Celebrating The Golden Age Of TV And Film With Ken Olin

CloserWeekly.com’s Classic TV & Film podcast dives deep into the world of classic television and cinema, celebrating the golden age while exploring its relevance today. One person who embodies this bridge between past and present is Ken Olin, the talented actor-turned-director. Ken first captured our hearts in the '80s with the ensemble drama thirtysomething, where he not only acted but also began his journey as a director. His career flourished further as a producer and director on J.J. Abrams' hit series Alias, starring Jennifer Garner. Today, Ken is a key creative force behind NBC's powerhouse, This Is Us. In a lively and insightful conversation for the podcast, Ken shares his experiences and insights about all three iconic shows.

Ken Olin on thirtysomething: A Career-Changing Experience

Ken Olin's journey with thirtysomething was nothing short of transformative. As he recalls, "It was career-changing. Suddenly, I was offered a lot of different work. Patty [Wetting, his wife, who also starred on the show] was winning Emmys. It completely changed our lives in so many ways. You go from being unknown and struggling to being recognized and offered a wide array of opportunities. But it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. Being pulled in so many different directions can be overwhelming. For me, it was a mixed bag. I was uncomfortable with the spotlight and didn't always handle the attention with grace."

Ken Olin on Alias: A Bold Leap Forward