Twinsburg, Ohio, was the perfect place to get married not just because of the place’s name but because this was where the fairytale started. It was here the four met and the rest of their lives began.
If it wasn’t for the twin festival that took place that summer, the four might have had to compromise instead of marrying an identical set of twins. They would have to settle for just a regular twin or even worse, two-thirds of a triplet or half of a foursome.
Attached From Birth
Siblings have a special connection that needs no words to be explained. Twins, and especially identical ones, not only share identical physical features but also share similar passions and needs. Most of the time they are also attracted to the same type.
Brittany and Briana Deane knew throughout their entire life that they had a special relationship. They knew that bonding would keep them attached until their last days, however, never in their wildest dreams did they think their tie would be so unreal, even in the twins' world.
Identical All the Way
Throughout their childhood and their wild teen days, Brittany and Briana never hid the fact that they were joint (almost) in body and soul. They deliberately wore the same outfits, had the same hairstyle and both went to study law.
If they were going to be identical, they were going to be matching all the way. Even when the two reached adulthood, they insisted on being identical as much as they could. Only when they began dating, the ‘Singleton’ men were the ones in the way of making their dream come true.
A Dream Come True
Brittany and Briana recall that each had always something to say about the other's date or boyfriend. Deep inside they both shared the dream of marrying twins. They couldn't imagine not living together even as adults.
Each one would panic when the other got too serious with a boy, as a Singleton would prevent that dream from happening. People around them said it was unrealistic and the odds were not in their favor. What were the chances of the couple falling madly in love with another identical pair?
Dating Separately
Overall, the dating days were great except for the fact that both Brittany and Briana felt that something was missing. They couldn't put their finger on it, but something felt incomplete. Dating separately wasn't for them.
A Singleton could never truly understand what being a twin was all about, especially an identical one. There are some things that cannot be explained with words, and if you're not connected with that particular bond, then you would never understand them at all.
The Twin Festival
August 2017 was the summer that was going to change things around. The twin festival that took place in Twinsburg, Ohio, was about to shuffle the cards for the two and take them on a lifetime journey.
God moves in mysterious ways, and the moves on that magical day were indeed mysterious. What were the odds that Brittany and Briana would meet two identical twins, single, almost the same age as they were, and exactly their cup of tea? Indeed a mystical moment.
The Identical Brothers
Jeremy and Josh Salyers were no different than any other pair of identical twins. Their names began with the same letter (apparently it's a thing when it comes to twins), and they were both in the same profession. Deep inside they knew that when they both marry, it would most likely be to a pair of identical twins.
There are some things that you just know in life, and this was one of them. Both Jeremy and Josh felt the same. They knew that for them to remain as close as they were, and for them to be content and assured of who they were, they could only marry their own kind.
Couldn't Miss Something Good
Jeremy and Josh stood out in the crowds and Brittany spotted them from a distance. As soon as she saw them, she knew these two were a keeper and couldn't let them disappear. She was going to make this a 'meant to be' situation.
Within no time, the four clicked. Brittany and Briana felt as if they had known each other for years, and thanks to modern technology, the first thing they did was connect on social media.
Going Nowhere
Jeremy and Josh were happy to meet the two girls, however, weren't as enthusiastic as they were. As far as they were concerned, exchanging information on social networks was enough at that point, and assured the girls that they would meet next festival.
Brittany and Briana were having none of that. They had finally met their double twin prince charming and they were not going to let them go. If Jeremy and Josh thought that the episode with Brittany and Briana ended, they had another thing coming.
Virginia Roadtrip
The girls were not going to wait and made a point of letting the boys know that. Jeremy and Josh were easygoing, went with the flow, and decided to visit Brittany and Briana in Virginia. Little did they know, that trip was going to change their lives forever.
All four were hoping that something great and exciting would evolve from the trip and at first, the fairytale glitter was sparkling more than ever. Was the trip to Virginia as successful as Brittany and Briana hoped it would be?
Fifth Gear
Brittany hooked up with Josh and Briana with Jeremy. It was only natural as they matched themselves according to their birth order. Things were about to escalate, and they were about to escalate fast.
Before the girls knew it, Jeremy and Josh proposed and the four were engaged. No need to explain how thrilled the girls were. Everyone was over the moon and wanted to marry as soon as they could. Six months later, Brittany and Briana were dressed in white, Jeremy and Josh had their tuxedo on and the four said I do.
Bling Bling
Now, choosing the wrong engagement ring is one thing, but getting two wrong is a disaster. The girls shared the same taste in almost everything, so it was likely that they would want the same ring, but did Jeremy and Josh know that?
Being identical twins, they sure did. They didn't want to be a disappointment, and they knew that if one girl was dissatisfied, the frustration would be doubled.
Double Trouble
When it's meant to be, it's meant to be and the two chose the perfect rings. Both Brittany and Briana were overjoyed and showed off their new ring on a bling-bling social media post.
The wedding had to be a joint one, there was no question about that. They could already see the two guys wearing matching suits and themselves in the same stunning white dresses. There was no telling them apart.
A Proposal of a Lifetime
You think the proposal ceremony wasn't aligned between both sets of twins? Think again. Jeremy and Josh wanted the setting of the engagement to be identical. They wanted to sync the big question when down on their knees and took their time to practice the moment.
Briana, Jeremy, Brittany, and Josh's twin-thing meant the world to them and it was important to preserve their unique identity. Even their wedding was planned to be themed with items related to twins.
They Came in Two by Two
They got two of everything. Two identical cakes, two identical (how not) dresses, and they even managed to find two ministers who weren't identical but looked very much alike.
The location of the wedding came as no surprise to anyone. Twinsburg, Ohio, was honored to host this unique event that became the first title on everyone's news feed. It's not every day a wedding like this takes place.
Destiny
Twinsburg, Ohio, was the perfect place to get married not just because of the place's name but because this was where the fairytale started. It was here the four met and the rest of their lives began.
If it wasn't for the twin festival that took place that summer, the four might have had to compromise instead of marrying an identical set of twins. They would have to settle for just a regular twin or even worse, two-thirds of a triplet or half of a foursome.
Problem Number One
Remember the obstacles? Well, life had made space for them as neither Brittany and Briana nor Jeremy and Josh were Ohio residents. This meant they couldn't marry there.
So, where there's a will, there's a way, and after begging and pleading, knocking on the right doors, and praying really hard, the four were allowed to hold their ceremony where they wished.
Media Exposure
There was no way this wedding was going to be unique just for its theme. The couples received proposals from media channels that wanted to document the wedding. This was going to go public.
TLC was the one eventually honored to do so. Initially, TLC wanted to create an entire show that featured the four preparing for their big day and would consist of a number of episodes, however, the couples felt it was too much and settled for just producing a one-shot documentary that aired in 2019.
Two of a Kind
The wedding couldn't have gone by without a proper hashtag to communicate their big day with. The wedding was going to be special and extraordinary, and it had to be unusual in every way.
It had to be related to the twin effect, it had to be associated with their magical day, and #TwiceUponATime couldn't fit any better. We just love a play on words.
Then Pickler Came Along
The TV network "Pickler and Ben" wouldn't let TLC be the only ones to enjoy the glam, glory, and rating and in April 2018 they were offered to take a piece of the fortune.
The twins shared with "Pickler and Ben" their proposal story, they shared top secrets from their relationship, the uniqueness of being a twin, marrying a twin and of course, the upcoming wedding.
Shared Accommodation
Their next step in life was a bit bizarre for most. Not only did the four insist on having a joint wedding, but they also planned to all move in together. They wanted to share the same house and bring up their families jointly.
This way they could remain as close as they wanted and stay involved in all aspects of life, however, something was about to hit them unexpectedly. This was something no one thought off and was about to shuffle life's cards once again.
When Four Become Six
Many things in life are under our control. Pregnancy is many times not one of them. Naturally, Brittany, Briana, Jeremy, and Josh all wanted to have twins of their own. Was this something they could plan for? Was this something they could conduct?
Now, you can try to plan to get pregnant around the same time, however, there is a limit to what you can control when planning a family, especially the date of birth.
Family Ties
While this issue was hovering over their lives, the four realized something that would shed a different tone of light on their future. They discovered that not only will their children be cousins, but they would in fact also be siblings.
The children would have a different mother and a different father, but genetically, because both pairs of parents are identical twins, they would be considered brothers and sisters. Was this something to be alarmed about?
Hold Your Horses
Having a family was not yet on their to-do list and only crossed their minds as something to consider in the future, however, knowing that things weren't going to be easy was disturbing.
The fact that they have married identical twins was not going to change. Brittany, Briana, Jeremy, and Josh decided not to confront this until the time was right. And it wasn't right yet.
Everyone Had Something to Say
As the wedding approached, and the talk of having a family was outspoken, Briana and Brittany’s mother, Debra Deane, was uneased. She knew her grandchildren would eventually have four parents and she kept wondering how that would work out.
Like many others, she wasn't very supportive of the four living together at first. She felt they had to try and lead separate lives instead of being like one big happy family. Her feelings gradually faded away and she stood by her daughters and their husbands.
Nothing Else Would Do
Back in the days before Jeremy and Josh entered their lives, Briana and Brittany thought that maybe their dream would never come true. Maybe the chances are slim and they would never meet their double prince charming. Jeremy and Josh shared the same feelings.
They knew that if they hadn't met a pair of identical twins they would have probably never gotten married. They couldn't imagine themselves sharing a separate life and not living together.
Mirror Matching Image
The twins have said that funnily enough the main concern people have is about getting confused or mixed up. They have been asked on many occasions if they have ever kissed the wrong partner or even worse, shared intimate moments with the wrong guy or girl.
Brittany has said that this has never happened. She added that when you are a twin and married to a twin, you find small details that differentiate one from the other. Details that not anyone can see.
Sister Sister
Brittany and Briana have won the jackpot. Not only do they have the privilege to grow old with their partners, but they also have the honor to see the person they shared their childhood with and live happily ever after.
The sisters have a unique love and relationship between them that can not be compared to any other. They know what they have in their hands and are not willing to ever let it go.
The Two Become One
The lifestyle the two sisters adopted after their wedding was very familiar to them. They began their blog and shared photos of themselves a long time before Jeramy and Josh stepped into their lives.
They always felt comfortable sharing their matching outfits and exposing what twin life was all about. Marrying twins and having a twin-themed wedding only enhanced the material they had to enrich their blog in the first place.
Once in a Decade
The girl's 33rd birthday had to be specially announced. It was a twin-digit birthday that happens once in a decade, therefore could not just pass without making a fuss. They shared a photo on social media and added, “33 is an identical twin number, so this year is bound to be a good one!” In August 2020 the four celebrated their second anniversary.
They were married for two years, however, world reality prevented them from sharing their joy with family and friends by having a big anniversary party and all they could share was a photo. The next news that came down the pipeline, wasn't a surprise at all.
Baby Bump
Shortly after their modest second-anniversary celebrations, an announcement many were waiting for was revealed. Everyone knew it was only a matter of time, however, the four weren't prepared to say anything until they were certain.
Apparently, twin relationships are stronger than we could ever imagine and in August 2020 both couples shared on Instagram that they were expecting a baby. They were grateful and thrilled over the fact that they had overlapping pregnancies. This was the greatest gift of all.
Due Date
"Inside Edition" was next to invite them to share their fascinating story. Their latest announcement drew so much attention that it couldn't be ignored. Everyone involved was eager to know when the babies were expected to be born.
The couples didn't want to share any information until things were certain. The babies, cousins, and genetic siblings, were the hot news of the day before they were even born.
Matching All the Way
You think only day-to-day outfits were something the couples shared? They wasted no time and bought identical clothes to wear during the pregnancy. If they were going to show off their baby bump with the entire world, they better be in matching colors.
The two even shared the same food craving. Starbursts gum and pickles were the two's favorite things on the pregnancy menu and Jeremy and Josh had to provide them.
Royalty Vibes
Jeremy, Josh, Brittany, and Briana had their story making waves globally. They were soon interviewed on the British morning show "This Morning with Phillip and Holly", one of the most popular shows in the UK.
Exposing themselves to the public eye both nationally and internationally wasn't always easy. Shortly after the extravaganza wedding took place, the couples decided to take things easy and focused on living their lives in private as much as they could. Still, they were already a sort of celebs and couldn't just turn off in one day.
Jett & Jax
The double couple both had sons. Brittany and Josh had Jett and Briana and Jeremy had Jax. Unsurprisingly, their names start s with the same letter.
They bring up the children in one household as if the babies have four parents. They believe in the same values and the same approach and feel that their children can only benefit from having such a family structure.
Like Having Two Sons
Jeremy was interviewed for "Entertainment Tonight" and said that he feels as if he is Jett's father and he is sure Josh feels the same towards Jax. He said it feels like one family with two kids and not two separate units.
The mysteries which lie beneath the unknown secrets of twins allow the couples to maintain a unique and special home. This is something that can be difficult for others to comprehend, however, for them, it's as natural as can be.
More Than Mommy Time
Brittany and Briana took the whole scenario even further. The two would breastfeed each other's baby as if it was their own. They feel natural doing so and feel their special bond will become even stronger that way.
They were foolishly thinking of names the children will have for each parent once they start talking. Would it be Daddy and "duncle" or Mommy and "aunt mom"?
Worst Case Scenario
We can't help but ask ourselves, what would have happened if one of them wouldn't have said yes to the marriage proposal? What would have happened if one's prince charming was the other's duke of darkness? Would one marry without the other? Our siblings are our closest link to the past and are most likely to be with us in the future, and Brittany and Briana together with Jeremy and Josh are lucky to share their life journeys with one another.
Although they come across obstacles and have their share of life challenges, they have been blessed with the greatest gift of all that will never ever fade away.
This unbelievable story of twins achieving fame in the unlikeliest of ways did earn this unusual family some fame. But what about twins who are forced into fame almost to a point of destruction? Read on to know more.
By nine years old, the twins were worth $10 million. Never knowing a normal-kid life, they grew up in front of the camera, working diligently on the many projects that came their way. The girls greeted the super-sized fame that was often as bad as it was good.
All Work and No Play
Mary-Kate and Ashley took turns squeezing in homework assignments backstage. The “Full House” actresses headlined 36 direct-to-VHS movies from age six to adulthood. The adventure-filled movies featuring playful capers of the twins were adored by girls under 12.
At 6, they became Hollywood’s youngest-ever movie producers, and by 18, they were named co-presidents of their own production company. When they hit adulthood, they began retreating from fame, so much so, that today, neither has a social media presence.
Little Monkey Performers
In a highly publicized interview with Marie Claire Magazine, Mary-Kate went so far as to characterize their stint as childhood stars as “little monkey performers.”
She explained that when she looks back, she doesn’t feel connected to the photos of herself. The twin said that they performed their act perfectly, but it was not a part of who she would become. Their fame as childhood actresses was phenomenal and she’s happy to be rid of it.
Backstage at ‘Full House’
The reason “Full House” cast the Olsen babies was not only because they were super cute, but because they were twins. Also, they passed the cry test. Show producers held the babies and they didn’t start crying so they were hired.
In show business, babies are only allowed to work 20 minutes at a time, therefore, a set of twins allows for double the work time. On the other hand, bringing a couple of babies onto the set did not work at all for John Stamos, whose star power generated much of the show’s popularity.
Why Uncle Jessie Got the Twins Fired
John Stamos played the most loving character ever on “Full House,” but when the cameras stopped rolling, he said he wanted those crying babies out of there. The twins got the job at nine months, so they can hardly be blamed for becoming fussy at work.
He complained that shooting was very difficult with small children around, the workday dragged on, take after take. Stamos demanded the network get rid of them and it did! The studio brought in new babies, a couple of redheads, but they didn’t work out either. In the end, Stamos agreed the Olsen twins could come back.
The Twins Had to Wear Dentures
As Mary-Kate and Ashley grew into toddlers they began doing big kid stuff like losing teeth. For the first time, their smile betrayed the difference between the two. The fraternal twins lost their front teeth at different times.
In order to keep the continuity of Michelle’s appearance on the popular sitcom, costuming took up the bold idea of fitting them with fake teeth.
Gummy Bear Bribes
When the twins were toddlers, the amount they were being paid per episode was not an incentive to perform, but candy was. They could be difficult, due to their age, and very stubborn when they didn’t feel like saying a line.
Speaking to “Oprah: Where Are They Now,” Dave Coulier (Uncle Joey) said that red gummy bears worked every single time. They would take their bribe and then whip out one of their comedic catchphrases: “OK, you got it, dude.”
