Mary-Kate & Ashley: What Happened to the Olsen Twins?

How Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen's Careers Started and Where They Are Now

Tonya Hillukka
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, born June 13, 1986, are about the same age as me, so I knew who they were growing up. They began their careers at a young age - in fact, they were just nine months old when they appeared in the television show Full House, taking turns acting as little Michelle Tanner. Since then, they have continued their acting career through various television programs and films. Lately they haven't been in the spotlight as much, though. What have the Olsen twins been up to?

The Olsen Twins' Career

In the first eight years of their career, Mary-Kate and Ashley acted in the TV show, Full House, as well as several movies such as To Grandmother's House We Go. Shortly after Full House, the Olsen twins began merchandising their image. They have been seen in movies, books, magazines, clothes, and fragrances. Television show the twins starred in are: Full House, Two of a Kind, Mary-Kate and Ashley in Action!, and So Little Time. They were in numerous films that include: How the West Was Fun, Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, Billboard Dad, and New York Minute. The twins were popular in the teen industry, but their attempt at the more adult roles was somewhat of a flop.

The Olsen Twins' Fashion

Mary-Kate and Ashley have their own clothing line at Wal-Mart stores called "Mary-Kate and Ashley: Real Fashion for Real Girls". Their line "The Row" has been criticized by PETA for their use of fur. Ashley also made PETA's worst-dressed list for wearing fur. Mary-Kate's personal style has been dubbed the "homeless" look as it consists of over-sized sunglasses, loose sweaters, boots, and the mixing of high- and low-end clothing.

The Olsen Twins' Personal Lives

Mary-Kate and Ashley have a younger sister, Elizabeth, and an older brother, Trent. They also have two half-siblings, Taylor and Jake. In 2004, Mary-Kate was checked into rehab for an eating disorder. After graduating High School, the Olsen twins announced that they would be attending New York University. Soon after, Mary-Kate moved back to California to work more closely with their company, Dualstar. Before her senior year, Ashley also moved back to the West Coast.

What are the Olsen Twins up to now?

Ashley told Popeater that "when I turned 18, I moved to NY, and I haven't really done anything since to be a celebrity." Although they haven't been in the spotlight much recently, according to Mary-Kate, her sister still wants to focus on acting. Both twins are currently working on their high-end fashion lines "The Row" and "Elizabeth and James".

References

Popeater.com

Wikipedia.com

Published by Tonya Hillukka - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle

Tonya writes about a variety of topics that interest her. Having earned a degree in Interior Design, she is knowledgeable in various aspects of the home improvement industry, including decorating and green l...   View profile

15 Comments

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  • kay 12/17/2010

    cust as babies. No talent or significant beauty as grown-ups. Sad, but boring now.

  • alicia moore 4/26/2010

    i love u marykate and ashley i loved u guyz a lot i realy loved your shows we were born the same year my b day is sept 30 i missed u guyz u guyz should do anthoer movie i am your big fan the most movie i loved was pass port to paris well loved u guyz have a good summer bye sign alicia moore heres my email adders alicia.moore26@yahoo.com

  • Allana Calhoun (Tink) 1/5/2010

    Mary-Kate has a recurring role on the Showtime Original Series "Weeds". Not sure if she'll be in this year's season, but we'll see. Good article!

  • David A. Reinstein, LCSW 1/4/2010

    Rumor (unsubstatiated, of course) has it that the two of them have had 'attachment surgery' in a private clinic in the former Societ Union and are travelling the countryside as "Siamese" twins.

  • Dan Reveal 1/4/2010

    These two seem like nice people. I've feared for their safety before, however. They are high profile people..a dangerous position to be in..Thanks, Tonya!

  • Charlotte Kuchinsky 1/4/2010

    Thanks for the update. I was wondering about them.

  • JerseyNana 12/31/2009

    They will be around for a long time, if not always in the picture, at least in the foreground, they have it in their blood!

  • Jan Corn 12/31/2009

    Although I think their fortunes are made, I do wonder if they have identity issues, wondering what to do now. People probably still recognize them, making it hard to pick a career that wouldn't be in the limelight.

  • Karen Gros 12/31/2009

    They also have a fragrance line, makeup line and sting of videos they made while growing up. I don't think they are hurting for money at all, they made millions as kids and teens.

  • Nancy V Canfield 12/31/2009

    I always thought it was so sad to put young kids in the position of a role model. Maybe being out of the spotlight is the best thing for them at this point.

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