Olsen Twins

If you've watched family sitcoms during the last twenty years, you've probably seen the Olsen twins, either on Full House or any one of a number of made-for-TV movies or series.

Olsen Twins at Tribeca Performing Arts Center

Meet the Olsen Twins: Mary-Kate and Ashley

Ashley Olsen

Mary-Kate and Ashley Fuller Olsen were born in Sherman Oaks, California, to David Olsen and his wife Jarnette Fuller, who divorced in 1996. The adorable Olsen twins started their acting careers before they could walk, appearing first in 1987 in the long-running television series Full House. They shared the role of Michelle Tanner.

Since 1987, they have become household names, both as actresses and entrepreneurs. They are each credited with more than 100 actor, producer, and title designer credits, working in video, film, and television roles.

Both girls attended New York University, but Mary-Kate moved back to California in 2005 to become more involved with Dualstar operations. Many have speculated that her breakup with Greek shipping heir Stavros Niarchos III is at the root of her decision, but her personal battle with anorexia nervosa may have also played into her move.

Dualstar Entertainment Group

While other celebrity kids were squandering their money, the Olsen twins were investing theirs by establishing Dualstar Entertainment Group, a multi-divisional corporate umbrella. Under the guise of Dualstar, Mary-Kate and Ashley have become a brand name. Under the advice of astute management, the twins have marketed a whole line of products, including books, movies, dolls, video games, fragrances, and even designer fashions to youngsters, tweens, and teens.

According to Forbes, the Olsen twins' company is now a $1 billion operation. Mary-Kate and Ashley ranked 37 in the Forbes Top 100 Celebrities list, with a 2006 pay rate of $40 million.

Twin Speak

Anyone who has been around twins has heard of twin speak, a special form of communication that many identical twins share. In many cases, they either have a special language or seem to share a telepathic connection.

The Olsen twins appear to have such a special connection, as they are often seen in public together, and during interviews one twin has a tendency to finish the sentence of the other. During a 2000 interview with Entertainment Weekly, they were asked if they shared a psychic connection and Ashley responded, "Sometimes when we look at each other, we know what the other's thinking. That's basically it. We can't talk to each other through our brains." Even so, to listen to them speak, you might swear there was more to this sisterly connection.

Identical Twins

Although Mary-Kate and Ashley are identical twins, friends and family can tell them apart.

• Ashley has a freckle over her lip.
• Ashley is right handed, and Mary Kate favors her left hand.
• Mary-Kate is more of a tom boy than her twin sister.
• Mary-Kate's eye color is slightly greener than her green-blue eyed sister.

The Olsen Twins Future

Mary-Kate Olsen at Tribeca Performing Arts Center

While the Olsens may have gotten their start in the entertainment field, their interests as young adults have turned to fashion. Both girls have spent significant time working on the design of their clothing line, but it is Mary-Kate who is most often credited for creating her "boho chic" line of clothing. This line of clothing is made up of loose clothing, oversized sunglasses, and boots.

To find Mary-Kate and Ashley fashions, visit:

• Wal-Mart
• Claire's
• ASDA
• Big W
• Seiyu

Mary-Kate and Ashley Trivia

• Mary-Kate suffers from ADD.
• The Olsen twins are the first twins and the youngest celebrities to earn a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
• The twins have four siblings.
• On the VH1 show 100 Greatest Child Stars, the Olsens were ranked number three.
• Ashley majors in psychology.

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