Moroni Olsen: Movies & Box Office

Moroni Olsen (June 27, 1889 – November 22, 1954) was an American actor. Born in Ogden, Utah, to Edward Arenholt Olsen and Martha Olsen, he was named after the Moroni found in the Book of Mormon. In his early life, Olsen studied at Weber Stake Academy and the University of Utah. Before being recognized for his acting talent, he served in World War I, selling war bonds for the United States Navy. He also taught drama at the Cornish School (later Cornish College of the Arts) in Seattle, Washington in 1920. In 1923, he established the Moroni Olsen Players in Ogden. They showcased their talents at various locations from Salt Lake City to Seattle. His film adventure began with a debut in a 1935 adaptation of The Three Musketeers. Over the years, he played varied roles in numerous films. However, his best-known role was the voice of the Slave in The Magic Mirror in Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937). Additionally, Olsen was also known for providing the voice of the senior angel in It's a Wonderful Life and for roles in films like Alfred Hitchcock's 1946 film Notorious and the film comedies Father of the Bride (1950) and Father's Little Dividend (1951). Besides acting, he was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and worked as the director of the Pilgrimage Play of Hollywood for quite a while. Olsen is remembered as a talented actor who contributed significantly to the film and entertainment industry.