Remember Michelle Tanner from ‘Full House’? Here’s What Mary-Kate Olsen & Ashley Olsen Look Like Now at 39

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, born on June 13, 1986, in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, are twin sisters who started their careers as child actresses and later became successful fashion designers. The sisters, who share Danish and Norwegian ancestry, have an older brother, Trent, a younger sister, Elizabeth Olsen, and two half-siblings from their father’s second marriage. Ashley is two minutes older than Mary-Kate.

Their acting careers began at just six months old when they were cast as Michelle Tanner on the popular ABC sitcom Full House (1987–1995). The twins took turns playing the role while the show was filming, and they continued until the series ended in 1995. According to sources, the role of Michelle “changed their lives and made them household names at a very young age.” Their time on Full House helped them become icons for preteens and opened doors for other acting opportunities.

While starring on Full House, Mary-Kate and Ashley also started appearing in direct-to-video films. In 1992, they starred in To Grandmother’s House We Go, and over the next few years, they produced and acted in multiple movies and series through their own company, Dualstar, which they co-founded in 1993.

The company released several hits, including Double, Double, Toil and Trouble (1993) and How the West Was Fun (1994). They also performed in benefit concerts and created a series of mystery videos called The Adventures of Mary-Kate & Ashley from 1994 to 1997.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen at the CFDA Fashion Awards 2025 pic.twitter.com/Pf46TYWBSc

— Kat (@fashionhautcout) November 5, 2025

After Full House ended, the Olsen twins continued acting in films like It Takes Two (1995) and TV shows including Two of a Kind (1998–1999) and So Little Time (2001–2002). They also starred in animated and voice projects, including Mary-Kate and Ashley in Action! and made guest appearances on shows such as 7th Heaven and The Simpsons. They became known for their marketability, with their names attached to dolls, books, clothing, and other products targeted at preteens. Forbes listed them among the richest young women in entertainment during the 2000s.

In 2004, Mary-Kate and Ashley took full control of Dualstar, expanding their brand to include teen-oriented products such as home décor and fragrances. Over time, they began moving away from acting to focus on fashion.

They founded the luxury fashion label The Row in 2006 and later launched Elizabeth & James and Olsenboye. The Row has earned multiple awards from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), including Womenswear Designer of the Year in 2012 and 2015. They also became known for Mary-Kate’s signature bohemian style, praised by The New York Times as influential in fashion circles.

Despite the fame from Full House, the twins chose not to return for the Netflix spin-off Fuller House, focusing instead on their fashion careers. According to reports, John Stamos, who produced the show, contacted their agent rather than them directly, which caused them to pass on the opportunity. Mary-Kate reportedly considered trying to convince Ashley to participate, but the plan fell through.

The Olsen twins’ early years on Full House gave them both fame and business experience. It shaped their careers by teaching them how to manage a brand, work with media, and develop a business at a young age. Today, they are celebrated not for acting, but for their impact on the fashion industry, while their younger sister Elizabeth has taken her own path in acting.

The Olsen twins’ story shows how early success in entertainment can open doors beyond acting. Full House gave them a platform that allowed them to transition into fashion and build a lasting legacy. Their journey proves that childhood fame, when handled wisely, can lead to entirely new careers.

What do you think about the Olsen twins’ choice to leave acting for fashion? Share your thoughts in the comments.