Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen have been America’s darlings since their early success taking turns as the lovable Michelle Tanner on the hit show Full House. As they got older, they built a media empire of specials, movies, television shows, fashion and perfumes, all banking on their fame and adorable twin appeal. Now all grown up, the Olsen Twins focus more on their work in the fashion world, with neither of them taking a part on screen in years. Read on to find out more about Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, and stay tuned for part two of this list, coming soon.
Number Fifteen: There Is a Kickstarter to Create a Museum Featuring Art Inspired by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen
The exhibit, if funded, will feature “The Olsen Twins Ducking Away from the Paparazzi,” a series of paintings of Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen covering their faces by artist Laura Collins, as well as a number of other celebrity-themed “cultural programs.” Created by Matt Harkins and Viviana Olen, who have already ventured into the museum business with their Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan permanent exhibit, which is run out of a hallway in their apartment building, would like the money to give this exhibit a proper storefront space. The Kickstarter is about one-quarter funded with a March 20 deadline.
Number Fourteen: They Are the Youngest Producers Ever
Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen started their production company, Dualstar, in 1993, making them at the time seven years old. The first movie produced by the company was Double, Double, Toil and Trouble, a made-for-TV Halloween movie released that same year.
Number Thirteen: Neither of Them Have Acted Since 2012
In 2012, the Olsen twins officially quit acting. Ashley’s last real role was in their 2004 movie, New York Minute, while Mary Kate’s was in the 2011 film, Beastly. Now, they focus more on their Elizabeth and James and The Row fashion brands.
Number Twelve: Mary Kate Was in More Episodes of ‘Full House’ Than Ashley
Particularly in the show’s first season, while the Olsen twins were still infants, Mary Kate was the preferred twin when filming because Ashley was very fussy. Eventually, they would go on to split the role more, with Mary Kate taking on more of the tomboyish, comedy storylines and Ashley taking on the more serious storylines.
Number Eleven: People Were Counting Down to Their 18th Birthday
Just before Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen turned 18, a number of countdown clocks emerged online nearing their birthday. Their reported purpose was for people to speculate what the Olsen twins might do when they became legal, but it was ultimately an attempt to legitimize the creepy lust a number of old men had for the starlets.
Number Ten: They Were Named Women’s Wear Designers of the Year
For 2012, their The Row fashion brand earned the twins the honor of being named by The Council of Fashion Designers of America as Women’s Wear Designers of the Year. The high-end brand was started in 2006 and currently features ready-to-wear, eyewear, and handbags in luxurious fabrics.
Number Nine: They Had a Fashion Brand in Walmart
It might seem crazy now, but in 2001, the Olsen twins had a line of affordable clothing for pre-teen girls at Walmart. The ‘Mary Kate and Ashley Brand’ was geared towards girls ages four to 14. In 2006, they pitched another line to the retailer for a teen fashion line. Check back soon for part two of our list of 15 interesting facts about Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen.