Olivia Olson
Her voice gave life to a beloved, brooding vampire queen and a sharp-witted teen, defining the sound of two generation-defining cartoons.
Born 1992 (age 34)·American actress and singer-songwriter·Birthday: May 21·Millennials
Biography
Olivia Olson's career began not with a whisper, but with a soaring rendition of 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' in the 2003 film Love Actually, a performance that instantly made her a memorable face. However, it was her voice that carved her permanent niche in pop culture. As a teenager, she landed the role of Vanessa, the perpetually unimpressed daughter of Dr. Doofenshmirtz in Phineas and Ferb, showcasing a dry, witty delivery. Her true signature role came as Marceline the Vampire Queen in Adventure Time, where her cool, soulful singing voice and emotionally nuanced performance turned a thousand-year-old vampire into one of animation's most complex and beloved characters. Beyond voice acting, Olson is a dedicated singer-songwriter who writes and performs her own music, and has even stepped into screenwriting, demonstrating a creative drive that extends far beyond the recording booth.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Olivia was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Olivia Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Olivia's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Voiced Marceline the Vampire Queen, a central and critically adored character, throughout the run of the seminal animated series Adventure Time.
- Performed the viral song 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' as a child in the globally successful film Love Actually.
- Provided the voice of Vanessa Doofenshmirtz for the entire duration of the hit Disney series Phineas and Ferb.
- Co-wrote the song 'Monster' for the Adventure Time episode 'What Was Missing,' a fan-favorite musical moment.
Did You Know?
Her father is comedy writer and actor Martin Olson, who also voiced the character of 'The Lich' in Adventure Time.
She was only 11 years old when she filmed her scene for Love Actually.
She is a trained mezzo-soprano.
She released an EP of original music titled 'Nowhere Land' in 2016.
“I'm not just a singer from a movie; I'm building my own sound, one song at a time.”
