5 Shocking Facts About Olivia D'Abo's Breakout Role In Conan The Destroyer And Her Life Now

Olivia d'Abo remains one of the most intriguing figures in 80s cinema, a British actress whose explosive film debut in Conan the Destroyer alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger launched a career spanning decades, from beloved sitcoms to dark crime dramas. As of late 2025, d'Abo continues to work in film and television, maintaining a vibrant presence in the industry and frequently reflecting on the pivotal role that started it all: the naive yet powerful Princess Jehnna.

Her work is a study in contrasts, moving effortlessly from the rebellious, free-spirited Karen Arnold in The Wonder Years to the chilling, recurring serial killer Nicole Wallace in Law & Order: Criminal Intent. The story of her landing the role in the 1984 fantasy epic is a Hollywood legend, a tale of a young, unknown talent thrust into a massive production that forever cemented her status in pop culture history and set the stage for a truly diverse career.

Olivia d'Abo: Full Biography & Career Highlights

Olivia Jane d'Abo is a British actress, singer, and songwriter known for her versatility across film, television, and voice acting. Her career is marked by a series of iconic and distinct roles that have given her a unique place in popular media.

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• Full Name: Olivia Jane d'Abo
• Date of Birth: January 22, 1969
• Place of Birth: Paddington, London, England
• Nationality: British-American
• Family Connections: Her father is Michael d'Abo, the former lead singer of the band Manfred Mann. She is also the cousin of actress Maryam d'Abo (a Bond girl in The Living Daylights).
• Major Film Debut: Princess Jehnna in Conan the Destroyer (1984)
• Iconic TV Roles: Karen Arnold, the rebellious older sister of Kevin Arnold, in the critically acclaimed series The Wonder Years (1988–1993).
• Notable Antagonist Role: Nicole Wallace, a brilliant and manipulative serial killer, in the NBC crime drama Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001–2008).
• Voice Acting: She is a prominent voice actress, most famously portraying the Jedi Master Luminara Unduli in the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008–2014) and the character Jane Porter in Disney’s Tarzan & Jane.
• Recent Projects (2020-2024): Films like Angie: Lost Girls (2020), Traveling Light (2021), and Bandit (2022). She also appeared on the red carpet at the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards in June 2024.

The Shocking Age of Princess Jehnna in Conan the Destroyer

The role of Princess Jehnna in Conan the Destroyer is the cornerstone of Olivia d'Abo's career, a massive Hollywood blockbuster that served as her introduction to the world. What many fans do not realize, and what d'Abo herself often reflects on in recent interviews, is just how young she was when she secured the part.

1. She Was Just 14 Years Old During Filming

Olivia d'Abo was only 14 years old when she was cast as Princess Jehnna, the virgin princess tasked with retrieving the magical jewel, the Horn of Dagoth. The movie was filmed between late 1983 and early 1984, meaning d'Abo was a teenager on a huge production set, acting opposite the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger, who played Conan the Cimmerian.

This remarkable fact highlights her natural talent and poise at such a young age, especially considering the physical demands of a fantasy action film. Her character, Princess Jehnna, was the central figure in the quest, requiring d'Abo to carry much of the film's emotional weight and interact with co-stars like Grace Jones and Wilt Chamberlain.

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2. The Role Was Her First-Ever Audition

In a twist of fate that seems only possible in Hollywood, landing the role of Princess Jehnna was reportedly d'Abo's very first professional audition. This instant success on a major studio film is incredibly rare for any actor, let alone a young British teenager with no prior experience. The film was directed by Richard Fleischer, and it instantly propelled d'Abo onto the international stage.

3. It Kicked Off an Unlikely Career Switch to Comedy

Following the epic fantasy of Conan the Destroyer, d'Abo made a dramatic and successful pivot to television comedy. Her role as Karen Arnold in The Wonder Years, which premiered in 1988, established her as a household name in the United States. Karen was the quintessential rebellious older sister, a hippie counter-culture figure who often clashed with the suburban conservatism of her parents and the innocence of her younger brother, Kevin Arnold.

The stark contrast between the fantasy world of Jehnna and the 1960s suburban drama of Karen Arnold showcases d'Abo's incredible range and ability to embody completely different character archetypes. This transition proved her versatility far beyond the action-adventure genre.

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From Rebellious Sister to Master Criminal: D'Abo's Diverse Roles

While Conan and The Wonder Years are her most widely recognized roles, Olivia d'Abo’s subsequent career has been defined by a fascinating pattern of taking on complex, often dark, and layered characters, demonstrating her growth as an actress.

4. The Chilling Legacy of Nicole Wallace

One of d'Abo’s most memorable and critically praised roles is that of Nicole Wallace, the recurring antagonist in the procedural drama Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Nicole Wallace was a brilliant, highly educated, and charming female serial killer who frequently outwitted Detective Robert Goren (played by Vincent D'Onofrio).

Her portrayal of Wallace was chilling because of the character's cold intelligence and ability to manipulate. She only appeared in a handful of episodes, but her presence was so impactful that she is consistently ranked as one of the most memorable villains in the entire Law & Order franchise.

5. A Secret Identity in the Star Wars Universe

Beyond live-action, d'Abo has built a substantial career in voice acting, a fact often surprising to her early fans. Her most significant voice role is the wise and steady Jedi Master Luminara Unduli in the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

As Luminara Unduli, d'Abo provided the voice for a key character in the prequel era of the Star Wars saga, fighting alongside the Republic and the Jedi Council. This role not only added a huge layer of topical authority to her filmography but also cemented her place in one of the biggest media franchises in history, a full-circle moment from her blockbuster film debut.

Olivia d'Abo Today: Recent Activities and Future Projects

In recent years, Olivia d'Abo has remained active, balancing her career between independent films, voice work, and public appearances. Her willingness to discuss her early career, particularly her time on the set of Conan the Destroyer, keeps her relevant to a new generation of fans discovering the film.

She has been seen at fan conventions and in interviews, where she often recounts the unique experience of being a young, inexperienced actress suddenly working with Hollywood heavyweights. These recent reflections, often appearing in 2024 and 2025 media coverage, highlight her enduring connection to the classic fantasy genre.

Her more recent work includes the 2022 film Bandit and the 2020 film Angie: Lost Girls, a project that deals with the serious issue of child trafficking, demonstrating her continued commitment to diverse and meaningful roles. Her appearance at the 2024 Daytime Emmy Awards confirms her ongoing presence and recognition within the industry. Olivia d'Abo’s career is a testament to the power of a single breakout role, which she leveraged into a long and respected path across multiple genres and mediums.