Elizabeth Olsen’s “Awkward” Reason for Avoiding Robert De Niro in Public

Elizabeth Olsen has shared screens with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, from the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s A-list to acclaimed indie actors. Yet, when it comes to legendary actor Robert De Niro, Olsen admits there’s an “awkward” reason she tends to avoid him in public.

Since joining the MCU in 2015 as Scarlet Witch, Olsen has rubbed elbows with stars like Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, and Benedict Cumberbatch. Beyond the superhero world, she’s worked with Bryan Cranston, Juliette Binoche, Aubrey Plaza, and many others. But her experience with De Niro, stemming from their 2012 thriller Red Lights, has left her a bit tongue-tied.

In Red Lights, De Niro played Simon Silver, a psychic under investigation, while Olsen portrayed Sally Owen, a student assisting the investigators. Though the film didn’t make a huge splash, working with De Niro was undeniably a highlight for Olsen. However, in a recent interview with Business Insider, she revealed just how awkward the dynamic can feel.

“I feel like I see De Niro often, even just in a hotel or something,” Olsen explained. “We were in the same film together that no one saw, and we shared a four-hour meal once with all the other actors. I would never go up to him and say, ‘Hey!’ I wouldn’t even know what to call him. Bob? I don’t know. I just avoid that stuff. It’s so awkward.”

Her hesitation is understandable. Robert De Niro is not just any actor—he’s an icon, a two-time Oscar winner, and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Calling him “Bob” feels oddly informal for a figure of such cinematic stature. Olsen’s discomfort highlights the sometimes surreal experience of crossing paths with legends who loom large in film history.

Olsen has been open about her struggles with social anxiety, a challenge she channels into her craft. She admits that blending work relationships with casual social encounters can feel uneasy. “I… don’t want to put someone in a weird position,” she said. “I often forget that I’ve worked with someone, because I assume they wouldn’t remember me.”

Since Red Lights, Olsen and De Niro haven’t shared another project. Whether future collaborations will ease Olsen’s nerves or amplify the awkwardness remains to be seen. For now, it seems the younger star will continue to admire De Niro from a respectful—and slightly distant—distance.