Eric Christian Olsen

Place of Birth: Eugene, Oregon, U.S.

Date of Birth: May 31, 1977

Ethnicity: Norwegian

Eric Christian Olsen is an American actor. He has stated that he is of “100% Norwegian” descent.

Eric is the son of Jeanne (Donstad), a non-denominational chaplain, and Paul V. Olsen, a college professor and coach. Eric is married to actress and model Sarah Wright Olsen, with whom he has two children. Eric’s brother is stuntperson David Paul Olsen; David is married to actress Daniela Ruah.

Eric’s maternal grandfather was Curtis Jerome Donstad (the son of Joseph Andreas/Andrew Donstad and Caroline Louise Bailey). Joseph was born in Wisconsin, of Norwegian descent, the son of John Halvor/Halvorsen Donstad and Guro “Julia” Twethen. Caroline was born in Wisconsin, the daughter of Anders Anbjornsen/Andrew Bailey/Bale/Baley, who was Norwegian, and of Thura/Julia Nelson, who was of Norwegian descent.

Eric’s maternal grandmother was Thelma Amelia Byom (the daughter of Albert Byom and Johanna/Hannah Spierly/Sperley). Albert was born in Wisconsin, the son of Norwegian parents, Andreas/Andrew Martin Pedersen/Byom and Mari/Mary Johansdattter. Johanna was Norwegian.

Sources: Eric’s maternal grandfather, Curtis Jerome Donstad, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Obituary of Eric’s maternal grandfather, Curtis Jerome Donstad – http://wheelanpressly.com

Obituary of Eric’s maternal grandmother, Thelma Amelia (Byom) Donstad – http://www.findagrave.com

Eric’s maternal great-grandfather, Albert Byom, on the 1900 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

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