Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen are two of the most accomplished women in the business world. However, they had to make difficult decisions as teenagers to protect their wealth. Find out more.
Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen at the 2017 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York.
The twins are all grown up. However, some fans remain unaware of Mary-Kate and Ashley’s difficulties in their young days. Here are some interesting facts to know about the Olsen twins, including how they made serious decisions to save their huge fortune as teenagers.
THE SISTERS’ FAME
Although Mary-Kate and Ashley share a striking resemblance, the pair are fraternal twins. They were born on June 13, 1986, and have since amassed incredible fame and fortune in the fashion, business, and entertainment industries.
Despite their achievements, the pair built their first fan base during their time in Hollywood. The former child stars started acting when they were babies, sharing the role of Michelle Tanner in “Full House.”
Mary-Kate Olsen during the “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City.
Mary-Kate Olsen during the Christian attends the Louboutin Cocktail party at Barneys New York on November 1, 2011 in New York City.
The Olsen twins acted in “Full House” for eight years between 1987 and 1995, but they were once fired by Hollywood star John Stamos and eventually rehired. Although the fashion icons may not remember getting fired, they can recall dealing with their parents’ divorce.
Mary-Kate and Ashley were born to Real Estate Developer David Olsen and Personal Manager Jarnette Olsen. Sadly, the women never enjoyed having both parents around for a long time.
In 1996, David and Jarnette made the headlines after it was reported that they were getting divorced. Reports revealed that the real estate developer lived the old cliché and married his secretary, McKenzie.
Ashley Olsen attends the jcpenney launch event at Pier 57 on January 25, 2012 in New York City.
David cared less about the tabloids, as he explained that in reality, everything was going on very well, and his daughters were fine.
David and McKenzie eventually tied the knot with Mary-Kate as the maid of honor. On the other hand, Ashley chose to stay at home and console her hurt mother.
At the time, the twins were only ten years old and were forced to cope with the emotional trauma. Speaking about her childhood, Mary-Kate once revealed:
“I would never wish my upbringing on anyone.”
Elizabeth, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen at the 2016 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York.
THE BUSINESS FEUD
Although Mary-Kate learned a lot during rehab, going to the treatment facility caused a rift in her relationship with her father.
At the time, David was still managing her and Ashley’s empire, but due to the rift, the fashion icons took control of their business worth more than $100 million as soon as they turned 18.
They cut not only David from the business, but their mother also. In the process, David and the twins’ step-family were at risk of losing their homes. This decision weighed greatly on Mary-Kate, who thought of it as extreme, despite her estranged relationship with her parents.