Profiles Of Addiction Recovery | Mary-Kate Olsen

Mary-Kate Olsen and her twin sister Ashley are famously referred to as “the Olsen Twins.” Both sisters became child stars at a young age when their acting career began with the TV series Full House.
Unfortunately, Mark-Kate struggled with drug abuse throughout her career, as do many young adults who achieved child stardom, including Lindsay Lohan, Drew Barrymore, and Nicole Richie.
Eating Disorder & Cocaine Use
Mary-Kate suffered from the eating disorder anorexia, requiring treatment. During this time, tabloids and other news organizations believed her to also struggle with cocaine addiction.
Her substance abuse played a pivotal role in Heath Ledger’s death. When Ledger’s body was found, Mary-Kate was the first person called and requested immunity in the case of who supplied Ledger the drugs.
Ledger and Olsen were close, participating in drug abuse together. However, a spokesperson for Mary-Kate said there was no evidence she was involved in Ledger’s death in any capacity.
Treatment & Recovery
In 2004, Olsen sought treatment for anorexia, entering a rehab clinic and participating in a six-week treatment program. According to tabloids, Mary-Kate was allegedly battling drug addiction at the time.
Thankfully, Olsen entering a treatment facility for her alleged drug addiction helped her path to sobriety.
About Mary-Kate Olsen
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were born to parents Jarnette Fuller and David Olsen on June 13, 1986, in Sherman Oaks, California. The two celebs have an older brother Trent as well as a younger sister, actress Elizabeth Olsen.
Full House
The career of the twins began when they were only nine months old, starring as “Michelle Tanner” in the hit television sitcom Full House alongside John Stamos. The TV show ran from 1987-1995, which consisted of the majority of their childhood.
Mary-Kate attended Campbell Hall High School in Los Angeles. Later, the twin sisters attended New York University (NYU) in New York City.
Film & Fashion Career
The Olsen sisters continued to star in films, including New York Minute. Additionally, on their 18th birthday, the twins took control of Dualstar, the producer of Mary-Kate and Ashley products, allowing changes in licensing deals.
Mary-Kate married Olivier Sarkozy in 2015, but the two later divorced in 2021. The Hollywood actress retired from acting and did not appear in the reboot of Fuller House on Netflix in 2015.
The Olsen Twins continue to work together in the fashion industry, creating handbags and other products with their designer fashion label “The Row.”
Recovery Is Possible
If you or a loved one are participating in drug use, know that recovery is possible with professional treatment services and well-rounded support from peers and family members.
To learn how our network of treatment centers cater services to individual needs and preferences, please contact us today.
Written by Ark Behavioral Health Editorial Team
©2025 Ark National Holdings, LLC. | All Rights Reserved.
This page does not provide medical advice.
CBS News - Mary-Kate Olsen Heads Home
CBS News - Olsen Treated For Eating Disorder
Guardian - Mary-Kate Olsen denies supplying Heath Ledger with drugs
Independent - The child star and the painkillers found at Heath Ledger's bedside
Today - Mary-Kate Olsen Released from Rehab
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