Capitalizing on Their 'Full House' Fame
The twins’ father, Dave Olsen, hired a lawyer to manage the girls’ careers. The first thing the lawyer, Robert Thorne, did was to negotiate their pay at “Full House.” He managed to take their salary of $4,000 per episode to $25,000.
When they were in first grade, Thorne negotiated their first TV movie, “It Takes Two.” From then, he launched a production company in their names, making the six-year-olds the youngest-ever Hollywood producers. The production company kept them booked. They starred in direct-to-VHS movies like “Passport to Paris,” “Winning London,” “Our Lips Are Sealed” and “New York Minute,” plus dozens of others.
Dualstar Entertainment Group
The production company that Thorne set up became the springboard for all of the Olsen twins’ products. At age 18, they were named co-presidents of the production company. They turned it into a fashion empire as they grew away from acting and toward the fashion industry.
Thorne set up the company so the twins would have ultimate control. In the contract, the Olsen girls could veto any of Thorne’s creative ideas. Between the twins’ massive fame that their adorable “Full House” character generated and their lawyer’s wrangling, they were named 11th richest women by Forbes magazine by 2007.
The Right to Veto
Mary-Kate and Ashley were overworked. Zipping from locale to locale to make movies also took them away from friends at home. They filmed on location in places like Rome, Hawaii, New York City, and Paris.
Back stateside, Robert Thorne once had them scheduled to do interviews when they had a school paper due. In a 2000 interview, Ashley complained about it. He had them scheduled for 12 interviews in one day. She said, “Twelve is too many, Robert.” But the girls performed, dutifully making each appointment and, presumably, getting the schoolwork done too.
It Was Hard Work
“Full House” ended in 1995, but these two just got busier. “I look back at the things that we did and the clothes that we wore, and I think, ‘Wow, we really were troupers.’ It was almost like I was in the army. School, work, homework, fly to New York, get in at 2 in the morning, do a morning show at 5 am, then another one at 7, then a radio interview at 10, you know?” It was a lot.
Ashley also told Maire Claire that she was grateful. “That’s why I look at Britney, and I’m surprised I didn’t end up like her.”
The Olsen Brother and the Autographed Photos
He goes by Trent, his middle name, but his actual name is James Olsen (pictured here on the right). As a kid, he was known around campus for selling autographed copies of his twin sisters. According to a classmate, everyone bought one.
He’s the only sibling who did not start an acting career, though he was cast for a show when he was 6, his parents said no. Mary-Kate and Ashley expressed brotherly love by naming one of their designer labels after him. Sisterly love. The fashion brand Elizabeth and James refers to both of their siblings.
A Star on the Walk of Fame
The Olsen twins were honored with a Walk of Fame star when they were 18. The glitzy distinction broke two records. It made them the first set of twins to ever receive a star on Hollywood’s star-studded sidewalk.
They also broke the record for being the youngest recipients. Previously, singer Jimmy Boyd was the youngest Walk of Fame recipient at age 20. The induction ceremony for Mary-Kate and Ashley took place on April 29, 2004. Siblings Trent and Elizabeth were by their side for the momentous event.
Elizabeth Olsen is a Star in her Own Right
Little sis Elizabeth is two years younger than the twins. When she got into acting, she lived in the shadow of the super famous twins. She stepped back for a few years to escape the limelight during her teens, working on her craft and taking acting classes.
When she returned to Hollywood, Elizabeth Olsen became more successful as an actress than both of her sisters put together. Film festivals began awarding her prizes in 2011. Now she’s a Marvel star, known to MCU fans as Wanda Maximoff, aka, Scarlet Witch.
Divorce
When the twins were nine years old, their parents divorced. It was hard on them, but the busy actresses have said it wasn’t that bad. “We had so many people that loved us that we were like, ‘That’s okay. Things will be better this way.’”
The fame of the daughters, however, may have been the factor that led to the breakup. Their dad, David, was the one who hired Thorne, while their mother, Jarnette Olsen, often wanted to protect them from the spotlight and let them be normal kids. Their father married McKenzie, his former secretary a month after the divorce.
The ‘New York Minute’ Flop
The final movie the twins starred in was “New York Minute” (2004). It served as a turning point. It was the last of the long line of titles, and it was only the second film that went to movie theaters.
“It Takes Two” (1995) also did poorly in theaters but made up for it with video sales. “New York Minute,” however, pulled in a lackluster $21 million, not covering its $30 million budget. It was a critical and financial failure, and one of their few professional disappointments. It marked a shift in direction toward the fashion industry.
Leaving Acting Behind
The 2004 flop left a mark that effectively ended their acting careers. Officially, the twins retired in 2014, with a statement announcing they were done with acting.
Mary-Kate Olsen gave a solo career one more shot in “Beastly” (2011). The movie did not do very well, and she felt like giving up acting was the right move to make. She said that if she ever did go back to showbiz, she would have more of a behind-the-scenes role, definitely not as an actress.
Getting Richer
The production company set up by Robert Thorne was extremely profitable. So was his bargaining power. He first got them $25,000 per episode price at “Full House,” but later locked them into an $80,000 contract.
All of the dozens of movies they made were fully owned by Dualstar Entertainment. This meant that when Warner Bros. distributed a movie, they had to purchase it from the girls’ production company. The twins’ product lines, also under Dualstar, were very lucrative. By 2018, their clothesline brands were raking in a billion dollars per year. In 2018, Newsweek named them “Next Billionaires” to watch.
Off to College
The girls had always wanted to go to New York University. With the lull in popularity of their movies coinciding with finishing high school, it was the perfect time to go to college and have a chance to be like normal kids. Kind of.
