Jeff Olson, a veteran visual effects producer and model maker whose career spanned some of the most iconic franchises in cinema history, passed away on Sunday at the age of 77.

His death was confirmed by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the legendary visual effects studio founded by George Lucas. Olson had been a cornerstone of the ILM community for nearly a quarter of a century, contributing his talents to a diverse array of projects that defined modern blockbuster filmmaking.

The studio paid tribute to its former colleague, remembering him not only for his technical skills but also for his leadership and character. According to ILM, Olson’s career was marked by his unwavering commitment to his teams, leading crews with a blend of humor and kindness that left a lasting impression on those who worked alongside him.

Olson’s journey with ILM began in 1985, a period that saw the industry transition from practical effects to the digital age. He navigated this evolution with expertise, working as a modelmaker, model supervisor, and ultimately a visual effects producer. His first major project with the company was on the fantasy film "Willow," directed by Ron Howard. He subsequently contributed to the groundbreaking visual effects of "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," a film that seamlessly blended live-action and animation.

However, Olson is perhaps best known for his work on "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace." He served as a visual effects producer on the 1999 prequel, helping to bring the galaxy far, far away to life for a new generation. In a hidden gem for fans, Olson also made a brief, uncredited cameo in the film as a Pod Race Spectator seated in Jabba the Hutt’s private box.

Beyond the "Star Wars" universe, Olson played a significant role in the revival of another sci-fi giant. He helped create the visual effects for 1996’s "Star Trek: First Contact," and later returned to the franchise for J.J. Abrams’ 2009 reboot, "Star Trek."

His extensive filmography as a visual effects producer includes a wide range of genres. He worked on the dark fantasy of "A Series of Unfortunate Events," the family comedy "Herbie: Fully Loaded," and the action-comedy "Rush Hour 3." His final credit as a visual effects producer came in 2011 for the science fiction film "Priest."

Olson’s talents were not limited to producing. He frequently served as a stage producer on major productions, including the high-seas adventure "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End." His skills as a physical model maker were also in high demand during the pre-CGI era, with credits including the practical effects work on "Die Hard 2" and "Back to the Future Part III."

After leaving ILM in 2009, Olson continued his career in visual effects, joining Polygon Entertainment. He was a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, where he completed his studies in 1970.

Olson is survived by his wife, Kathleen Limburg, as well as his two children and grandchildren.