Kaitlin Olson: From Comedy Queen to Crime-Solving Heroine in ‘High Potential’

Kaitlin Olson has an extraordinary talent for portraying underestimated women, a theme that has recurred throughout her impressive career. Best known for her role as Dee in the cult sitcom “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” Olson has made a name for herself in the comedy genre. However, her recent foray into the world of crime drama with ABC’s “High Potential” marks a noteworthy evolution in her artistic journey. In this engaging exploration, we’ll delve into Olson’s career, her character transformations, and the critical reception of her latest project.

The Evolution of Kaitlin Olson’s Career

Olson’s career began in earnest with the comedic role of Dee Reynolds, a character who is constantly belittled by her friends at Paddy’s Pub. This role allowed her to showcase her comedic talents while also highlighting the vulnerabilities of her character. Her ability to elicit both laughter and empathy has earned her two Emmy nominations for her guest role in the HBO series “Hacks,” where she portrayed DJ Vance, the troubled daughter of a self-absorbed comedian.

Despite her success in comedy, Olson’s latest role in “High Potential” presents a significant shift in tone. Playing Morgan, a mother with an exceptionally high IQ who works as a cleaning lady, Olson navigates a world filled with crime, family drama, and the occasional humorous quip. The character’s recruitment by the LAPD for her unique crime-solving abilities presents a fresh challenge for Olson, who is also a producer on the show.

Unpacking Morgan: A Complex Character

During a recent Zoom interview, Olson shared insights into her character, Morgan. She described the role as a “fun challenge,” highlighting the difficulty of balancing the show’s various tones. “It’s really hard to make the tone that we’re making because we’re combining a few different things,” Olson explained. This complexity allows her to explore the many facets of Morgan’s life, making the character more relatable and human.

Drew Goddard, the series developer, recognized Olson’s potential to tap into the diverse elements of Morgan’s character. He noted, “You always feel her soul even when she’s making you laugh,” indicating that Olson’s ability to convey depth is a significant aspect of her performance. Initially hesitant about the role, Olson was drawn to the character after reading the pilot script, realizing it was an opportunity for her to stretch her acting abilities beyond pure comedy.

Facing Personal Challenges

Olson’s journey to success has not been without its challenges. Growing up in Tigard, Oregon, she faced skepticism when expressing her desire to become an actor. Reflecting on her childhood, Olson said, “If you ask my therapist, it is 100% because when I was very little, I was like, ‘Oh, I’m going to be an actor,’ and everyone’s like, ‘so cute.’” This lack of belief from her peers was exacerbated by a bike accident before entering seventh grade, which required facial reconstruction surgery. “I spent all of middle school and high school just feeling like I wanted to hide,” Olson recalled, capturing the emotional turmoil she experienced during her formative years.

Balancing Family and Career

As a mother of two, Olson takes her role as a parent seriously. After having children with her husband and fellow actor Rob McElhenney, she prioritized motherhood, often putting her career on the back burner. With her children now 14 and 12 years old, Olson felt it was time to redirect her creative energy towards her acting career. “My kids are old enough now to be like, Dad’s going to take you to school in the morning,” she said, signaling a new chapter in her life.

Her commitment to familial responsibilities has not gone unnoticed by McElhenney, who expressed admiration for Olson’s dedication to her craft. “When we sat down and talked about what she wanted to do over the next couple of years… I felt it was my time to return that,” he stated, emphasizing the support they provide each other as they navigate their respective careers.

Character Transformation and On-Screen Presence

One of the most striking aspects of Olson’s performance in “High Potential” is her character’s eccentric look, which includes high heels and faux fur, even in the midst of crime scenes. This choice not only reflects the character’s unique personality but also aids Olson in her transformation into Morgan. “I don’t dress like that, I never wear heels,” she admitted, highlighting the role of costume in her character development.

Olson aims to capture Morgan’s intelligence and frustration, particularly when it comes to her ability to think quickly. “I kind of want it to look in my face like, ‘Don’t you guys get it? I’m giving you like 50%, you should be able to fill in the other 50%,’” she explained, showcasing her commitment to portraying the character’s complexities authentically.

The Impact of ‘High Potential’

Since its debut, “High Potential” has resonated with audiences, averaging 10.42 million viewers per night, making it the most-watched new show on ABC in six years. As the second half of the season unfolds, Goddard believes audiences will see Olson’s continued growth in the role. “By the finale, you can just see, ‘Oh, we can take this character to some pretty spectacular places,’” he remarked, indicating that there is still much more to explore in Morgan’s narrative.

Olson’s ability to weave humor into her character, even in the context of a crime procedural, is a testament to her unique talent. “I wanted to play a real person,” she said, illustrating her desire to move away from cartoonish portrayals and embrace more nuanced, relatable characters.

Conclusion

Kaitlin Olson’s journey from the comedic world of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” to the multi-layered role of Morgan in “High Potential” showcases her versatility as an actress. By embracing challenges and stepping out of her comfort zone, Olson continues to captivate audiences with her ability to portray complex characters that resonate on multiple levels. As she navigates new terrains in her career while balancing motherhood and personal growth, Olson remains an inspiring figure in the entertainment industry, proving that with talent, hard work, and dedication, one can truly unlock their high potential.