Mary-kate Olsen Biography

Mary-Kate Olsen, Actress

Birthdate: June 13, 1986

Birthplace: Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California

Sign: Gemini

Mary-Kate Olsen was born June 13, 1986, in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California. She and her twin sister Ashley started their careers in 1987 at the mere age of nine months. The twins were needed to play Michelle Tanner on "Full House." Twins were a necessity because of child labor laws, so the Olsen twins took turns playing the role during the show. The two gained popularity for their portrayal of the adorable Michelle, and following the show starred in their own video series "The Adventures of Mary-Kate & Ashley."

The girls maintained popularity straight into their teens, when they starred in sitcoms "Two of a Kind" and "So Little Time." Mary-Kate even received a daytime Emmy nomination for her work on "So Little Time."

As the twins grew older, they urged people to see them individually rather than as the "Olsen twins." Mary-Kate began to appear frequently on the show "Weeds" during its third season. She will also appear in an episode of the ABC comedy "Samantha Who?" in fall 2008.

Despite their individuality, the two have teamed up frequently as fashion designers. They started a Wal-Mart clothing line when they were younger and In 2006, they moved on to went more upscale, working with the line Badgley Mischka. They later released a high-end line called The Row, which reflects their personal style. In fall 2007, they launched the more contemporary collection "Elizabeth & James," which contains vintage and personal pieces.

In mid-2004, Olsen entered treatment for anorexia. In 2005, she left New York University after a painful breakup with Stavros Niarchos III. Niarchos began dating Paris Hilton, causing a rift between Mary-Kate and Hilton. Mary-Kate was also mysteriously linked to Heath Ledger around the time of his death in Jan. 2008. The star has said the two were just very good friends.