Ken Olandt, a multifaceted American professional, is a renowned actor, producer, and co-founder of the Unified Film Organization, LLC. His impressive career in the entertainment industry has been marked by standout roles in films such as Summer School (1987),Leprechaun (1993),and April Fool's Day (1986).
Born on April 22, 1958, in Richmond, California, Olandt is the second son of Robert H. Olandt, an oil executive, and Beverly Olandt, a polio survivor. His childhood and formative years were spent in Vancouver, British Columbia, where his passion for ice-hockey was fostered.
Olandt's educational background includes attendance at the Art Center College of Design, where he studied advertising and illustration. His chance meeting with talent agent Harry Gold at a Hollywood restaurant led to a flurry of auditions, resulting in a test option for a role on One Life to Live (1968),a guest starring role on Matt Houston (1982),and a screen test with John Milius and cast for the lead role in Red Dawn (1984).
Olandt's acting career gained momentum, leading to regular performances on Aaron Spelling, Stephen J. Cannell, and Glen A. Larson television productions. In 1985, he was cast in a regular role as Dooley on Riptide (1984) and married dancer Janine Sabih Olandt. As a wedding gift, Aaron Spelling granted Olandt a guest role on The Love Boat (1977) - French Riviera Cruise - Movie of the Week.
The opportunity to transition into feature film acting arrived with his role as Larry Kazimias in the Paramount Production, Summer School, directed by Carl Reiner.
A succession of starring roles in both feature films and series television followed. In 1995, Olandt co-founded an independent feature film licensing company (UFO),which specialized in special effect-driven action and adventure films. The company pioneered desk-top level computer effects and independent action movie making.
Olandt suspended his acting pursuits to focus on producing, finance, and foreign licensing. The company produced three movies a year and was eventually sold in 2000 to a publicly-held German distribution company. The sale took the company to Bulgaria, where Olandt sold his operational interests and transitioned to financing.
In 2015, at the request of his eldest daughter Charlie Taylor, a singer/songwriter and actress, Olandt auditioned for and was booked on a Sprint National Commercial.
Olandt and his wife have five children.
