It Takes Two...To Reach 40

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are about to hit the big 4-0, and if that doesn’t make you feel old, nothing will. From their Full House debut to their fashion empire today, the twins have packed multiple careers into just four decades. Let’s rewind the tape through their then-and-now story—you know, for maximum nostalgia.

Before they could even walk, Mary-Kate and Ashley were cast as Michelle Tanner in Full House. Producers doubled up to meet child labor laws, and the twins became the youngest sitcom scene-stealers in TV history.

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By preschool age, the girls already had a catchphrase. Michelle Tanner’s sass made her the fan-favorite Tanner, and those three little words turned into one of the most quoted sitcom lines of the ’90s.

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By the early ’90s, Mary-Kate and Ashley weren’t just sitcom stars—they were everywhere. Dolls, lunchboxes, posters, even a toothpaste endorsement (yes, really). The Olsens became the ultimate childhood brand. If you had a sleepover, their merch was probably in the room somewhere.

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They weren’t blockbusters, but almost every tween out there was getting their parents to rent them at Blockbuster—Olsen movies were a slumber party essential. Titles like Our Lips Are Sealed, Holiday in the Sun, and Winning London meant there was always a new twin adventure to rewind (and rewind, and rewind).

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In 1995, the twins jumped to the big screen with It Takes Two, starring alongside Steve Guttenberg and Kirstie Alley. It was basically The Parent Trap with double the Olsen charm—and fans couldn’t get enough. The movie even scored them a 1996 Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite Movie Actress (because, of course, you couldn’t pick just one).

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Through the late ’90s and early 2000s, Mary-Kate and Ashley grew from child stars into teen idols, with paparazzi trailing every mall outing. For their fans, watching them grow up felt like growing up alongside them.

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Remember the magazine covers? From Teen People to CosmoGirl!, the Olsens were staples. With centerfold posters taped on bedroom walls, they became unofficial big sisters to millions of kids navigating middle school.

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Even before launching their label, the twins were known for bold style choices. Matching outfits gave way to experimental teen fashion, making red carpets their personal runway long before it became their career.

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By the mid-2000s, the Olsens traded scripts for sketchbooks. Their brand, The Row, started small but quickly earned acclaim for its understated luxury. Suddenly, the girls once known for overalls were setting the tone for high fashion.

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Not content with just one brand (because who would be?), they launched Elizabeth and James—a more accessible line named after their siblings. It proved they could conquer both high fashion and everyday wardrobes.

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Their personal style became iconic, too. Paparazzi snaps of them in giant sunglasses and with coffee cups glued to their hands sometimes looked more like Starbucks ads than red carpet photos.

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Mary-Kate made tabloid waves with her marriage to French banker Olivier Sarkozy, and later their divorce. Though often hounded by gossip columns, she managed to keep much of her private life private.

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Ashley preferred a quieter path. With fewer public appearances, she built a reputation as the more reserved twin—though equally dedicated to their shared fashion empire.

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Together, their fashion businesses and licensing deals turned them into some of the youngest billionaires in Hollywood history. They didn’t just act successful—they designed it.

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When Netflix revived Full House, fans begged for Michelle’s return. The twins politely declined, saying they’d moved on—and honestly, maybe Michelle just didn’t want to sit through Uncle Joey’s jokes again.

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Once expected to rack up movie trophies, Mary-Kate and Ashley instead collected honors from the fashion world. The Row has won multiple CFDA awards, cementing their place as respected designers.

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Even with different lifestyles, the twins remain inseparable. Whether photographed on red carpets or spotted in New York, they always appear perfectly coordinated—without looking like they planned it.

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For kids of the ’90s, the Olsens weren’t just stars—they were a cultural marker. Their movies, shows, and products defined childhood for an entire generation. Watching them now feels like flipping through a time capsule.

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Plenty of child actors flame out. The Olsens did the opposite—walking away on their own terms and building something bigger. Their success story is one of the rare happy endings in Hollywood.

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Their journey is the definition of a glow-up. From floral dresses on TGIF promos to couture gowns at the Met Gala, the Olsens proved reinvention is the real secret to staying relevant.

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In contrast to their open-book childhood, the twins guard their privacy fiercely as adults. It only adds to their allure—fans see them less, but admire them more.

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At this point, The Row isn’t just a label—it’s an institution. Young designers study the Olsens’ success as proof that Hollywood names can thrive in haute couture.

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Now, as they near their milestone birthday, the Olsens are less about headlines and more about legacy. Their days of catchphrases are long gone—but their influence isn’t going anywhere.

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Mary-Kate and Ashley turning 40 is more than just a reminder of passing time. It’s proof that those VHS tapes, red carpet looks, and oversized shades weren’t just fads—they were eras. And if you remember them all, well…you might be older than you think.

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Sources:  1, 2, 3