Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have been iconic figures in Hollywood since they were just kids. Now, they’ve made a name for themselves in the fashion industry with their brand, The Row.
But behind the scenes, not many know about their parents, David and Jarnette Olsen. David and Jarnette were not accustomed to the life of Hollywood celebrities, and they were concerned about raising their daughters under the spotlight. When Mary-Kate and Ashley were at the peak of their fame, their parents decided to separate in 1996.
Even though they stepped away from the spotlight, David and Jarnette entrusted their business to their daughters at a young age. The twins have been managing the family business since they were 18. So, let’s take a closer look at who Jarnette and David Olsen really are.
The Olsen twins’ parents went through a divorce in 1996 when Mary-Kate and Ashley were just 9 years old. Despite the split, David Olsen moved on and got married to a former co-worker. In interviews, both the girls and their father mentioned that the transition was smooth and that they were all doing well.
David and Jarnette Olsen have four children together. Their eldest, Trent Olsen, was born in 1984, followed by Mary-Kate and Ashley in 1986, and finally, Elizabeth Olsen in 1989. Trent and Elizabeth have also pursued careers in the entertainment industry, with Elizabeth gaining fame for her role as Scarlet Witch in the MCU.
It was Jarnette who unknowingly set Mary-Kate and Ashley on the path to stardom by mentioning them to a talent agent after a shopping trip. The twins landed an audition for Full House when they were just 6 months old. Both Jarnette and David had no background in entertainment, but they supported their daughters’ journey.
Despite being in showbiz from a young age, the Olsen twins’ parents were not typical stage parents. Mary-Kate and Ashley mentioned that they were never pushed into the industry but were protected and guided. They were actively involved in business decisions even as kids.
David Olsen played a vital role in managing Mary-Kate and Ashley’s finances, overseeing their production company Dualstar and making wise investments for their future. He ensured that their money was secure and even set up a trust for them.
Although David and Jarnette Olsen have kept a low profile since their divorce, they showed up to support their daughters at their Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2004. It was a proud moment for the family as Mary-Kate and Ashley became the youngest celebrities to receive this honor at just 17 years old.
