Mary-Kate: Being a Kid Star Sucks

Even though Mary-Kate Olsen’s childhood stint on Full House brought her fame and fortune, she says she “would never wish my upbringing on anyone.” She and twin sister Ashley were “little monkey performers” in those days, she says. “I look at old photos of me, and I don't feel connected to them at all,” the notoriously private actress and designer tells Marie Claire in a rare interview.

Of her well-publicized troubles, from an eating disorder to a relationship with Heath Ledger, all she’ll say is that “it's really important to be able to talk when something's wrong. I learned at a really young age that if you don't talk about it, it can drive you insane.” She’s happy to be in fashion now because “it’s kind of like a mask to hide behind,” and she says she still reads scripts—but fashion “is my day job. The Row is where I go every day.” To see her two cover shots, click here.
(More Mary-Kate Olsen stories.)