Who's That Bear?
By James Vaughan / 18 October 2014
Ty Olsson - Age: 40
(born: 28th January 1974)
Most famous for: Probably his role in the modern re-imagining of Battlestar Galactica, in which he played LSO Captain Aaron Kelly. Nothing like a man in uniform, and even more a sci-fi uniform, to get the bears interested.
Other highlights: Has also popped up in a few other well-known films and TV shows - his role in X2 as a shlubby abusive security guard who ends up being injected in the arse face down in a toilet cubicle is a pretty memorable turn, he's had small roles in the recent Godzilla remake, 2012, Aliens vs Predator: Requiem and the Twilight franchise and has had recurring roles in many sci-fi and fantasy favourites including Arrow, Once Upon a Time, Smallville, Stargate SG-1, Supernatural and the V remake.
Any gay roles?: Played Mark Bingham in the TV movie Flight 93, but fighting off terrorists was more important than any sexual orientation for that film. Also played Vultan in the Flash Gordon remake, which may not be gay but it IS pretty camp.
IS he gay?: Sadly not - married with two children. But he's aware he has a fair few beary fans, and went so far as to read and critique some fan slash fiction featuring a character he played: Read the hilarous conversation here >
Any naked roles?: Only topless really, and sadly he's one who seems to shave his chest a fair bit but he rocks the beard and belly so well we can let that slide. He did appear naked on stage once though (in a production of Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands) so never say never.
What's unique about him?: One of my friends summed it up perfectly - "looks like he'd give you the ride of your life then steal your wallet on his way out". Combines sexy along with a roughneck vibe that a lot of people really go for… also seems to possess a fairly wry sense of humour as seen on his Twitter account (@TyOlsson).
Next up: He's been doing a lot of voicework lately in kids animated series Nerds and Monsters and Packages from Planet X, but also has a couple of film projects coming up next year - the John Travolta-starring Life on the Line and detective yarn Gumshoes.