Dale Olson

Who was Dale Olson?

Dale Olson was an American writer and publicist who represented prominent actors and films directors during his career. His notable clients included Dyan Cannon, Tony Curtis, Robert Duvall, Clint Eastwood, Alfred Hitchcock, Rock Hudson, James Earl Jones, Gene Kelly, Sally Kirkland, Walter Matthau, Shirley MacLaine, Steve McQueen, Marilyn Monroe, Sir Laurence Olivier, Diana Rigg, Doris Roberts, Steven Spielberg, Jean Stapleton, Rod Steiger, James Whitmore, and David L. Wolper. Olson also represented industry organizations such as the Producers Guild of America and the Center Theater Group of the Ahmanson Theatre. He served on the public relations coordinating and executive committee for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for twenty years, including three years as the committee's chairman. He also spearheaded and launched the film publicity campaigns beginning in the 1970s.

Olson was born on Fargo, North Dakota, and lived in Portland, Oregon. He worked as a newspaper reporter as a teenager. One of his earliest interviews was with actress Mae West. Olson moved to Los Angeles in 1951 and became the first national secretary for the Mattachine Society.