Elizabeth Olsen has opened up about her surprisingly positive perspective on growing older, describing the process as "such a privilege" rather than something to fear.
A Personal Perspective on Ageing
The 36-year-old actress, best known for her role in WandaVision, revealed to USA Today that she has always "looked forward" to ageing due to her unique family circumstances. "I knew one grandparent growing up. The other three passed before I was born," Olsen explained, highlighting how this shaped her view of longevity.
This personal history contributed to what she describes as a "fantasy of growing old" - something she finds "foreign and exotic" given her limited exposure to elderly relatives. Rather than dreading the passing years, the Emmy-nominated star approaches ageing with anticipation and gratitude.
Confronting Mortality and Fear of Death
Olsen didn't shy away from discussing her thoughts on mortality during the interview, admitting she thinks "a lot" about her own death and harbours a significant "fear of death." She stated plainly: "I don't want to die young."
The actress revealed that unlike some who find comfort in spiritual beliefs, she doesn't contemplate an afterlife. "I think that's why I really don't like the idea of dying," she confessed. "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."
New Film and Personal Connections
Olsen's reflections come as she promotes her new film Eternity, an afterlife romantic comedy directed by David Freyne. The movie, which hits cinemas on Wednesday 26 November, also stars Callum Turner and Miles Teller.
In the film, Olsen plays Joan, a character who must choose between spending her afterlife with her longtime husband (played by Teller) or her first love (Turner). The WandaVision star found particular resonance with her character's relationship dynamics.
"I really did relate to Joan and Larry," said Olsen, who married musician Robbie Arnett in an intimate 2020 ceremony. "It was almost like a fantasy I got to live out, that (my husband and I) got to grow old together."
She described the film's core message as being about "how special the simplest and most ordinary relationships can be" - a theme that clearly connects with her personal outlook on life and ageing.
The actress comes from a prominent entertainment family, being the younger sister of former child stars Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, both 39. She also has an older brother, Trent, 41, and two younger half-siblings from her father's second marriage.
Interestingly, Olsen recently expressed strong views about the entertainment industry's shift toward streaming platforms. Speaking to InStyle magazine last month, she stated that streaming shouldn't be the "end-all" distribution model and emphasised the importance of communal viewing experiences.
"I think it's important for people to gather as a community, to see other humans, be together in a space," she argued, noting the industry's concerning trend away from in-person interactions, including auditions.