They rented a spacious Brownstone home equipped with a security entourage, drove matching Range Rovers, and enrolled at NYU. It didn’t take long for them to be recognized. And then they had to deal with fellow students sneaking photos of them and selling them off to the paparazzi. After two years, they gave up.
Safety First
At NYU, students not only sold them out to tabloids but some earned class credit for those photos and anecdotes. Ashley said she had classes she could not even attend because of all the people trying to take photos. She did not feel safe.
Ashley told the NYT, “I am reacting as a woman who is 5-foot-1 whose space is being invaded by a bunch of men whose aggression I can literally feel.” Seeing cameras freaked her out, and there was nowhere on campus where she felt safe. It began making more sense to drop out and focus on their careers.
The Tabloid Media was Relentless
By 2012, the girls retired from acting altogether. As young teenagers, both were not comfortable being photographed in a miniskirt, yet the paparazzi took a bikini shot stolen from a Hawaiian vacation spot.
Caught frolicking on the beach, photos of Ashley plastered magazine pages. Ashley said it was her worst nightmare, “I was crying hysterically.” They lived in fear of the paparazzi. As an adult, MK shared with Marie Claire, “I would never wish my upbringing on anyone … but I wouldn’t take it back for the world.”
What Does Brody Jenner Have to Do With It?
In a 2007 article about Brody Jenner, his then-BFF Spencer Pratt let some information slip. He talked about how Brody had taken a picture of MK and sold it to a tabloid for $50,000.
The image from a high school party catches the then-underage Olsen sister drinking. They were all attending a private high school in Santa Monica at the time. Years later, MK called him out on Letterman and the host excoriated Jenner, calling him wormy and oily.
If Only It Was Just the Tabloid Press…
Mainstream network news reporter Connie Chung interviewed the twins after The Hollywood Reporter named them one of the 100 most powerful women in Hollywood. They were 15 at the time. By the time they sat down for the interview with Chung, they were a year older.
Chung pressed them for details about their love lives and intimate relationships. Ashley said, “I was like, ‘That’s personal. Why would you be asking a sixteen-year-old that question in the first place?’” Apparently, Howard Stern had also been guilty of treating them similarly two years prior.
Even Oprah Was Insensitive
This is so counterintuitive it’s hard to believe until you see it. The twins joined Oprah Winfrey on her show in 2004. She asked them about mental health rumors with the dismissive prompt, “It has really upset you, right?”
They responded by saying they try to avoid watching and reading what the press writes about them. Then, shockingly, Oprah asked what size they wear. The number they came up with was far less significant than the famous talk show host’s response, laughing away what they faced. Definitely not the right way to treat your guests.
The Paparazzi Couldn't Get Enough
Paparazzi can get hundreds of thousands of dollars for one shot. But here’s the thing. Despite what they told Oprah, Mary-Kate was really suffering from mental health issues, likely brought about by an exploitative press.
Those bikini photographs not only crossed a boundary she set but being subject to the fear of the paparazzi catching her image less than perfectly fit brought on the anxiety that led to the problem.
Staying Thin Backfired
The press hounded her with those very rumors Oprah asked about. Mary-Kate denied it all, and at one point, the twins even joked about it. The pair was uber aware of media and perceptions.
When their younger sister Elizabeth Olsen broke into the acting world in the Marvel universe, they advised her to be careful, “It’s all part of how you hope someone interprets you, and how they frame who you are and the work you do.” MK was able to hide her unhealthy obsession with weight-loss obsession from people who worked closely with her, but eventually, it blew up.
Jimmy Fallon Asks Ashley to Senior Prom on SNL
The famous teens could have gone to their high school prom, it’s true. Instead, though, they were booked to host Saturday Night Live. What a scheduling conflict! Twenty-first-century problems, right?
In the opening monologue, Ashley laments that they are missing out on dressing up, getting hair and nails done, and riding in a limo. To cheer her up, Jimmy Fallon, decked out in a fancy tux, asks Ashley to prom.
Laughing It Off
In a highly ironic SNL skit, Mary-Kate and Ashley play paparazzi. They are shooting a red-carpet event and shouting comments at the various celebs as they walk by.
There’s Angelina Jolie, then Courtney Love, and, finally, the Olsen twins arrive. Mary-Kate shouts out, “Mary-Kate, you’re too skinny, eat a sandwich!” Just weeks later, irony took a dark turn as she was forced into a treatment center for the exact thing the joke was insinuating.
The Awkward Countdown Clock
As if the twins’ anxiety about media portrayals wasn’t bad enough, there was also the creepy countdown clock. It started showing up all over the internet and media, ticking down to their 18th birthday.
When kids turn 18, they think about things like getting to vote or perhaps picking up a pack of cigarettes. But when the attractive and wealthy Olsen stars were ready to reach adulthood, countdown clocks ticked away to the time the twins would be “legal.” This excitement for the girls to reach the age of consent was fueled for years by crass media objectification.
The Twins Scorn the Spotlight
The bright lights of international fame weighed heavy on the pair who say they prefer to be discreet. Elle magazine article, “Every Time The Olsen Twins Have Spoken In Public Over the Past Decade,” is a short read. It includes two visits to “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and special appearances for The Row.
Despite their love of fashion — the two who refused to show their midriff as teens — retired from acting and became recluses. Dealing with fame led them to hate it. One can only imagine how creepy and awkward the ubiquitous countdown clock felt to them.
Michelle Was Away from "Fuller House"
In 2016, the entire former cast of “Full House” appeared on the show's Netflix reboot, “Fuller House.” The twins, who don’t really like acting said they couldn’t fit a weekly TV series into their schedules.
