10 things you probably didn't know about the Olsen twins



June 13, 2016
Collage of Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen at different ages, showing their evolving style.

As the world's most famous twins celebrate their 30th birthday, we've tracked down some little-known facts about the duo – here are 10 things you might not know about Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen... 

Two young girls with blonde hair and white bows, wearing dresses and sandals, sit on an inflatable toy.

1. The twins were cast for Full House at nine months after their mother's friend introduced her to an agent who asked to see their photographs. Their mother was reluctant for them to audition.

Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen as young girls in white dresses and bows, smiling.

2. They were chosen out of 20 sets of twins to play the role of Michelle Tanner, and were said to have won the part because they were the only babies who didn't cry during the audition.

Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen standing together, wearing dresses and sandals.

3. Despite their incredibly similar appearance, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are non-identical twins. Ashley is two minutes older than Mary-Kate.

Five people, including Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, stand on a red carpet by a star.

4. Mary-Kate and Ashley aren't the only entrepreneurs in the family – in primary school, their older brother James sold photographs autographed by his famous siblings to his schoolmates.

Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen standing side by side, both wearing sleeveless dresses and necklaces.

5. The twins missed their prom to host Saturday Night Live! in 2004. To help make up for it, guests Jimmy Fallon and Will Forte did a prom sketch especially for them.  

Two women, one in a purple striped top and the other in a green striped top, smiling for the camera.

6. You'll never see their belly buttons... ! "When we were growing up, our mother taught us never to have your belly button exposed," Mary-Kate once revealed.

Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen standing together, both wearing black dresses and holding clutches.

7. Neither have Facebook or Twitter accounts. Mary-Kate once said of social media, "That gives me so much anxiety. We've spent our whole lives trying to not let people have that accessibility, so it would go against everything we've done in our lives to not be in the public."

Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen sitting side by side, holding microphones, and speaking.

8. Ashley's favourite smell is cinema popcorn while Mary-Kate's is coffee.

Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen standing on a red carpet, both holding black clutches.

9. Mary-Kate's looks to Gigi Hadid for fashion inspiration. She told Vogue: "She always looks effortless and cool.

Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen standing together, smiling, wearing colorful jacket and black fur coat.

10. Mary-Kate is one inch taller than Ashley!

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