Mary-Kate Takes a Break From College

Mary-Kate Olsen, who shared the role of Michelle Tanner with her twin sister, Ashley, on the '80s comedy Full House, has left college - at least for now - early in her sophomore year. "Mary-Kate Olsen has not dropped out, she has simply taken an approved leave of absence to devote more of her time and energy to her business," Olsen's publicist, Michael Pagnotta, told The Associated Press. The 19-year-old's decision was reported Friday by People magazine on its Web site.

Olsen wants "to focus on her increasing responsibilities as co-president of Dualstar Entertainment Group and to pursue personal interests," the magazine quoted Pagnotta as saying. Ashley, also co-president of Dualstar, remains at NYU. Mary-Kate Olsen spent six weeks at a treatment centre for an eating disorder in summer 2004.