Eric Christian Olsen

Olsen in 2006, photo by PrPhotos

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). Curtis was born in Wisconsin. 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 Jetmundsdatter Sperla/Spierly/Sperley). Thelma was born in Wisconsin. Albert was born in Wisconsin, the son of Norwegian parents, Andreas/Anders/Andrew Martin Pedersen/Pederson/Peterson/Byom, from Søndre Land, Oppland, and Mari/Mary Johansdattter, from Fluberg, Oppland. Johanna was born in Jostedal, Luster, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway, the daughter of Gjetmund Larsen Sperla and Anna Andersdatter Espe.

Sources: Genealogy of Eric Christian Olsen (focusing on his mother’s side) – https://www.geni.com

Obituaries of Eric’s maternal grandparents, Curtis Jerome Donstad and Thelma Amelia (Byom) Donstad – http://www.findagrave.com

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

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