Fuller House Cast Has ‘Given Up’ on Getting the Olsen Twins to Join
When Netflix announced Fuller House, fans of the beloved ’90s sitcom Full House were overjoyed to see the Tanner family back on screen. Almost all of the original cast members signed on, bringing back the warmth, humor, and nostalgia that made the show a classic. But there was one glaring absence—Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the iconic twins who played the youngest Tanner, Michelle.
For years, fans hoped the twins might make a surprise appearance. But after five seasons of waiting, the cast finally admitted the truth—they’ve given up hope of ever seeing the Olsen twins step back into the Tanner household. Let’s dive into why the twins stayed away, how the cast feels about it, and what this means for the legacy of Full House and Fuller House.
The Olsen Twins as Michelle Tanner: A Cultural Icon
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen weren’t just part of Full House—they were the show’s breakout stars. Sharing the role of Michelle Tanner from 1987 to 1995, the twins charmed audiences with catchphrases like “You got it, dude!” and “No way, José!”
Michelle wasn’t just comic relief. She was the emotional heart of the Tanner family, often delivering the show’s most touching moments. To this day, fans still associate the Olsen twins with the character who made them household names.
Why the Olsen Twins Didn’t Return for Fuller House
So, why didn’t Mary-Kate and Ashley join the revival? There are a few key reasons:
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A Different Career Path – After leaving acting, the twins shifted their focus to the fashion industry. Their luxury label, The Row, made them powerful figures in the fashion world.
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Avoiding the Spotlight – Unlike their Full House co-stars, the Olsens chose a more private lifestyle. The idea of revisiting a sitcom didn’t fit with their current lives.
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Timing Issues – Reports suggest that their busy schedules and lack of interest in returning to TV made a cameo nearly impossible.
Despite the fan pressure, the twins made it clear—they had moved on from Hollywood.
The Cast’s Early Optimism
At the start of Fuller House, the cast held out hope. John Stamos, Candace Cameron Bure, and Jodie Sweetin all said publicly that the door was always open for Mary-Kate and Ashley to return. They even joked in interviews that Michelle was “busy running a fashion empire.”
The writers even included small nods to Michelle in the show, leaving the possibility of a surprise appearance alive. But as the seasons rolled on, it became increasingly clear—it wasn’t going to happen.
The Turning Point: Acceptance
By the final season, the cast openly admitted they had stopped hoping. Candace Cameron Bure revealed in interviews that they had “given up” on waiting for the twins to join. Rather than dwell on the absence, the team chose to focus on the characters and storylines they had.
It was bittersweet. While the Tanner family felt complete in many ways, Michelle’s absence was always noticeable.
John Stamos’ Feelings Toward the Olsen Twins
John Stamos (Uncle Jesse) was especially vocal about wanting the twins to return. In the past, he admitted to being disappointed when they turned down the opportunity. However, he later softened his stance, saying he understood their choice and respected their career paths.
Stamos has called the Olsen twins “family forever,” showing that while they didn’t return, there’s no animosity between them.
Candace Cameron Bure and Jodie Sweetin: Moving On Without Michelle
Candace Cameron Bure (D.J. Tanner) and Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie Tanner) carried much of Fuller House’s emotional weight. While they wished Michelle could have been part of the story, they acknowledged that the revival was still meaningful without her.
Both actresses emphasized that the show was about celebrating what they did have, rather than what they didn’t.
Andrea Barber’s Take on the Absence
Andrea Barber, who reprised her role as Kimmy Gibbler, often expressed her disappointment that the Olsen twins didn’t return. Still, she noted that the revival gave her an even bigger role, something she cherished.
Kimmy became central to Fuller House, proving that the show could thrive even without Michelle Tanner.
Fans’ Reaction: Hope Turned to Acceptance
Fans were initially optimistic that the Olsens might appear in a cameo—even in the final episode. As the show wrapped, some viewers expressed frustration, while others understood that the twins had chosen a new life outside of acting.
Over time, the fandom largely came to accept Michelle’s absence, appreciating the legacy she left behind.
How Fuller House Addressed Michelle’s Absence
Rather than ignore Michelle altogether, the writers cleverly acknowledged her. In one episode, they explained Michelle was “busy working on her fashion career in New York.” This wink to the audience both honored the Olsen twins’ real-life careers and explained why she wasn’t around.
It became a running joke, but also a gentle way of saying goodbye.
The Fuller House Legacy Without the Olsen Twins
Even without Michelle, Fuller House ran for five successful seasons, introducing new characters while keeping the Tanner family spirit alive.
The revival showed that the show was bigger than one character, even though Michelle was dearly missed. It was a love letter to fans who had grown up with the original and a reminder of the show’s lasting impact.
The Olsen Twins Today
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are now highly respected in the fashion world, with their brand The Row earning critical acclaim. They’ve chosen to stay out of Hollywood, rarely giving interviews or appearing at public events.
While fans may miss seeing them on screen, their success outside of acting proves that they’ve built fulfilling lives beyond Full House.
Could the Olsen Twins Ever Return in the Future?
Never say never, but as of now, the twins seem unlikely to step back into Michelle Tanner’s shoes. Their focus remains firmly on fashion, and with Fuller House already wrapped, the window for their return has likely closed.
Still, fans can hold onto the hope of a reunion down the line—even if it’s just a private gathering of the Tanner family cast.
Why Their Absence Doesn’t Erase Their Impact
Though they never appeared in Fuller House, the Olsen twins’ legacy as Michelle Tanner remains untouchable. Their charm and talent helped define Full House, and their influence on pop culture can still be felt today.
Whether or not they return, the Tanner family will always feel complete to fans who grew up with the original show.
Conclusion
The cast of Fuller House may have “given up” on convincing Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen to join, but their absence doesn’t diminish the love fans have for Michelle Tanner. While it’s bittersweet to imagine what could have been, the revival still managed to celebrate family, friendship, and nostalgia in a powerful way.
The Olsen twins may have closed the chapter on acting, but their role in Full House will forever be a cornerstone of television history.
FAQs
1. Why didn’t the Olsen twins join Fuller House?
They chose to focus on their fashion careers and preferred a private lifestyle away from acting.
2. Did the cast try to convince them to join?
Yes, the cast repeatedly said the door was open, but eventually admitted they had given up hope.
3. How did Fuller House explain Michelle’s absence?
They said Michelle was busy running her fashion business in New York, a nod to the twins’ real careers.
4. Are the Olsen twins still close with the cast?
Yes, despite not joining the revival, John Stamos and others have emphasized that they still consider them family.
5. Could the Olsen twins return in the future?
It’s unlikely, but fans can never rule out a surprise reunion down the road.