In one episode, “Fuller House” characters break the fourth wall gazing into the camera after someone said that Michelle is not there because she’s too busy running her fashion empire in the big city. Dave Coulier was understanding. The Uncle Joey actor talked about how the girls were just young children during those years, so they don’t share the same memories as the rest of the cast.
Staying Sheltered
Don’t bother looking for an Olsen twin Instagram page. Neither have nor want a social media account. They chose not to dive into that world after enduring an entire childhood in front of flashing cameras.
“We’re discreet people,” Mary-Kate shared in one of their rare magazine interviews. Referring to their celebrity status, she reflects, “I don’t think anybody should have to live that way.” Popstars of that generation, like Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan, were haunted. Their exploitative media mauling was obviously not missed by MK.
There Exists Exactly One Selfie of the Pair
It happened on Instagram in 2016 when Mary-Kate and Ashley crashed Sephora’s page to promote their product. With the caption, “First public selfie ever,” they’re pictured in black and white photography wearing Blues Brothers-like shades.
Taking over the Sephora page for a day, the fashionistas introduced Nirvana, which was the first fragrance of their Elizabeth and James collection. Their selfie racked up 65K likes in one day as the #SephoraTakeover event had people buzzing with excitement.
Dreams Come True
Mary-Kate and Ashley showed up on girlfriend Ashley Benson’s Instagram page in a rare birthday video.
The twins shared the affectionate greeting with her on her birthday, and then the “Pretty Little Liars” actress posted it on her page in 2019. It was her 30th, and the twins, 33, sent their love saying they couldn’t wait to see her. Ashley Benson titled the post, “Dreams do come true.”
Twintuition
The girls have been asked many times about twin telepathy. During interviews, they nod their heads in unison and mirror each other’s hand gestures. On the Ellen DeGeneres Show, she tested their twintuition by quizzing each twin about the other’s thoughts.
The fraternal twins have talked about experiencing shared memories and shared pain, saying sometimes they do not always recall what happened to whom. For instance, one was stung by a bee but they both felt it so they can’t remember which twin was actually stung.
Twin Facts
Mary-Kate and Ashley have played identical twins in movies and were cast as twins to play Michelle, but despite what people might have thought, the two are not identical twins.
People commonly made that mistake when the twins were younger. In interviews, Ashley has pointed out she use to have a freckle on her face, but it went away. Ashley is one inch taller than MK and she is two minutes older. Also, MK is left-handed, and Ashley is right-handed.
MK Was Diagnosed as a Child
Another difference between Ashley and Mary-Kate is that one has ADD and the other does not. MK was discovered to have been struggling with the learning challenge when she was a child. The condition is characterized by an inability to concentrate and having trouble focusing.
She was treated and was surprisingly very open about it. At NYU she talked about how she was able to get extra time for testing. Mary-Kate described the issue by saying everybody’s brain works differently and hers takes a little longer to register.
Ashley Contracted Lyme Disease
This is not an inherited condition, so it could have happened to either sister. Lyme disease is caused by tick bites and is usually treatable. Ashley, however, did not realize she had contracted it for years.
Since it went undetected, she still suffers some symptoms like severe headaches, joint pain, rashes, and low energy. Another celebrity who has this disease is Avril Lavigne. The pop singer came out about it around the time Ashley shared the news.
Only One Twin Got an Emmy Nod
In the ABC Family series “So Little Time” both starred. Ashley played Chloe and Mary-Kate played Riley Carlson, a shy bookish girl. The Daytime Emmys preferred MK’s role, apparently, as the nomination went to MK. The series ran just one season.
The biggest winner of Emmy nods in the Olsen family goes to Elizabeth. “WandaVision” was nominated for 23 Primetime Emmys. Her role as Wanda was nominated for best lead actress, but the honor ended up going to Kate Winslet.
Do They Fight?
Yes! Mary-Kate and Ashley have always been tight. They finish each other’s sentences and adore each other. But there is one area that triggers conflict. The fashionistas have shared clothing since day one, of course, wearing matching or complementing outfits all the time.
According to the twins, sharing clothes can get complicated and messy. One might hide a garment from the other — a fight waiting to happen. If they walk out wearing the exact same thing, one must change, and that often erupts into a fight. They said it is the only thing that really causes a quarrel.
Fashion as a True Calling
The twins debuted in the fashion world as the faces of Badgley Mischka in 2006. From there, they were launched into the high fashion universe as designers. Their interest in the field stretches back to their shared wardrobe on “Full House.” It was the twins’ costume designer who first noticed fans were very interested in where the girls got their clothes. Thorne decided to open up a fashion line in Dualstar Entertainment.
Adding a fashion line to their plate was something they enjoyed doing together, and it felt like it was something creative they created on their own, as opposed to being ‘monkey performers.’
The Row
The twins' first label was The Row, an upscale fashion-chic look. Named after London’s Savile Row which houses world-renowned fashion tailors discerning women buy their pricey fashions.
The twins did not put their personal brand in front of it. “We didn’t necessarily even want to let people know it was us,” according to Ashley. It was all about the product, they went so far as to try and have someone else represent The Row so they could avoid that spotlight. The label is all about refined tailoring, minimalist styles, and wearable comfort.
High-End Fashion
At The Row, the product is at the very top of the line. It all started because the twins wanted to design the perfect white t-shirt. Garments are a work of perfection. Tailoring is sublime, something the girls looked for all those years in costuming.
The Row is their ideal clothier. Accessories are also divine at The Row. The Row alligator backpack is legendary. The $39,000 bag with gold fasteners has been spotted in NYC, toted by none other than Ashley. It went like hotcakes at its 2011 debut. The lowest-priced items in the accessory line go for about $4,700.
