Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have largely stepped away from the Hollywood spotlight, but they remain deeply involved in the fashion industry. As of 2026, the twins are 40 years old and run their luxury label, The Row, from a studio in New York City. Their transition from child stars to fashion entrepreneurs has been one of the most notable career shifts in entertainment.
Both sisters work full-time at their studio at 609 Greenwich Street, where Ashley leads the design direction and Mary-Kate manages the business side. They have described their work as rigorous and hands‑on, not a celebrity vanity project. Their brand, The Row, has grown from a small seven‑piece collection into a global label with five monobrand stores and a presence in 37 countries.
- Names: Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen
- Born: June 13, 1986 (age 40)
- Profession: Fashion designers (The Row, Elizabeth and James), former actresses
- Combined net worth: Approximately $1 billion (estimated 2026)
- They stopped acting in the mid‑2000s and now work exclusively in fashion.
- The Row is their flagship brand, known for minimalist luxury and quality craftsmanship.
- Ashley Olsen drives the creative vision; Mary-Kate Olsen handles business operations.
- They are fraternal twins, not identical, a fact often overlooked by the press.
- The brand generates an estimated $100–$200 million in annual revenue.
- Both sisters avoid public appearances and do not maintain personal social media accounts.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full names | Mary-Kate Olsen, Ashley Fuller Olsen |
| Age (2026) | 40 years old |
| Place of birth | Sherman Oaks, California, USA |
| First TV appearance | Full House (1987–1995) |
| First film | To Grandmother’s House We Go (1992) |
| Fashion brands co‑founded | The Row, Elizabeth and James, Olsenboye |
| Net worth each | Approximately $500 million per twin |
| Elizabeth Olsen relation | Younger half‑sister |
How Old Are the Olsen Twins?
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were born on June 13, 1986, in Sherman Oaks, California. As of July 2026, they are 40 years old. They are fraternal twins, meaning they developed from two separate eggs, and they share no more genetic similarity than typical siblings. Because they are not identical, there is a slight physical difference, but they are often mistaken for one another in the media.
When were the Olsen twins born?
June 13, 1986. Both sisters were born minutes apart, so there is no meaningful age difference between them.
Where were the Olsen twins born?
They were born in Sherman Oaks, a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, California. Their early childhood was spent in Southern California before the family moved to New York later.
Despite decades of media coverage referring to them as “identical twins,” Mary-Kate and Ashley are fraternal. This distinction means they look similar but are not genetically identical.
What Is the Olsen Twins’ Net Worth?
As of 2026, the combined net worth of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen is estimated at $1 billion, with approximately $500 million attributed to each sister. This figure represents a significant increase from earlier estimates and is largely the result of a partial equity sale in September 2024 that valued their brand at $1 billion.
How did their net worth grow?
In 2007, Forbes ranked them as the 11th‑richest women in entertainment with a combined net worth of $100 million. By 2021, estimates had risen to $500 million combined. The September 2024 sale of a portion of their equity in The Row pushed the figure to $1 billion. The twins retained a controlling interest in the company after the transaction.
What is the revenue of The Row?
The Row generates an estimated $100 million to $200 million in annual revenue. The brand’s total fashion empire, which also includes Elizabeth and James and the more affordable lines Olsenboye and StyleMint, is valued at over $1 billion.
Early income
As child actors on Full House, they initially earned $2,400 per episode. As their fame grew, that amount rose to $80,000 per episode by the end of the series.
Are the Olsen Twins Related to Elizabeth Olsen?
Yes, Elizabeth Olsen is the younger half‑sister of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. She was born on February 16, 1989, to the same parents—David Olsen and Jarnette (née Jones). Elizabeth is not a twin; she is the youngest sibling, following her older twin sisters and a brother named James.
Elizabeth Olsen is best known for playing Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including films such as Avengers: Age of Ultron. She has built an acting career largely independent of her sisters’ fame, though the family connection remains a topic of public interest.
Some sources mistakenly refer to Elizabeth as a “twin” or as one of the Olsen twins. She is not a twin and is seven years younger than Mary-Kate and Ashley.
What Movies and TV Shows Have the Olsen Twins Starred In?
The Olsen twins began their careers as infants, sharing the role of Michelle Tanner on the sitcom Full House, which aired from 1987 to 1995. They later starred in numerous direct‑to‑video films produced by their own company, Dualstar.
Early films
- To Grandmother’s House We Go (1992)
- Double, Double, Toil and Trouble (1993)
- How the West Was Fun (1994)
- It Takes Two (1995)
- Billboard Dad (1998)
- Passport to Paris (1999)
Why did the Olsen twins stop acting?
They transitioned away from acting in the mid‑2000s to focus entirely on fashion design. Ashley’s last acting credit was in 2004, while Mary-Kate appeared in a few projects until 2012. The sisters have never given an official statement explaining their departure from Hollywood, but many observers attribute it to a desire for privacy and a genuine passion for fashion. They declined an offer to reprise their role as Michelle Tanner in the Netflix spinoff Fuller House (2016–2020).
