Mary-Kate Olsen Considered ‘Fuller House’ Role Solo: Did Ashley’s Lyme Disease Cause Olsen Twins Refusal? [Video]
Without Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen, the reboot of Full House seemed to many fans to be somewhat empty. Where were the Olsen twins, and why did Mary-Kate and Ashley choose to avoid reuniting with their cast mates for Netflix’ Fuller House? The reasons and rumors have provided fans with a long-lasting drama-rama, including new hints that the Olsen twins just might make a surprise appearance on Season 2.
Creator of the Netflix revival, Jeff Franklin, revealed that he views the fact that the show had to be made without Mary-Kate and Ashley as a “giant bummer,” reported Us Weekly.
“[Doing the show without Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen] was a giant bummer, but their participation was never a precondition for doing that show,” clarified Franklin. “I hoped that they would come back and do one episode, but I didn’t think that they were going to be regulars.”
“[It] wasn’t meant to be a dig,” he insisted, calling it a “playful wink.”
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Except for Mary-Kate and Ashley, when Fuller House premiered on Netflix on Friday, February 26, the list of returning cast members was extensive, even though nearly two decades had passed since the original show debuted in 1987. Among those starring are Candace Cameron Bure, Jodie Sweetin, Andrea Barber, Bob Saget, John Stamos, Dave Coulier, and Lori Loughlin.
As to the details of how the Full House reboot handled the absence of the Olsen twins‘ character, it occurred in the first episode, entitled Our Very First Show, Again, reported the Daily Mail.
The character of Stephanie, played by Jodie Sweetin, asks the character of Danny Tanner, portrayed by Bob Saget, about Michelle Tanner, who was played by the Olsen twins on the original show. The response paralleled the real life success of Mary-Kate and Ashley as fashion industry divas.
“Well, Michelle sends her love, but she’s busy in New York running her fashion empire,” responded Danny.
As to whether that response was cute or cruel, the jury’s still out. When E! News described the reference, it argued that the mention of the character played by Mary-Kate and Ashley in the pilot constituted some shade.
“[The reference] maaaaaybe acted as a little shade to the Olsens in the process,” commented E! News.
And that’s not all. In Episode 7, Kimmy Gibbler (Andrea Barber) and her daughter, Ramona (Soni Nicole Bringas), get questioned by D.J. about a birthday shopping spree.
“I got my first designer dress for the party. It’s an Elizabeth and James by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen,” says Ramona.
Kimmy eyes the sales receipts and disses the Olsen twins.
“At these prices, no wonder they don’t need to act anymore,” snarks Kimmy.
Ouch. In addition, during the final episode of the first season, a mention of the Olsen twins’ character occurs.
“Oh, let’s call Michelle,” says Stephanie.
D.J. cautions that it’s five o’clock New York time.
“Ah, perfect. Aw, voicemail,” comments Stephanie.
But is there still hope that fans could watch Mary-Kate and Ashley return in the future? Even though Fuller House just debuted, the cast is thinking about a second season, reported People.
“We’re all very hopeful and crossing our fingers that we get to do it again,” said Andrea Barber.
And that leaves the door open to their fictional home for the Olsen twins — at least one of them. Mary-Kate revealed that she would be playing the role alone because her sister Ashley did not want to participate.
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“Mary-Kate said, ‘It would have to be me [playing Michelle], because [Ashley] doesn’t want to do it. But the timing is so bad for us,’ ” revealed executive producer Bob Boyett.
If a second season does occur, would the timing enable Mary-Kate to do a solo appearance? And what’s the real reason why Ashley is the only Olsen twin who does not want to take on the challenge?
Ashley reportedly has been struggling with Lyme disease for the past few years, revealed a source cited by Radar Online.
With her energy low, Olsen is suffering physically and emotionally, said that source.
“[Ashley is] in a lot of pain,” added the insider.
Although Olsen initially developed Lyme disease several years ago, her symptoms have become increasingly more agonizing, according to that source.
“[Ashley’s] symptoms have gotten worse. She’s had to take a step back from her business. She used to be in the office all the time, but lately she’s often just not well, so she rests a lot at home. She’s really having a difficult time.”
Among the symptoms, addition to pain, is memory loss and brain fog, which would make it difficult for Olsen to memorize lines such as would be required if she had accepted the role in the Netflix revival. Her fatigue also would provide a challenge.
“[Ashley is] really struggling, and it comes out in anger — she’s at the point where she’s having a hard time dealing,” shared the insider.
The pain and fatigue have been making it more and more difficult for Olsen, but she has sought to find ways to care for herself.
“She’s been trying to get on a health kick, by going to the gym and taking better care of herself,” added the source.
As the Inquisitr reported, Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star Yolanda Foster and two of her children also have been struggling with Lyme disease.
[Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images]
