Olivia Hamilton (born June 3, 1987) is an American actress and producer. She is best known for her roles in the films La La Land (2016), First Man (2018) and Babylon (2022), all of which were directed by her husband, Damien Chazelle.
In 2013, she founded the PLAY initiative, an organization dedicated to encouraging and injecting more fun and playfulness into people's lives while reconnecting them with their inner child. According to the foundation's website, PLAY is a two-hour guided experience.
Hamilton is also president of the Women's Foundation of California Board of Directors.
Education A former McKinsey & Company consultant and employee of Goldman Sachs, Hamilton is a graduate of Princeton University where she received a bachelor's degree in economics and finance. She also worked at GuideVine Technologies for over two years. "I studied economics in college because I knew I was good at it, and I wanted to be a 4.0 student, so I only took classes that were subjective where I could guarantee an 'A'. I do love economics, but I sort of had a midlife crisis, and decided to quit my job in New York and study acting. It was like a 'leap and net will appear' moment," Hamilton told WWD.
Personal life Hamilton is of Scottish-Irish ancestry and married to American filmmaker Damien Chazelle. The couple announced their engagement on October 9, 2017, and married on September 22, 2018, in Malibu, California. The two have a son who was born in November 2019. Their second child was born in December 2022.
Career expansion In December 2022, Hamilton and Chazelle signed a first-look deal with Paramount Pictures. This deal includes the upcoming release of an untitled film that is being written and directed by Chazelle, and produced by the couple through their Wild Chickens banner. They are also producing multiple films at the studio, including Heart of the Beast (2026).
Filmography
Film
Year Title Role Note(s) 2016 La La Land Bree the Gluten Free Girl Surrogate Liz Short filmAlso director, producer, and writer The Beard Ameilia Short film 2017 Playground Beth Short film 2018 Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot Nurse Lilly First Man Pat White 2019 Justine Maddie 2020 Hold Fast, Good Luck Laura The Truth About Santa Claus Sasha 2021 Private View Expectant Mother Short film 2022 Babylon Ruth Adler Also producer 2026 Post-production; producer Iris Short film (completed) Deanna Post-production Post-production; producer
Television Year Title Role Note(s) 2011 Dinosaur Train Lily Lambeosaurus (voice) Episode: "Haunted Roundhouse/Big Pond Pumpkin Patch" 2016–2017 Facetiming with Mommy Bella Also creator, producer, and writer 2016 The Last Tycoon Ashley Episode: "Pilot"
Accolades Nominated—Actor Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for Babylon (2023)
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