Awesome Twosome

If you have kids, you're undoubtedly familiar with the Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. In fact, you probably have a few of their videos and books around the house. In a recent poll, they ranked in popularity above the Spice Girls among young girls.

The twins have been stars since their mom brought them to an audition for "Full House" when they were just 6 months old. They were such cute, well-behaved babies that they immediately won the shared role of Michelle Tanner. Now 12, they have blossomed into talented young actresses.

The dynamic duo now stars in their own show, "Two of the Kind," part of ABC-TV's TGIF lineup. Not only that, but they have a feature film under their belts, and their own incredibly successful line of videos, records and books. In fact, with Dualstar Interactive, Mattel is creating Mary-Kate and Ashley dolls due out in early 2000. But all this fame doesn't seem to faze these down-to-earth girls.

On "Two of a Kind," Mary-Kate is the tomboy and Ashley is into school and clothes. What are your real personalities like?
Ashley: They're kind of the same. I like ballet, and I dress a little different.
Mary-Kate: I'm pretty tough, but we're more similiar in real life.

You have a brother Trent, who's older, and a sister Elizabeth, who's younger. Is there any sibling rivalry?
Ashley: No, not really. We all get along.

What kinds of things do you do together as a family?
Ashley: Rollerblade and just spend time together.
Mary-Kate: We're really into Rollarblading!

Your starred in "Full House" for eight years, and now you're starring in "Two of a Kind," as well as films like "Billboard Dad" and dozens of videos. How does if feel being so popular at such a young age?
Ashley: We don't really think of it that way. We're just having fun.
Mary-Kate: We're really just normal kids.

Of your TV movies like "How the West was Fun" and videos like "Mall Party," which is your favorite?
Ashley: "Billboard Dad" and our Hawaiian video (You're Invited to Mary-Kate & Ashley's Hawaiian Beach Party") because we got to go to Hawaii.
Mary-Kate: Hawaii was so fun.

Since this is our big camp issue, have you ever been camping? What did you do?
Ashley: Yes! We roasted marshmallows, sat by a camp fire, went horseback riding, swam... It was really fun!

Mattel is creating dolls in your likeness. How do you feel about this?
Mary-Kate: It's so cool!
Ashley: I can't believe it. It's so cool.

You're so busy making videos and movies and taping the show. What do you like to do in your free time?
Mary-Kate: Horseback riding, hang out, ballet, hip hop and jazz..
Ashley: ..and Kick boxing!

I read that you receive an allowance of $7 a week for cleaning your rooms. Is this because your dad (an investment banker) wants to teach you the value of a dollar?
Mary-Kate: Yes, so we can become more responsible adults.

What's the best thing about being twins?
Mary-Kate: We always have each other to talk to.
Ashley: We always have a friend to talk to.

You're so popular with young girls. Why do you think that is?
Mary-Kate: We can definiely relate to them.
Ashley: We're just like them.

You're almost teenagers. Do you think things will change for you?
Mary-Kate: Not really. Thirteen-year-old girls really aren't that different from 12-year-old girls.

What are your future plans?
Mary-Kate: We have a movie coming up for ABC, and another we're filming in Paris this summer.

You seem like such nice, normal kids. How do you stay grounded in Hollywood?
Mary-Kate: We have a lot of people around us who help us. We always have.

Do your brothers and sisters ever get jealous because you're famous?
Mary-Kate: No.
Ashley: Not at all. They're very supportive of us.

Do you ever wish you could step out of the spotlight and just be "normal" kids?
Mary-Kate: We are normal kids, but we're very lucky to be doing what we do.
Ashley: We LOVE what we do. We wouldn't change anything.