The Olsen Twins

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were the surprise duo behind a single character, Michelle, on the hit sit-com Full House, which propelled them—along with costars John Stamos and Bob Saget—to fame. In a not so surprising coincidence, the two twins were born the same day—June 13, 1968, in California. Cast as infants into both the show and a life in show business, the two racked up several industry firsts. By age six they were receiving production credits, and they are the youngest people ever to become millionaires through their own labor.

Having appeared on Full House as a single character from infancy until the eve of their entrance into junior high, the twins were anxious to establish themselves as independent personalities, both from one another, and from the television series that made them famous.

While they now stand on their own four feet as the biggest stars to emerge from the long running series, they struggle to this day to counter the perception that they are essentially the same person because of their similar genetic makeup. Throughout their time performing as Michelle, the work was divided between the two based on whether a scene called for a comic or dramatic turn. Ashley was given the heavy dramatic scenes, while Mary-Kate was called upon to carry the comic scenes.

The two remain very close as roommates and business partners and Uncle Jesse has given way to “Uncle” John in the form of John Stamos, who after years of collaboration is now a close friend of the twins.

The younger of the twins by two minutes, Mary-Kate publicly struggled with an eating disorder, but returned to good health and a busy schedule, including learning how to horseback ride and dabbling in gourmet cooking at New York University. She preferred the subject of English in high school, while her oft-described “girlier” twin enjoyed mathematics.

Since the end of Full House, the twins have gone on to major success as the heads of a production company and franchises that include several TV shows, books and the underrated 2004 film New York Minute. The two divide their time between New York, Los Angeles and Australia, and are currently pouring their efforts into promotion for their highly profitable, Walmart-distributed clothing line.