Jeff Olson, a model maker, model supervisor, and visual effects producer who worked on Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace and numerous other films, died Sunday. He was 77 years old.
Olson’s death was confirmed by Industrial Light & Magic, the film visual effects studio founded by George Lucas. A post on the studio’s Instagram page read: “The ILM community is heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend and former colleague Jeff Olson. Jeff has been with the company for nearly 25 years, working as a model maker, model supervisor and visual effects producer on many classic projects including ‘Willow’ and ‘Who Painted Who Framed Roger Rabbit?'” From “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” to “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” His career spanned significant changes in art forms and industries, and regardless of the technology used on a particular show, Jeff was always dedicated to his team and led his staff with humor and kindness. ”
Olson also had a brief, uncredited appearance in The Phantom Menace as a podracing spectator in Jabba’s private box.
Olson also helped create the visual effects for 1996’s “Star Trek: First Contact” and then JJ Abrams’ 2009 “Star Trek.” His additional credits as a visual effects producer include “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” “Herbie: Fully Loaded” and “Rush Hour 3.” His last project as a visual effects producer was 2011’s “Priest.”
Olson also frequently worked as a stage producer on projects such as Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End and as a model maker on projects as diverse as Die Hard 2 and Back to the Future Part III.
Olson worked at ILM from 1985 to 2009 before joining Polygon Entertainment as a visual effects producer. Olson attended the University of California, Berkeley, graduating in 1970.
Olson is survived by his wife, Kathleen Linberg, two children and grandchildren.
