Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, better known as the Olsen twins, are American fashion designers who rose to fame as child actresses. They are best known for their shared role as Michelle Tanner in the sitcom "Full House". Beyond "Full House", the twins starred in numerous films and television shows produced by their company, Dualstar. Their success in entertainment made them preteen icons and secured them significant wealth at a young age.
June 13, 1986: Birth of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
On June 13, 1986, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were born in Sherman Oaks, California.
1987: Acting Debut on Full House
At just six months old, the Olsen twins were cast as Michelle Tanner on the hit sitcom "Full House," beginning their journey as child actors in 1987.
1987: Start of Filming for "Full House"
At nine months old, the Olsen twins began filming for "Full House," sharing the role of Michelle Tanner to comply with child labor laws.
1992: Guest Appearance on "Hangin' with Mr. Cooper" and Debut in "To Grandmother's House We Go"
In 1992, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen made a guest appearance as Michelle Tanner in a crossover episode of "Hangin' with Mr. Cooper." Additionally, they starred in their first video film, "To Grandmother's House We Go."
1993: Establishment of Dualstar and Release of "Double, Double, Toil and Trouble"
The Olsen twins established their production company, Dualstar, in 1993. The same year, they starred in the film "Double, Double, Toil and Trouble."
1994: Release of "How the West Was Fun" and Premiere of "The Adventures of Mary-Kate & Ashley"
In 1994, the Olsen twins released the film "How the West Was Fun." They also premiered their musical mystery video series, "The Adventures of Mary-Kate & Ashley."
1995: Divorce of Parents
In 1995, the Olsen twins' parents, David and Jarnette Olsen, divorced.
1995: End of "Full House" and Transition to Feature Films
In 1995, the popular sitcom "Full House" concluded its run. The same year, the Olsen twins transitioned to feature films, marking a shift in their acting careers.
1997: Guest Appearance on "Sister, Sister"
In 1997, the Olsen twins made a guest appearance on the sitcom "Sister, Sister."
1998: Premiere of "Two of a Kind" and Release of "Billboard Dad"
In 1998, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen returned to television with the sitcom "Two of a Kind." The same year, they starred in the direct-to-video film "Billboard Dad."
1998: End of Mary-Kate and Ashley's Fun Club Advertising
The Olsen twins' fan club, "Mary-Kate & Ashley's Fun Club," stopped being advertised at the beginning of their movies in 1998.
2000: Guest Appearance on "7th Heaven"
The Olsen twins made a guest appearance as bad girls Sue and Carol Murphy on an episode of the television series "7th Heaven" in 2000.
2000: Conclusion of "You're Invited to Mary-Kate & Ashley's..." Video Series
The Olsen twins' video series, "You're Invited to Mary-Kate & Ashley's...," concluded in 2000, marking the end of a successful run of direct-to-video releases.
2002: First Appearance on Forbes "Celebrity 100" List
The Olsen twins made their debut on the Forbes "Celebrity 100" list in 2002, signifying their financial success and influence.
2003: Release of "The Challenge"
The Olsen twins starred in their last direct-to-video film together, "The Challenge," in 2003.
2004: Voice Role in "The Simpsons" and Release of "New York Minute"
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen lent their voices to an episode of "The Simpsons" in 2004. Additionally, they starred in their final film together, "New York Minute."
2004: Becoming Co-presidents of Dualstar
On their 18th birthday in 2004, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen assumed the roles of co-presidents of their company, Dualstar, taking greater control of their careers and business ventures.
2004: Pledge for Full Maternity Leave for Workers in Bangladesh
The Olsen twins made headlines in 2004 when they signed a pledge ensuring full maternity leave for workers in Bangladesh who sewed their clothing line, demonstrating their commitment to ethical labor practices.
2005: End of Mattel's Mary-Kate and Ashley Fashion Doll Production
Mattel discontinued its production of Mary-Kate and Ashley fashion dolls in 2005, marking the end of an era of merchandise associated with the twins.
2006: Launch of The Row Fashion Label
In 2006, the Olsen twins stepped away from acting and founded their luxury fashion label, The Row, in New York City, embarking on a successful career in the fashion industry.
2006: Becoming Faces of Badgley Mischka
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were chosen as the faces of the upscale fashion line Badgley Mischka in 2006, further cementing their presence in the fashion world.
2007: Ranked Eleventh-Richest Women in Entertainment by Forbes
In 2007, Forbes ranked Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen as the eleventh-richest women in entertainment, solidifying their status as successful businesswomen.
2007: Launch of Elizabeth & James
In 2007, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen diversified their fashion portfolio by launching Elizabeth & James, a contemporary collection drawing inspiration from their personal vintage finds and wardrobe pieces.
2008: Publication of "Influence"
Stepping beyond fashion design, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen entered the world of publishing in 2008 with their book "Influence." This compilation features interviews with prominent figures in the fashion industry, offering insights into their inspirations and perspectives.
2012: CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year Award
The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) recognized Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's exceptional talent in 2012 by awarding them the prestigious Womenswear Designer of the Year award for their work with The Row.
August 2013: Fashion Line Launch in Oslo
In August 2013, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen expanded their fashion empire by launching a new fashion line in Oslo, Norway.
2014: CFDA Accessories Designer of the Year Award
Further solidifying their versatility and impact on the fashion industry, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen received the CFDA Accessories Designer of the Year award in 2014 for their exceptional work on The Row's accessories line.
2015: Second CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year Award
The CFDA once again honored Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen with the Womenswear Designer of the Year award in 2015, solidifying their status as influential figures in the fashion world and recognizing their continued excellence with The Row.