Their acting legacy is often described as having “lived three different lives” in a short time: television stars, movie stars, and fashion icons.
What Key Events Mark the Olsen Twins’ Journey?
- 1986: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are born in Sherman Oaks, California.
- 1987–1995: They share the role of Michelle Tanner on Full House.
- 1992: Their first direct‑to‑video film, To Grandmother’s House We Go, is released.
- 2004 (or 2006): They launch the luxury fashion brand The Row. Sources vary on the exact founding year, with some citing 2004 and others 2006.
- 2006–2012: They gradually stop acting and focus on building their fashion business.
- 2015: The ready‑to‑wear line of Elizabeth and James is shut down; the sisters concentrate on The Row.
- September 2024: A partial equity sale values The Row at $1 billion, and the twins retain a controlling interest.
- 2026: Both sisters turn 40 and continue working from their Greenwich Street studio in New York City.
What Information About the Olsen Twins Is Certain and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| They were born on June 13, 1986. | Exact net worth figures vary by source; $1 billion combined is an estimate based on reported sales. |
| They co‑founded The Row (founded 2004/2006). | The precise reason for leaving acting has not been officially stated; speculation centers on a desire for privacy. |
| They have not acted since the early 2010s. | Current relationship statuses are mostly private; only Ashley’s marriage to Louis Eisner and Mary-Kate’s divorce from Olivier Sarkozy are confirmed. |
| Elizabeth Olsen is their half‑sister. | The exact details of their daily lives and future plans remain largely unknown due to their preference for privacy. |
What Is the Broader Context of the Olsen Twins’ Career Shift?
The Olsen twins’ transition from child stars to fashion designers is regarded as one of the most successful celebrity‑to‑entrepreneur moves in recent history. By stepping away from Hollywood, they intentionally reduced public scrutiny, which allowed their brands to be taken seriously in the fashion industry. The Row’s rise mirrors a broader luxury market trend toward understated craftsmanship and minimalism.
Their younger sister, Elizabeth Olsen, followed a different path, achieving fame as an actress in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This contrast highlights the range of choices within the same family. The twins’ continued commitment to privacy—they rarely give interviews and do not use personal social media—has only fueled recurring public interest. Any rare sighting, such as the one reported by Vogue in 2026, tends to generate significant media attention.
What Sources Provide Information About the Olsen Twins?
Most reliable biographical and career details come from Wikipedia and IMDb. Financial estimates are reported by outlets such as Celebrity Net Worth and Yahoo Entertainment. A 2026 Vogue article provided a rare update on their current routine. The brand’s official website, therow.com, offers product information but no personal details.
“The twins continue to work rigorously at their studio at 609 Greenwich Street, conducting the work themselves rather than relying on vanity projects.”
— Social Life Magazine, based on early 2026 reporting
Additional context about their early earnings and the 2024 sale has been reported by Social Life Magazine and confirmed by multiple outlets. No direct interviews with the twins themselves have been published in recent years.
What Is the Takeaway About the Olsen Twins?
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have built a billion‑dollar fashion empire while maintaining near‑total privacy. Their journey from child stars on Full House to respected designers at the helm of The Row illustrates a rare and deliberate career reinvention. As of 2026, both sisters remain active in their business, continue to shape the luxury fashion landscape, and show no signs of returning to acting. For a deeper look at their fashion evolution, read Olsen Twins – Their Journey From Child Stars to Fashion Icons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age difference between the Olsen twins?
They are fraternal twins born minutes apart, so effectively no age difference.
Are Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen dating anyone?
Both are extremely private. Mary-Kate was married to Olivier Sarkozy (divorced 2021). Ashley married artist Louis Eisner in December 2022; they had a son in 2023.
Do the Olsen twins have social media?
They do not have public personal accounts. The Row has official brand accounts on Instagram and other platforms.
What is the meaning behind the name ‘The Row’?
The brand name was inspired by London’s Savile Row, known for bespoke tailoring.
Are the Olsen twins identical or fraternal?
They are fraternal twins, not identical. This is often misreported in the media.
Does Elizabeth Olsen have twin sisters?
Yes, Elizabeth’s older half‑sisters, Mary-Kate and Ashley, are twins. She herself is not a twin.
Where do the Olsen twins live?
They primarily live and work in New York City. Their studio is located at 609 Greenwich Street.
Did the Olsen twins appear in Fuller House?
No. They declined to reprise their role as Michelle Tanner in the Netflix spinoff (2016–2020).
What other fashion brands have the Olsen twins created?
In addition to The Row, they founded Elizabeth and James (named after their siblings), Olsenboye, and StyleMint, the latter two being more affordable lines.
How much did the Olsen twins earn per episode on Full House?
They initially earned $2,400 per episode, which later rose to $80,000 per episode.
For a look at another celebrity career evolution, see Addison Rae – Complete Career Profile 2025.
Oliver Arthur Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for StoryShift.uk, covering UK news, culture, politics and technology. He works under Editor-in-Chief Maarika Tamm and UK Managing Editor Oliver Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.