When you think of wholesome American television, one name inevitably comes to mind: Candace Cameron Bure. For millions of fans, she’ll always be D.J. Tanner—the responsible, kind-hearted eldest sister from Full House. But Candace’s journey didn’t stop when the cameras turned off in the ’90s. She evolved from a beloved child star into one of the most successful and recognizable faces in family entertainment. This is the story of how Candace Cameron Bure built a legacy that spans decades, generations, and genres.
Growing Up Cameron: Childhood and Early Fame
Born on April 6, 1976, in Panorama City, California, Candace Helaine Cameron grew up in a showbiz family. Her older brother, Kirk Cameron, was already a household name thanks to his role in Growing Pains. Inspired by his success, Candace began appearing in commercials at age five.
Her big break came in 1987 when she landed the role of Donna Jo “D.J.” Tanner in Full House. As the eldest of three sisters being raised by their widowed father and his two best friends, D.J. quickly became a fan favorite. She was the voice of reason, the role model, and the heart of the Tanner children.
The Full House Era: Building a TV Icon
Full House became one of ABC’s flagship family shows during the late 1980s and early 1990s, airing for eight seasons. Candace’s portrayal of D.J. was central to the show’s emotional foundation. Whether dealing with peer pressure, heartbreak, or the loss of her mother, D.J. brought maturity and warmth to a sitcom world filled with slapstick humor and life lessons.
Candace was just 11 years old when the show started, and she grew up in front of the camera. Unlike many child stars who fade after early fame, Candace kept her head down, maintained a positive public image, and focused on her craft.
She appeared in other TV shows and made-for-TV movies during this period, but Full House was undoubtedly her defining project of the time.
Love and Faith: A Personal Turning Point
In 1994, Candace met Valeri Bure, a professional ice hockey player from Russia, at a charity hockey game organized by her co-star Dave Coulier (Joey). The two hit it off immediately and were married just two years later.
Candace stepped away from acting for nearly a decade to focus on being a wife and mother. She gave birth to three children—Natasha, Lev, and Maksim—and spent her time raising her family, deepening her Christian faith, and occasionally taking on smaller acting gigs.
Her time away from Hollywood was transformative. It allowed her to reassess her values and develop a strong Christian identity that would later guide her career decisions.
Comeback and Reinvention: From D.J. to Hallmark Queen
Candace returned to the screen in the late 2000s, carefully choosing projects that aligned with her beliefs and family-friendly image. Her breakout comeback came through a partnership with the Hallmark Channel, where she became the face of dozens of feel-good, romantic TV movies.
One of her most successful roles was Aurora Teagarden, a librarian-turned-amateur sleuth in the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries franchise. With her warm presence and engaging performances, Candace became the “Queen of Hallmark”, starring in over 30 films for the network.
Her Hallmark roles reinforced her personal brand: clean, comforting, and family-oriented. While some critics found the content predictable, fans adored it—and the ratings didn’t lie.
Fuller House: A Triumphant Return
In 2016, Candace returned to the role that made her famous in the Netflix reboot Fuller House. This time, D.J. Tanner was a single mom of three boys, trying to raise her children in the very same house she grew up in—this time with help from her sister Stephanie and best friend Kimmy Gibbler.
The reboot was a nostalgic hit. While critics were mixed, fans were thrilled to see their favorite characters back together. Candace didn’t just reprise her role—she led the show, both on-screen and off. She directed episodes, helped develop the storyline, and worked closely with the cast to maintain the spirit of the original.
Fuller House ran for five successful seasons and introduced D.J. to a new generation of viewers.
Beyond the Screen: Author, Speaker, and Entrepreneur
Candace has worn many hats over the years. In addition to acting, she’s a best-selling author, with several books on faith, health, parenting, and personal growth. Titles include Reshaping It All, Kind is the New Classy, and Staying Stylish.
She’s also a public speaker, regularly participating in faith-based conferences and women’s events. Her talks often center around living a faith-driven life in a secular world, raising children with integrity, and balancing career with values.
In 2022, she took a bold professional leap by leaving Hallmark Channel and joining Great American Family, a newer network committed to Christian-based programming. There, she serves as Chief Creative Officer, overseeing content and starring in new family films.
Controversies and Criticism
While Candace has cultivated a positive image, her outspoken faith and conservative views have occasionally sparked controversy. Comments about traditional marriage, modesty, and LGBTQ+ issues have drawn criticism from more progressive audiences.
Candace has stood firm in her beliefs, often reiterating that her mission is to create “faith-filled, family-focused entertainment” and not to alienate anyone. While not universally praised, her clarity and commitment have earned her respect among many who share her values.
Family Life Today
Candace remains happily married to Valeri Bure, and the couple lives in California. Their daughter, Natasha Bure, is also pursuing a career in entertainment and even appeared on The Voice. Candace often speaks about the joys and challenges of parenting adult children in today’s world.
Despite her busy schedule, she prioritizes family above all. Her Instagram is filled with wholesome content—behind-the-scenes photos, cooking videos, workout tips, and Bible verses.
A Lasting Legacy
Candace Cameron Bure’s career is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and conviction. She went from teen star to stay-at-home mom to a leading lady in family entertainment—all while staying true to herself.
She’s not just “D.J. Tanner” anymore. She’s an actress, author, mother, businesswoman, and a voice for faith in mainstream media. Whether or not you agree with her worldview, there’s no denying her influence and staying power.
FAQs About Candace Cameron Bure
Q1: How many kids does Candace Cameron Bure have?
A: She has three children: Natasha, Lev, and Maksim Bure.
Q2: Why did she leave Hallmark Channel?
A: Candace left Hallmark in 2022 to join Great American Family, where she could help shape content aligned with her Christian values.
Q3: Is D.J. Tanner similar to Candace in real life?
A: Very much so. Both are nurturing, family-focused, and faith-driven. Candace has often said that D.J. feels like an extension of herself.
Q4: What books has Candace written?
A: She’s authored several best-selling books, including Kind is the New Classy, Reshaping It All, and Balancing It All.
Q5: What religion does she follow?
A: Candace is a devout Christian and speaks openly about her Evangelical faith.
Q6: Is she still acting today?
A: Yes. She continues to act and produce family films for Great American Family and is actively involved in content creation.
