The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Actress›Mary-Kate Olsen
Entertainment • Actress

Mary-Kate Olsen

Mary-Kate Olsen is an American former actress, fashion designer, businesswoman, and equestrian.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mary-Kate Olsen is an American former actress, fashion designer, businesswoman, and equestrian. She first became widely known as a child actress, sharing the role of Michelle Tanner on the television sitcom *Full House* with her twin sister, Ashley Olsen. She later shifted her career toward fashion, including co-founding the luxury brand The Row.

Early life

Mary-Kate Olsen was born in Sherman Oaks, California, in 1986. She is the twin sister of Ashley Olsen and the older sister of actress Elizabeth Olsen.

Acting career

Olsen began acting as an infant on *Full House* in 1987 and remained associated with screen projects with Ashley Olsen through the early 2000s. Sources describe 2012 as the end of her acting career.

Fashion and business

From the mid-2000s onward, Olsen focused on fashion and business. She is widely associated with The Row, a luxury brand she co-founded with Ashley Olsen.

Personal life

Olsen married banker Olivier Sarkozy in 2015 and later filed for divorce in 2020; sources report the divorce was finalized in 2021. Public reporting also notes that she keeps a relatively private profile.

Key facts

  • Mary-Kate Olsen is best known for sharing the role of Michelle Tanner on *Full House* with her twin sister Ashley Olsen.
  • She co-founded the luxury fashion label The Row with Ashley Olsen.
  • Her acting career ended around 2012, after which she focused on fashion design and business.
  • She is also identified as an equestrian and is the sister of actress Elizabeth Olsen.
  • She married Olivier Sarkozy in 2015 and divorced in 2021.
🍁
Canadian context

Mary-Kate Olsen is known to Canadian audiences through international television and entertainment coverage, especially *Full House* and fashion-media reporting on The Row and the Olsen twins.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Mary-Kate Olsen?
She is an American former actress, fashion designer, businesswoman, and equestrian best known for *Full House* and for co-founding The Row.
When was Mary-Kate Olsen born?
She was born on June 13, 1986.
What was Mary-Kate Olsen’s first major role?
Her early acting work was on *Full House*, where she shared the role of Michelle Tanner with Ashley Olsen.
Is Mary-Kate Olsen still acting?
No. Sources describe her as a former actress, with acting years listed as ending in 2012.
What fashion company is she associated with?
She is associated with The Row, which she co-founded with her twin sister Ashley Olsen.
Was Mary-Kate Olsen married?
Yes. She married Olivier Sarkozy in 2015 and later divorced him.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary-Kate_Olsen
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, occupations, years active, and overview of her career.
  2. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/actors/mary-kate-olsen
    Supports: Early acting debut on Full House, family background, rehabilitation in 2004, and marriage/divorce details.
  3. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/olsen-mary-kate-1986
    Supports: Birth details, family relationships, education, and business/fashion activities.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mary-Kate-Olsen
    Supports: Biographical identification as an American actress and businesswoman.
  5. People — https://people.com/all-about-mary-kate-ashley-olsen-parents-8404894
    Supports: Family background, siblings, and their move from acting to fashion.