Frozen 2 Star Reveals Daughter Was Inspiration for Olaf’s Storyline

The harsh reality that kids must all grow up someday can pull at a parent’s heartstrings. It certainly did for Frozen 2 actor Josh Gad, who voices the character of Olaf. In the sequel, his character struggles with coming to age and realizes he too will grow up someday. The inspiration behind Olaf’s storyline? An emotional realization from Gad’s daughter, Ava. (You may want to pull out the tissues for this).

In a recent video shared to Gad’s Instagram, Ava, then 5-years-old, can be seen tearfully asking her Nanny at the time, Sara, ““But why will I not never be a kid anymore?” Sara, soothes her, explaining that only Peter Pan can stay a kid forever (to which Gad’s younger, Isabella, squeals with delight, “Peter Pan!”), but that she has time before she grows up.

In the caption of the video, Gad writes, “Four years ago, during dinner one night our beautiful little girl had a huge epiphany that shook her to her core…we all have to grow up. This heartbreaking moment is something I never shared publicly before because it was so personal. Our Nanny at the time, Sara, did such a remarkable job helping guide her through this difficult “coming of age” moment and I constantly look back at it as a reminder of the fragility of youth and our struggle to make sense of our place in this rapid world.”

He continues, “It just so happens that I shared this video with our brilliant Frozen 2 team at the time and said, I believe this should be Olaf’s journey in Frozen 2. I’m beyond grateful they felt the same way because growing up is so very hard and all of us have this moment at some point in our lives.”

Gad’s followers can certainly relate—and they took to the comments section to say so. “How beautiful are children?! Wish we could protect their hearts forever,” author Laura Izumikawa commented. Another follower wrote, “I remember I wanted to grow up so fast so I could be taken seriously and have control over my own decisions and interests. But the truth is we never really ‘grow up’ because we can hold onto our child like imaginations even as adults. And I’m sure you have even as Olaf. Sending love and peace to this little one.”

While the realization that we all must grow up can be an emotional one, by living in the moment, we can make it seem just a little less scary. “I’m beyond thankful that we were able to capture such a monumental moment and that I can share it now with all of you who either have children or were once children asking that very same question…’why do I have to be a grownup?’” Gad continues in his caption. “Hope you take from it as much as I have.”

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