Mary-Kate Olsen, along with her twin sister Ashley Olsen, is a multi-talented American actor, fashion designer, author, businesswoman, producer, and equestrian. Despite coming from a non-showbiz background, the Olsen sisters overcame numerous challenges to establish themselves in the world of entertainment and fashion. They began their acting careers at just nine months old, sharing the role of Michelle Tanner on the popular sitcom Full House. As they grew up, their careers evolved, and they even founded their own production company, Dualstar. Today, Mary-Kate and Ashley are proud owners and founders of luxury fashion brands such as The Row and Elizabeth and James, as well as more affordable lines like Olsenboye and StyleMint. Their entrepreneurial skills have propelled their company to great success, earning them a spot on Forbes’ list of the eleventh-richest women in entertainment in 2007, with a combined net worth of $100 million.
Quick Facts
- Age: 37 Years
- Family: Spouse/Ex-: Olivier Sarkozy (m. 2015), father: David Olsen, mother: Jarnett Olsen, siblings: Ashley Olsen, Elizabeth Olsen, Jake Olsen, Taylor Olsen, Trent Olsen
- Born Country: United States
- Quotes By Mary-Kate Olsen
- Fashion Designers
- Height: 5’2″ (157 cm)
- Ancestry: Norwegian American, British American
- Notable Alumni: New York University Gallatin School Of Individualized Study
- Grouping of People: Twins
- U.S. State: California
- City: Los Angeles
- Education: New York University Gallatin School Of Individualized Study
Childhood & Early Life
Mary-Kate Olsen was born on June 13, 1986, in Sherman Oaks, California, to Jarnette “Jarnie” Olsen and David “Dave” Olsen. Her mother was a personal manager, while her father worked as a real estate developer and mortgage banker. She has a twin sister named Ashley, an older brother named Trent, and a younger sister named Elizabeth Olsen. Her parents divorced in 1996, and her father remarried, giving her two half-siblings from his second marriage. Mary-Kate and Ashley studied at Campbell Hall School in Los Angeles and later attended New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study together.
Career
Mary-Kate Olsen’s acting career began when she was just nine months old. Alongside her twin sister, she played the role of Michelle Tanner on the ABC sitcom Full House from 1987 to 1995. In the early 1990s, the Olsen sisters started a company called Dualstar, which produced TV movies and direct-to-video releases featuring them. They also made their big screen debut in the 1995 film It Takes Two. They continued to act in various TV shows and films, including Two of a Kind and So Little Time. In 2004, they took control of Dualstar and became joint-CEOs and presidents of the company. However, they eventually retired from acting to focus on their fashion career.
Fashion Career
While pursuing their acting careers, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen also worked on their fashion career. They started a clothing line in Walmart stores for girls aged 4 to 14 and a beauty line called Mary-Kate and Ashley: Real Fashion for Real Girls. They went on to co-found designer fashion label The Row, as well as retail collections such as Elizabeth and James, Olsenboye, and StyleMint. They are also the creative directors of Superga. In 2013, they released a perfume brand called Elizabeth and James. The Olsen twins have also co-authored a book titled Influence, featuring interviews with fashion designers who have inspired them.
Acting and Fashion Achievements
Mary-Kate Olsen’s most notable acting role was in the sitcom Full House, where she and her twin sister shared the role of Michelle Tanner. They won several awards for their portrayal of the character. As fashion designers, their most successful achievement was co-founding luxury brands The Row and Elizabeth and James. They also created more affordable fashion lines under the brands Olsenboye and StyleMint.
Awards & Achievements
The Olsen twins received numerous awards for their acting in Full House, including Young Artists Awards and Kids’ Choice Awards. They also won the CFDA Fashion Award and WSJ magazine’s Innovator of The Year Award for their contributions to the fashion industry.
Personal Life & Legacy
Mary-Kate Olsen has dated several celebrities and artists, including Olivier Sarkozy, whom she married in 2015. They divorced in 2021. She is also an accomplished horse rider and has participated in equestrian events. In 2004, she announced that she was undergoing treatment for anorexia nervosa. The Olsen twins have been involved in philanthropic work, supporting charitable organizations and advocating for workers’ rights.
Philanthropic Works
The Olsen twins have supported charitable organizations and NGOs throughout their careers. They signed a pledge in 2004 to grant maternity leave to women workers in Bangladesh who were working for their fashion line. They have also collaborated with organizations like Pennies From Heaven and TOMS Shoes to support various causes.