Actress Olivia Munn, now 45, recently shared her reflections on a tumultuous period in her youth that ultimately played a crucial role in shaping her aspirations. In an interview with PEOPLE, Munn discussed her challenging transition to life in Oklahoma at the age of 16, after spending her early years in Tokyo. This moment, she believes, significantly influenced her journey towards becoming an actress.
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Munn described her move to Oklahoma as particularly daunting, given that she was entering a new school during her teenage years. “It was the most difficult time to enter a new school,” she explained. Struggling to forge friendships in an unfamiliar environment, Munn faced what she described as a deeply isolating experience. However, a turning point came in the form of a kind gesture from a fellow student.
Jenny Marsden, the sister of actor James Marsden, reached out to Munn and invited her to hang out. This connection proved significant, as it not only presented Munn with her first friendship but also introduced her to a world she aspired to join. “There was one girl named Jenny Marsden who asked me to be her friend and hang out,” Munn said, recalling the sense of relief this friendship brought her.
During this time, Munn learned that Marsden was acting in a CBS show. For the young actress dreaming of stardom, this revelation was impactful. “I was now one degree away from meeting somebody who had made it,” she reflected. Her encounter with James Marsden further solidified her ambitions as he engaged with her and her friends, inspiring Munn to pursue her dreams more passionately. “I thought, ‘I’m going to lock in and everybody else telling me that this is a lofty goal, I’m not listening. I’m going to keep going,’” she recalled.
Fast forward over two decades, and both Munn and Marsden find themselves in the same project, starring together in the second season of the Apple TV series, *Your Friends & Neighbours*. In this new season, Marsden plays Owen Ashe, a charming billionaire who disrupts the dynamics of Westmont Village, while Munn reprises her role as Sam Levitt.
The series, which is also produced by Jon Hamm, features a diverse ensemble cast that includes Amanda Peet, Hoon Lee, and Mark Tallman, among others. Sharing a nostalgic moment, Munn expressed her desire to reassure her younger self amidst the trials of high school. “I really wish that I could go back in time and tell the 16-year-old me who was really struggling making friends in school… that it’s going to get so fun,” she said, emphasising the importance of perseverance.
Munn further highlighted how seemingly minor interactions can leave a lasting impact on others. “You never know when you’re going to impact someone’s life. It could be a very small moment for you, but it could be such a core memory for someone else,” she articulated, underlining the significance of kindness and connection.
Interestingly, both Munn and Marsden have roots in Putnam City North High School in Oklahoma City, with Marsden graduating in 1991 and Munn completing her studies in 1998. A reunion at a Hollywood event in 2025 led to a delightful exchange, as Marsden recalled Munn approaching him, reminiscing about their shared past. “Olivia ran up to me at a GQ party in L.A. years later, and she said, ‘I’m friends with Jenny, your sister, we went to Applebee’s back in the day!’” he laughed, reflecting on their unexpected reunion.
Moreover, both actors share a connection through their involvement in the X-Men cinematic universe. Marsden portrayed Scott Summers, also known as Cyclops, in the original trilogy, while Munn took on the role of Psylocke in *X-Men: Apocalypse* in 2016.
As the new episodes of *Your Friends & Neighbours* premiere every Friday on Apple TV until June 5, viewers can appreciate not only their on-screen chemistry but also the journey each actor has taken to reach this point in their career. Munn’s story serves as a reminder of resilience and the importance of nurturing connections, no matter how small they may seem at the time.