Child Stars: Who Escaped Typecasting Trap?

Ashley (left) and Mary-Kate Olsen began working when they were only six months old—and reciting lines by the time they were toddlers on Full House. They began their direct-to-video line of movies while still on the show, and within a few years they were launching their own fashion line while still making films. Despite the tabloid fodder involving Mary-Kate’s stint in rehab for an eating disorder and her relationship with Heath Ledger when he died in 2008, the twins have mainly escaped the stereotypical downfall of child stars. Now 24, the twins are chief executive officers of Dualstar Entertainment Group, which essentially promoted their image for years through movies, dolls, books, and eventually, a clothing line. Other than a recent smattering of acting roles by Mary-Kate (The Wackness, Weeds), most of their nearly $100 million net worth  comes from their business empire.