For more than three decades, Full House and its revival Fuller House have held a special place in television history. Viewers grew up watching the Tanner family navigate life’s challenges with humor and heart. When Fuller House arrived on Netflix in 2016, it gave fans the rare chance to see familiar characters return, grown up but still bound by love and friendship. But what happened once the cameras stopped rolling? From enduring careers in Hollywood to surprising paths outside of acting, the cast has taken diverse journeys.
Bob Saget (Danny Tanner)
Bob Saget, the patriarch of the Tanner household, had one of the most eclectic careers in entertainment. Known for his wholesome role on Full House, Saget simultaneously built a reputation as a stand-up comedian with sharp, often adult-oriented humor. He also hosted America’s Funniest Home Videos from 1989 to 1997, cementing his status as a household name.
After Full House, Saget continued acting, writing, and directing, and became beloved as the narrator of How I Met Your Mother. His return to Fuller House delighted fans who saw him reprise Danny Tanner’s lovable neat-freak tendencies. Tragically, Saget passed away in January 2022, prompting an outpouring of tributes from co-stars and fans alike. His legacy remains that of a man who could make people laugh while also embodying one of television’s most iconic fathers.
John Stamos (Uncle Jesse)
John Stamos brought rock-and-roll charisma to Uncle Jesse Katsopolis, turning him into a fan favorite. After Full House, Stamos thrived in Hollywood, taking on diverse roles in shows like ER, Glee, and Grandfathered. His charm and versatility allowed him to shift seamlessly between drama and comedy.
Stamos also maintained his musical roots, performing with The Beach Boys for decades, a partnership that continues today. His role in Fuller House reconnected him with longtime fans, and his memoir, released in 2023, reflected on his life, career, and struggles. Stamos remains a respected figure in both television and music, admired for his longevity and openness.
Dave Coulier (Joey Gladstone)
Known for his impressions and quirky catchphrases, Dave Coulier brought levity to Full House as Joey Gladstone. After the show ended, Coulier continued performing stand-up comedy, voiced characters in animated series, and appeared on reality shows like Skating with Celebrities.
He reprised Joey in Fuller House, delighting fans with his timeless sense of humor. Outside of acting, Coulier has focused on family life and personal projects, including launching a comedy website. His enduring friendship with his Full House co-stars remains a testament to the bond forged on set.
Candace Cameron Bure (D.J. Tanner)
Candace Cameron Bure, who grew up before viewers’ eyes as eldest daughter D.J. Tanner, became one of the most recognizable alumni of the series. After Full House, she transitioned into a career balancing acting, writing, and public life. She became a familiar face on the Hallmark Channel, starring in numerous holiday films and the popular Aurora Teagarden Mysteries.
Her return in Fuller House as a widowed mother resonated with fans, highlighting her ability to evolve alongside her character. Beyond acting, Bure has been outspoken about her faith and values, publishing books and speaking publicly about family, career, and spirituality. She remains one of the most prominent faces of the Full House legacy.
Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie Tanner)
Jodie Sweetin, who portrayed middle daughter Stephanie, faced personal struggles after Full House ended. She battled addiction during her early adulthood, but her eventual recovery became an inspiring story of resilience. Sweetin shared her journey in her 2009 memoir, unSweetined, candidly detailing her challenges and triumphs.
Her return in Fuller House marked a triumphant comeback. As Stephanie Tanner, now an aspiring musician navigating adulthood, she became a fan favorite once again. Sweetin has since continued acting and appeared on reality television, including Dancing with the Stars. Today, she uses her platform to advocate for addiction recovery and inspire others with her story.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (Michelle Tanner)
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were just infants when they began sharing the role of Michelle Tanner, but their joint performance catapulted them into superstardom. After Full House, the twins built a global entertainment empire, starring in movies, TV shows, and launching their own media company.
Eventually, they transitioned away from acting and reinvented themselves as successful fashion designers. Their luxury fashion brand, The Row, has earned critical acclaim and positioned the twins as respected figures in the fashion industry. Though they chose not to participate in Fuller House, the Olsens’ impact on pop culture remains undeniable.
Andrea Barber (Kimmy Gibbler)
As D.J.’s quirky best friend, Kimmy Gibbler, Andrea Barber added eccentric humor to Full House. After the show ended, Barber stepped away from acting to focus on raising her family and pursuing a career in academia.
Her return in Fuller House was a pleasant surprise for fans, and she quickly became a central figure in the revival. Barber later wrote a memoir, Full Circle: From Hollywood to Real Life and Back Again (2019), in which she openly discussed her experiences with fame, mental health, and personal growth. Today, she continues to embrace her role as Kimmy, often engaging with fans who appreciate her candor and authenticity.
Lori Loughlin (Aunt Becky)
Lori Loughlin played Aunt Becky, a role that made her a beloved maternal figure on the show. Beyond Full House, Loughlin starred in various television projects, including Hallmark’s When Calls the Heart.
Her career took a dramatic turn in 2019 when she became embroiled in the college admissions scandal, leading to legal consequences and a pause in her career. Despite the controversy, Loughlin remains a notable part of the Full House family, and her earlier contributions to the franchise remain cherished by fans.
Scott Weinger (Steve Hale)
Scott Weinger, who played D.J.’s boyfriend Steve Hale, found success both in front of and behind the camera. He is best known as the voice of Disney’s Aladdin, a role he has continued to reprise in films and video games.
After Full House, Weinger built a career as a television writer and producer, working on shows such as Galavant and Black-ish. His return in Fuller House as Steve delighted fans, bringing closure to one of the original series’ most beloved romances.
A Family Beyond the Screen
What makes the cast of Full House and Fuller House remarkable is their enduring connection. Over the years, the actors have referred to one another as family, supporting one another through triumphs and challenges. Public tributes following Bob Saget’s passing illustrated the deep love and respect they share, a bond that extends far beyond the screen.
Conclusion
The cast of Full House and Fuller House has taken diverse paths—some continuing in entertainment, others reinventing themselves in new industries or personal pursuits. Yet no matter where life has taken them, they remain united by the legacy of a show that brought joy to millions.
For fans, catching up with the cast feels like reconnecting with old friends. Their journeys remind us that while television characters may live in timeless reruns, the actors themselves grow, change, and inspire in new ways. The Tanner family may have been fictional, but the love and connection shared by its cast remain as real as ever.
