Jeff Olson, a modelmaker, model supervisor, and visual effects producer who worked on “Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace” and numerous other films, died Sunday. He was 77.
Olson’s death was confirmed by Industrial Light & Magic, the motion picture visual effects studio founded by George Lucas. The studio’s Instagram page posted, “The ILM community is heartbroken to lose our dear friend and former colleague Jeff Olson. Over nearly 25 years with the company, Jeff worked as a modelmaker, model supervisor, and visual effects producer on many classic projects, from ‘Willow’ and ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit?’ to ‘Star Wars: The Phantom Menace’ and ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events.’ His career spanned momentous change in the art form and industry, and no matter the techniques employed on a given show, Jeff was always committed to the team, leading his crews with humor and kindness.”
Olson also briefly appeared in “The Phantom Menace” as an uncredited Pod Race Spectator in Jabba’s private box.
Olson also helped create the visual effects for “Star Trek: First Contact” in 1996, and later J.J. 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, namely on “Pirates of the Carribean: At World’s End,” and as a model maker on various projects, including “Die Hard 2” and “Back to the Future Part III.”
Olson worked at ILM from 1985 to 2009, later joining Polygon Entertainment as a visual effects producer. Olson attended the University of California, Berkeley, and graduated in 1970.
Olson is survived by his wife, Kathleen Limburg, two children and grandchildren.
