Born in Sherman Oaks, California to David Olsen and Jarnette Jones, the Olsens started their acting careers on the television series Full House in 1987. The show was widely popular during the late 80s and early 90s, and both sisters played one character, Michelle Tanner, taking turns during the tapings to do so, in order to comply with child labor laws regarding child actors. Because the producers did not want viewers to know that Michelle was played by twins, the sisters were originally credited as "Mary Kate Ashley Olsen", but later credited as separate people. Shortly after the end of Full House, they returned to the entertainment industry, riding the momentum of their role on Full House by heavily merchandising their image. Taking the world of tweens by storm, their names have become a very profitable industry, with their likeness seen in clothes, fragrances ,magazines, movies, posters, and even video games like Mary Kate and Ashley's Magical Mystery Mall. |
