her role as the host of the immersive 4D attraction "The Exorcist: Forbidden Screening" at Warner Bros., a unique undertaking that blended her acting talents with live audience interaction.

Beyond acting, Maria Olsen ventured into production, founding MOnsterworks66 in 2011 to champion independent horror projects and give emerging talent a platform. Her first self‑produced film, Live‑In Fear, marked a pivotal moment, allowing her to shape stories from behind the camera as well as in front of it. Olsen is openly lesbian, a facet of her identity she embraces publicly, and she balances her demanding career with hobbies such as reading and knitting. Her commitment to both the artistic and personal aspects of her life showcases a multidimensional figure who continues to influence the horror genre while breaking barriers for LGBTQ+ representation in the industry.