The Kids Row
The latest luxury line from The Row caters to children. For the first time, upscale trends for little ones were unveiled. Sweaters, comfy pants, belted cardigans, and colorful cashmere pieces are part of the Kids Collection.
It is costly to be this stylish. A pair of pants hits $600 on the price tag. Perhaps the most alluring aspect of the new line is that the collection is not gendered. The savvy designer sisters said that gender-free clothing was a priority from the start.
Fashion For All
The Elizabeth and James brand is another line the twins’ company operates. It launched a year after The Row. These styles remind us of the girls’ playful and hip fashions of bygone days. It offers cool, contemporary, and edgy looks with lots of accessorizing options like bulky sunglasses, trendy bags, and fashion jewelry.
The brand launched at low-cost stores like Walmart and JC Penny. It also partnered with Khol’s, which gained an exclusive contract in 2018.
PETA and the Olsen Twins
The organization hates them so much they made a 6-minute video satire called “Full House of Horrors.” People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have a problem with the twins’ fashion lines. Especially those items made of fur.
PETA calls the sisters' brands “nauseating, pesky, and terrible.” It’s personal. They call it a “sick fur habit.” The group says real fur should never be used when fabulous fake furs are available. Honestly, they make a good point.
Mary-Kate the Equestrian
Both of the twins learned to ride horses as 6-year-olds playing Michelle Tanner who picked up the hobby. Mary-Kate kept up with it. She loves horses. She rode all through high school and lamented she had to take a break from it while at NYU.
By 2021, she was still at it and placing third at the Longines Global Champions Tour in Rome. A horse named Dunotaire V. took her to the finish line, and, according to BestLife, she has been riding him for years. The same horse ranked 7th out of 40 riders in Wellington, Florida in 2018.
Mary-Kate and Olivier Sarkozy
Mary-Kate married French financier Olivier Sarkozy who is brother to the former French president, Nicolas Sarkozy. They made their union official in 2015 at a quiet wedding in New York City with about 50 guests.
A private MK did not share the news publicly until two years later. After five years, the relationship flared up and their divorce went through in May of 2020. An age difference of 17 years was between them, he was 50 and she was 33 at the time of the divorce.
Mary-Kate and Heath Ledger Were Dating
But the news did not get out until after the untimely death of the Australian actor. Heath Ledger had just finished his role as Joker, the clown prince of crime in “The Dark Knight” but he was dead before the movie hit theaters. Mary-Kate was linked with the tragedy.
In 2008, Ledger was found unresponsive by his masseuse. The first person she called was MK who had her personal security sent to Heath’s Soho apartment in Manhattan. Ledger was 28 at the time and they were secretly dating.
Ashley’s Dating Life Is Low Key
While her sister has been entangled in relationship drama, Ashley has a relatively subdued dating life. She was linked with David Schulte, president of The Row, Lance Armstrong, and Justin Bartha, who she dated for three years.
Since 2017, it’s been smooth sailing for Ashley and her boyfriend artist Louis Eisner. Engagement rumors popped up in 2019. In September 2021, the fashion maven stepped out onto the red carpet with Eisner at the 20th Yes Anniversary Celebration in Beverly Hills. It was the couple’s debut red carpet event, the first Ashley graced in almost two years.
Ready in the Dark
You know how everyone has their own little habit? Well, a few years ago Ashley Olsen told Elle Magazine that she has a habit of picking her own skin. This wasn't something she was proud of but she just couldn't help it. She said that as the habit was there to stay she gets dressed with the lights off so she's not tempted to look at her skin.
As always, things tend to happen in their extreme version when it comes to the Olsen family. Even the process of getting dressed is done in a way no one would expect.
They Work Hard for Their Money
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are rich. They are filthy rich. They are so rich they don't really have to work for another day in their lives and their children could also probably live their days without a day of labor. The twins were ranked the eleventh richest woman in the world. They have a combined wealth of over $500 million. The twins have five brands to their name (2022) and their acting career still contributes to their fortune.
One amazing fact we can share with you is that their monthly income is over $3 million. Their annual income adds up to $41 million and their fashion business continues to grow.
The Big Rock
Although Mary-Kate and Olivier Sarkozy have already divorced, there is one piece of information related to their marriage we can't ignore. Sarkozy proposed to her with a Cartier Vintage ring worth more than $80,000. This looks nothing like a traditional ring used to ask your sweetheart to love you for eternity.
Truly gobsmacking, the ring features a 4 carats center stone and the whole thing is set in a sapphire halo. Some may say it resembles a doorknob and some may think Mary-Kate should have been careful not to lose her balance wearing it, but with all that, we wouldn't mind popping an eye out with it.
A Bit of Culture Won't Hurt Anyone
How on earth did the world live without an entire museum dedicated to the Olsen twins? A 2016 art exhibition covered the milestones the twins went through from the early days of "Full House" until the current days of paparazzi pursuit.
It focused mainly on their fashion evolution over the years and in a cynical way how the twins used fashion items and accessories to hide away from the public eye. Matt Harkins and Viviana Olen were responsible for this show and had to raise money from the public to bring the exhibition to life.
Blond or Brunette?
Even though Ashley and Mary-Kate are not considered biologically identical twins they look so much alike that it's almost impossible to tell them apart at first glance. During their younger years, they both kept their original blond wavy hair but as they grew older and reached their teens they found it important to have their own identity and found an original way to defer one from the other.
Mary-Kate went as a brunette for a few years which made it easy to tell the two apart. Today they are both beautifully blonde and have left the brown roots behind.
