If you grew up in the ’80s or ’90s, chances are you spent hours laughing along with the Tanner family on Full House. From the unforgettable catchphrases to the heartwarming family moments, the show captured the hearts of millions. But what happened to the cast of Full House after the cameras stopped rolling? Let’s take a look at how the beloved characters have transformed over the years and where they are now!
The Beginnings of Full House: A Quick Recap
Before we dive into the lives of the cast members, let’s rewind a bit. Full House first aired in 1987, showcasing the life of a widowed father, Danny Tanner (played by Bob Saget), who juggled parenting his three daughters with the help of his quirky brother-in-law, Jesse (John Stamos), and best friend, Joey (Dave Coulier). The series became a cultural phenomenon, lasting for eight seasons and 192 episodes. It cemented itself as one of the most beloved sitcoms of the time.
Bob Saget (Danny Tanner): From Clean Comedy to Iconic Legacy
Then: The Heart of Full House
Bob Saget portrayed the lovable and slightly neurotic Danny Tanner, a dad who tried to keep everything in his life under control—especially his three daughters. Known for his “dad jokes” and obsessive cleaning habits, Danny was the moral backbone of the Tanner family.
Now: A Comedy Legend
Bob Saget’s career skyrocketed after Full House. He went on to become the host of America’s Funniest Home Videos, as well as a well-known stand-up comedian. He also returned to TV in the 2010s for the Fuller House reboot, where he reprised his role as Danny Tanner. Tragically, Bob Saget passed away in January 2022 at the age of 65, leaving behind a lasting legacy in both comedy and television.
John Stamos (Jesse Katsopolis): From Heartthrob to Family Man
Then: The Cool Uncle
John Stamos was a fan favorite as Jesse Katsopolis, the rock ‘n’ roll uncle of the Tanner family. With his charming good looks, he quickly became a teenage heartthrob. Jesse was the fun, cool uncle who loved his family, music, and, of course, his iconic mullet.
Now: A Renowned Actor and Philanthropist
John Stamos has had a flourishing career after Full House. He starred in shows like ER and Grandfathered and has remained a favorite in Hollywood. Stamos is also a proud father and has openly shared his life journey with fans. He’s active in charity work and still retains his charisma—though these days, his hair is a lot less voluminous!
Dave Coulier (Joey Gladstone): The Funny Guy with a Heart of Gold
Then: The Loveable Goofball
Dave Coulier played Joey Gladstone, the goofy comedian who was always there to crack a joke or perform an impersonation. While his character was known for his hilarious antics, Joey also showed deep care and love for the Tanner girls, often helping them with their problems.
Now: A Stand-Up Comedian and Actor
Post-Full House, Dave Coulier continued his career in comedy, focusing on stand-up and voice acting. He was involved in several animated series, including The Real Ghostbusters, where he voiced the character of Peter Venkman. Coulier has also been a part of Fuller House, reprising his role as Joey. He remains active in comedy and continues to be a fan favorite.
Candace Cameron Bure (DJ Tanner): From Teen Star to Entrepreneur
Then: The Responsible Big Sister
Candace Cameron Bure played DJ Tanner, the eldest daughter of Danny. As the responsible and level-headed sibling, DJ often found herself in situations where she had to take charge, and fans quickly connected with her down-to-earth personality.
Now: A Hallmark Star and Entrepreneur
After Full House, Candace became a hallmark of family-friendly movies, especially through the Hallmark Channel. She starred in numerous TV movies and series and even became the face of the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries. Aside from acting, Candace is also an author and an entrepreneur, with several books and business ventures under her belt. Her transformation into a successful businesswoman has been impressive.
Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie Tanner): From Sassy Kid to Empowered Woman
Then: The Sassy Middle Child
Jodie Sweetin played Stephanie Tanner, the middle child who was known for her witty one-liners and her “How rude!” catchphrase. Stephanie was always caught in the middle of family drama but brought a lot of humor and heart to the show.
Now: A Resilient Actress and Advocate
Jodie Sweetin’s life after Full House wasn’t without its challenges. She went through a turbulent period in her personal life, battling addiction. However, Jodie made an inspiring comeback, focusing on her acting career and becoming an advocate for addiction recovery. She reprised her role as Stephanie in Fuller House and has since taken on various acting roles, public speaking, and activism.
Andrea Barber (Kimmy Gibbler): The Quirky Best Friend Who Stole Our Hearts
Then: The Quirky, Annoying Friend
Andrea Barber played Kimmy Gibbler, DJ’s best friend who was known for her loud personality and unique style. While Kimmy might have driven everyone crazy, she had a heart of gold and always had the Tanner family’s back.
Now: A Life of Advocacy and Reconnection
Andrea Barber, like many of her castmates, reprised her role in Fuller House. Since the show ended, she has been an advocate for mental health, particularly focusing on the importance of self-care. She also found new passion projects in her personal life, including podcasting and being a mom.
Lori Loughlin (Aunt Becky): From TV Mom to Scandal
Then: The Stylish Aunt
Lori Loughlin was Aunt Becky, the glamorous and loving aunt who always had the best advice. Aunt Becky was a fan favorite because of her balance between being fashionable and deeply caring.
Now: A Controversial Comeback
Lori’s career took a dramatic turn after the college admissions scandal in 2019, which led to her serving prison time. However, Lori has worked on rebuilding her career and reputation, and she remains a popular figure in the entertainment world. She has appeared in various TV roles since her legal troubles.
The Tanner House: A Lasting Legacy
While the actors may have changed over the years, Full House continues to live on in the hearts of fans worldwide. The cast’s transformation is a reflection of their growth both personally and professionally, and each one has created a lasting impact in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion: Full House Cast – Then and Now
The Full House cast is a shining example of how television can leave a lasting impact on both viewers and actors. From the lovable Danny Tanner to the sassy Stephanie Tanner, each actor has gone on to forge their own path after the show. Whether it’s through acting, comedy, or activism, the Full House cast members have proven that their talents go far beyond the iconic family sitcom. Fans of all ages continue to cherish the show, and the transformations of these beloved characters only add to the magic of Full House.
FAQs
1. Is Bob Saget’s death related to his role in Full House? No, Bob Saget’s death was a result of an accidental fall. His passing had no connection to his role in Full House, though his death deeply impacted fans who grew up with the show.
2. Did Candace Cameron Bure ever leave acting after Full House? No, Candace Cameron Bure continued acting after Full House, starring in numerous Hallmark Channel movies and TV series. She also became an entrepreneur and author.
3. Was there a Full House reboot? Yes, the Full House reboot, titled Fuller House, aired from 2016 to 2020 on Netflix. Many of the original cast members returned for the series.
4. How did Dave Coulier’s career evolve after Full House? Dave Coulier continued his career as a stand-up comedian, voice actor, and appeared in numerous TV shows and films, including Fuller House.
5. What happened to Jodie Sweetin after Full House? Jodie Sweetin faced personal challenges, including struggles with addiction. However, she overcame these difficulties and now advocates for recovery while continuing her acting career.