Mary-Kate Olsen to join 'Weeds' Cast

Mary-Kate Olsen to join 'Weeds' cast: The 20-year-old tabloid favorite will become the new love interest of Silas.
By Susan King, LA Times Staff Writer
May 25, 2007

Mary-Kate Olsen is going solo.

In her first major role without her twin sister, Ashley, the 20-year-old actress is joining the cast of Showtime's acclaimed comedy series "Weeds," currently in production on its third season. Olsen will be featured in a 10-episode arc as Tara, a Christian who lives in new mega-church community called Majestic. Tara will become the new love interest of Silas (Hunter Parrish).

"Weeds," about a suburban mom (Mary-Louise Parker) who deals pot, is a far cry from the wholesome TV series and movies the twins have made since their debut at nine months taking turns playing Michelle Tanner on the long-running ABC sitcom "Full House." Through their company, Dualstar, the Olsen twins have become a veritable cottage industry of clothes, dolls, books, magazines, fragrances, videos and movies.

Mary-Kate Olsen has frequently been fodder for the tabloids, too, particularly after she checked into rehab three years ago for treatment of anorexia. Ever since then, her weight has been closely chronicled in their pages. Her rift with Paris Hilton also made headlines; Hilton briefly dated Olsen's former boyfriend, Greek shipping heir Stavros Niarchos III.

The third season of "Weeds" premieres Aug. 13.