Olivia Dunne, the former LSU gymnastics standout, is stepping into a new arena. Known for her impressive gymnastics career and massive social media following, Dunne is now setting her sights on Hollywood. At 23, the NCAA champion has started taking acting lessons, a passion she’s harbored for years.
In a recent interview, Dunne shared, “One thing people would be surprised about is that I take acting lessons and I really love it.” While her time as a student-athlete prioritized gymnastics and academics, she’s now ready to dive into acting full-time.
“It’s something I’ve been passionate about for quite some time. I was interested in doing that at LSU, but sports are your top priority when you’re a student-athlete at school.
School and sports - but really, gymnastics was my main focus.”
With her college career wrapped up, Dunne is eager to explore her creative side. “And now that I’m done with school, I have more time to lean into the acting stuff and the creative side of things,” she explained.
Dunne officially retired from competitive gymnastics in April 2025 after a knee injury. Her illustrious career included helping LSU clinch a national championship in 2024, and she leaves the sport as one of the most-followed college athletes in the nation.
Transitioning away from competitive sports, Dunne is focusing on media, content creation, and business ventures. She’s signed with the talent agency Wasserman and made an appearance in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She’s also made a move to Florida, purchasing a $1.95 million home.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Dunne is often seen with her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, attending various sporting events. As she embarks on her acting journey, Dunne is poised to become even more of a household name.