Online Shopping? No, Thanks
The whole world has progressed to online shopping and we have all become best friends with the DHL people. However, not everyone is computer literate and some still prefer shopping the old fashion way and actually going into stores. Mary-Kate had admitted that she has to feel the fabric and touch the seams.
She has to see what she is buying (even though the return policies are very flexible these days). As a fashion designer and as someone who practically lives for the business we can understand why she can't loosen up and save Dave from DHL in her phone contact list.
Fashion Icons at a Young Age
The Olsen twins weren't only nourishing their acting career while they starred in "Full House" as they blossomed in the fashion industry before even reaching their first birthday. During their days in the crowded house, the girls were dressed in no less than Chanel and Marc Jacobs.
We are not sure if these overpriced (yet beautiful) clothes were donated to the show or bought by a stylist. Either way, they turned these cuties into even more adorable babies.
Talk About Taking Chances
When Mary-Kate married in 2015 things had to be kept quiet. There were only 50 guests invited and things had to happen under the radar. The newlyweds insisted on taking no chances and alongside the gift wish list, they sent out a leave-at-entrance-list.
As if it wasn't expected. We don't understand why some of the 50 lucky ones raised their brow when they were asked to hand in their cell phones before showing their jig on the dance floor. There was no way Olsen was taking any chances. She didn't want any of her wedding photos scattered all over the place. If you wanted to see her getting married, you would have had to pay for it.
To Each Their Own
So what's your weird habit? Chewing on your drinking straw? Always wearing two pairs of socks (some people do that)? Biting your nails? Celebs are no exception. They too have their own closet secret and are not embarrassed to share them with us. Mary-Kate has a weird habit of walking around her house in her high heels. Only her high heels.
In one interview held in 2007 she said that as long as the curtains and blinds are securely in place, she enjoys the freedom of walking around the house in her birthday suit being a few inches higher. A bit odd for someone who is surrounded by fashion all the time.
A Norwegian Success
The Olsen twins are huge in the States. They are massive in the UK and are very successful in many other countries. For some reason, they have made it big in Norway too. Something about them captured the nordic hearts. The Olsen family is of Scandinavian descent and their appearance for sure could pass as Vikings'. In 2013 Mary-Kate and Ashley launched a new fashion line in collaboration with Bik-Bok, a huge Norwegian brand.
The inspiration for the collection was driven by the girls' American fashion language with a Scandinavian touch that suited the local audience. For the promotion event, the two went back to their blond roots. They must have blended in easily with the locals.
A Play on Words Can't Get Better Than This
We assume you are going to verify this one but believe us, the next bit of information is genuine. We checked a number of sources before putting pen to paper (or finger to keyboard). For years, people have wondered if only Mary-Kate has a second name. The truth is, they both have. Ashley is Ashley-Fuller Olsen.
What we find spectacular about this is the "Full House" sequel series was named "Fuller House" and the fact that Ashley's sister Mary-Kate had eating habit issues making Ashley the... fuller... twin. We too don't blame her for dropping it.
You Can't Hide Forever
When "Full House" first aired the production didn't want the viewers to know that the character of Michelle was played by two babies. For some reason, it had to be kept a secret and the show's crew was sworn to secrecy. The show credited the twins as "Mary-Kate Ashley Olsen" supposedly being one individual.
It was not long before the secret was revealed. The production had to explain the reasoning behind employing such a young actor for so many hours and 19 episodes into the show, the credits showed a split-screen with both babies. Mary-Kate worked more hours than her sister as she was the calmer and easy-to-manage toddler.
City of Angles
You can't just be anyone to star in a video clip of your favorite band. The least you have to be is Ashley Olsen. She is known for being a huge fan of rock music and especially the bands "Thirty Seconds to Mars" and "Counting Crows".
In 2013 while "Mars" was filming the video clip for "City of Angels" they couldn't go without a touch of glam. Amongst others, Ashley starred in the video and made one of her childhood dreams come true.
Following Your Favorite Smell
Sometimes we have information that we don't really have any use for. The next one sums up this claim perfectly. Mary-Kate and Ashley share a lot of things and have more in common than you could imagine but there is one thing they are miles and miles apart and that's their favorite smell.
Ashley has a fetish for the smell of popcorn. It must be the cinema popcorn and not the homemade stuff. Mary-Kate, on the other hand, can't resist the smell of fresh ground coffee. Which do we prefer? Cinema popcorn for sure.
Two of a Kind
"Full House" wasn't the only TV show the twins were on. In 1998, three years after "Full House" aired its final episode, ABC launched a new TV sitcom starring Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen alongside less familiar actors. The production believed that they could ride on the success of "Full House" but soon enough the show turned into a disappointment and was dropped after one season only.
"Two of a kind" had too, a widowed father bringing up his daughters all on his own. The show's storyline had nothing new or exciting and luckily enough wasn't an influence on the girls' careers.
Completely Off Social Media
If you have searched with no success for the Olsen twins on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter you can rest at ease as the two don't have accounts on either. They said that they have spent all of their adult lives trying to escape from the public eye and opening accounts would go against all they have been fighting for.
They insist on keeping their fans out and not even giving a controlled glimpse of what's been going on in their lives. Paparazzi will forever follow and the flash will forever be there so the twins insist on controlling whatever they can. And they can.
Under the Knife
As if the two don't have enough on their plate, in 2016, Ashley had a facelift that went pearshaped. Not only do neither of them need plastic surgery but to interfere with one's face at such a young age? Anyhow, she went through the procedure and unfortunately had a bad reaction. Her face blackened and swelled up.
The condition she had is called necrosis. She eventually pulled through, her complexion healed and turned back to its natural tone but her face didn't. Rumors say that both twins had face interference and by the look of recent images it looks as if they did.