Elizabeth Olsen Reveals Why She Skipped Her NYU Graduation Ceremony

Elizabeth Olsen recently opened up about missing her college graduation. The actress discussed the personal choice in a new interview. She explained her reasons with candor and a touch of humor.

The conversation was part of a profile with InStyle magazine. Olsen was promoting her upcoming film work during the discussion. Her recollections provide a glimpse into her life just before stardom.

Balancing Acting Work with Academic Milestones

Olsen attended New York University’s prestigious Atlantic Theatre Company. She was originally set to graduate in 2011. Her acting career began to take off that same year.

This delayed her official graduation until 2013. By then, she was already working consistently in film. According to InStyle, she decided not to walk in the ceremony.

“I did not attend graduation because I didn’t know anyone who was graduating that year,” Olsen said. She expressed deep affection for her acting school nonetheless. The memory was prompted by the NYU hat she still carries.

Early Fame and a Deliberate Career Path

Elizabeth Olsen began her professional career in 2011. Her breakout role was in “Martha Marcy May Marlene.” Other early films included “Silent House” and “Peace, Love & Misunderstanding.”

She was not unknown while at university. Olsen had minor TV roles as a child in the 1990s. Her famous older sisters, Ashley and Mary-Kate, also made her a public figure.

This context makes her decision to skip graduation relatable. It highlights a focus on her craft over ceremony. Her career trajectory shows the choice did not hinder her success.

Elizabeth Olsen’s college graduation story underscores a pragmatic choice many young professionals face. It reflects a prioritization of real-world experience over traditional milestones. Her successful career since leaving NYU certainly validates that path.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: When did Elizabeth Olsen graduate from NYU?

Elizabeth Olsen officially graduated from New York University in 2013. Her original graduation year was 2011. She delayed it due to her burgeoning acting career.

Q2: Which acting school did Elizabeth Olsen attend?

She studied at the Atlantic Theatre Company at NYU. This is a well-respected acting conservatory program. Olsen has stated she “really loved” her time there.

Q3: What was Elizabeth Olsen’s first major movie role?

Her breakthrough role was in the 2011 film “Martha Marcy May Marlene.” The psychological thriller earned her critical acclaim. It launched her successful film career.

Q4: Did Elizabeth Olsen act before college?

Yes, she had minor television roles as a child in the mid-1990s. However, her professional film career began after her time at NYU. She is best known for her adult roles.

Q5: What is Elizabeth Olsen working on now?

She recently promoted her upcoming movie “Eternity” in an InStyle interview. The film is set for release in November 2025. It is being produced by the studio A24.