As a struggling actress she was discovered twice, first by Mack Sennett who made her a bathing beauty and later by producer Paul Bern who became her boyfriend.
Before she became a star, Olive worked as a telephone operator and opened a candy store with her mother.
By 1942 Olive had filed for bankruptcy and was working at Macy's department store. She joined the WAAC's but was honorably discharged after suffering a severe foot injury.
Cousin of actress Natalie Joyce.
Entered films with Mack Sennett, as a Sennett bathing beauty in 1922.
Her first marriage to Theodore Spector was annulled when she discovered he was married to another woman. A few years later the wife of actor Ralph Emerson accused Olive of having an affair with him.
Her mother Sibbie was a conservative Christian who never drank and didn't want Olive to be an actress. Towards the end of her life Olive claimed she had also "found religion".
Olive never took off her lucky pansy ring. It was made out of a stickpin that had belonged to her late father. The ring and a scrapbook from her career were the only possessions Olive had when she died.
Olive played the piano and spoke French. She was afraid of the water because she could not swim.
Olive was a distant cousin of the notorious Lizzie Borden.
Olive was engaged to actor George O'Brien in 1929. She was also romantically involved with director Marshall Neilan.
One of the thirteen WAMPAS Baby Stars of 1925.
While volunteering as a Wac during World War 2 she received an army citation for bravery in turning over an enemy ammunition truck.