If you grew up watching Full House, you probably remember Kimmy Gibbler—the quirky neighbor with wild outfits, loud jokes, and a personality big enough to fill the entire Tanner household. Some fans loved her. Some were confused by her. Some didn’t know what to make of her at all.
But according to Jodie Sweetin—who played Stephanie Tanner—Kimmy Gibbler didn’t always get the treatment she deserved, especially when it came to how other characters responded to her.
So what exactly does she mean? And is Kimmy Gibbler one of the most underrated sitcom characters of the 90s?
Let’s break it down.
The Truth Behind Kimmy Gibbler’s Oddball Reputation
A Character Designed to Be the Punchline
From day one, Kimmy was often the target of jokes. Whether it was her fashion sense, her smell (yes, they made that a running gag), or her “strange” habits, she was almost always the one other characters laughed at.
For many sitcoms of the era, having a “weird neighbor kid” was normal. But for Full House, Kimmy became the default punchline in nearly every season.
Jodie Sweetin has spoken about how Kimmy’s character was often misunderstood—not just by viewers, but inside the Tanner household as well.
According to Jodie Sweetin: “Kimmy Was Treated More Harshly Than People Remember”
A Perspective From Someone Who Worked Closely With Andrea Barber
Jodie Sweetin has expressed in interviews and fan panels that Kimmy Gibbler’s character was often treated unfairly. Not because the cast disliked her—Andrea Barber, who played Kimmy, was beloved behind the scenes—but because the writing positioned her as the butt of the joke far too often.
Jodie suggested that when viewers look back now, they realize Kimmy was actually:
-
Loyal
-
Supportive
-
Confident
-
Unapologetically herself
Yet she rarely got credit for that.
Kimmy Gibbler: More Than a Comic Relief Character
Her Quirks Made Her Memorable—but They Also Overshadowed Her Depth
Kimmy wasn’t just goofy. She was bold. She was liberated. She was the kind of teenager who didn’t let anyone define her. That’s what made her special.
But the show rarely let viewers see her complexity. Instead, jokes about her hygiene or “annoying nature” overshadowed her deeper traits.
This is exactly what Jodie Sweetin meant when she said Kimmy’s character wasn’t always treated with the depth or respect she deserved.
Why Fans Now See Kimmy in a New Light
Modern Viewers Are Reassessing Her Story
Younger audiences—and nostalgic adults rewatching the show—notice something they missed as kids:
Kimmy Gibbler was actually one of the strongest characters on the show.
Think about it:
-
She always showed up for D.J.
-
She was fiercely independent
-
She was emotionally resilient
-
She handled insults like a champ
Basically, Kimmy was the role model we didn’t know we had.
Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber’s Real-Life Friendship
The Bond Behind the Scenes
While Stephanie and Kimmy bickered constantly onscreen, Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber built an incredible friendship off-screen. Jodie has said that Andrea is one of the sweetest, kindest people she has ever worked with.
That closeness gave Jodie a unique perspective: She could see how the character didn’t always get the emotional space she deserved.
How “Fuller House” Corrected Kimmy’s Storyline
A Redemption Arc Fans Loved
When Fuller House premiered, the writers flipped the script.
Kimmy was no longer a punchline.
She became:
-
A single mom
-
A businesswoman
-
A supportive best friend
-
A more three-dimensional character
For the first time, fans saw Kimmy as a fully developed human, not just a walking joke.
Jodie Sweetin has praised this evolution, saying it finally gave Kimmy the respect she was owed all along.
Kimmy and Stephanie: From Frenemies to Family
A Sisterhood That Grew Over Time
Jodie Sweetin has openly acknowledged that Stephanie’s treatment of Kimmy in Full House sometimes felt unnecessarily harsh. But in Fuller House, their relationship transformed into something beautiful.
The writers embraced:
-
Sisterhood
-
Growth
-
Healing old dynamics
Fans adored seeing Stephanie protect Kimmy instead of mocking her.
Why Kimmy Gibbler Resonated With “Outcasts”
A Symbol of Being Yourself
Kimmy represented every kid who felt “different.” Her character showed viewers:
-
It’s okay to be weird.
-
It’s okay to be confident.
-
It’s okay not to fit in.
That message has aged flawlessly.
Many fans now say Kimmy was the most important character for teaching self-acceptance—a point Jodie Sweetin fully supports.
The Unfair Treatment Kimmy Endured That Fans Overlooked
1. Constant teasing
The jokes often went too far.
2. No acknowledgment of her strengths
She was smart and capable, but rarely credited for it.
3. Lack of emotional depth in early seasons
Kimmy had almost no backstory.
4. Dismissive reactions from adults
Even Danny and Uncle Jesse underestimated her.
5. Always portrayed as an outsider
She never felt truly “included” until Fuller House.
Andrea Barber’s Performance Deserved More Respect
A Brilliant Comedic Talent
Jodie Sweetin has often said Andrea Barber carried Full House’s comedy on her shoulders. Kimmy’s physical humor, facial expressions, and timing were top-tier.
Fans now widely agree Andrea Barber was one of the most underrated comedic actors on 90s TV.
Is Kimmy Gibbler the Real MVP of Full House?
Many Fans Think So
Looking back, Kimmy was:
-
Fearless
-
Fun
-
Loyal
-
Emotionally tough
-
Endlessly entertaining
Without her, Full House would have lost a huge part of its charm.
Why Jodie Sweetin’s Perspective Matters
She Grew Up With the Character
Jodie’s viewpoint comes not from criticism, but from love. She stood beside Kimmy Gibbler—both the character and Andrea Barber—for years.
Her comments highlight something many fans feel:
Kimmy deserved better, and she finally got her moment.
Conclusion
Kimmy Gibbler may have been treated unfairly as a character in the early years of Full House, but she ultimately became one of the franchise’s most beloved personalities. Thanks to Jodie Sweetin’s thoughtful perspective, fans now recognize just how important Kimmy was—and still is. Instead of a punchline, she’s now viewed as a symbol of individuality, loyalty, and unapologetic authenticity.
Kimmy didn’t just grow as a character.
She grew in our hearts.
FAQs
1. What did Jodie Sweetin say about Kimmy Gibbler?
She acknowledged that Kimmy’s character was often the butt of jokes and wasn’t always treated fairly within the storyline.
2. Was Andrea Barber treated poorly behind the scenes?
No. Jodie and Andrea have always had a close, positive friendship.
3. Did Fuller House improve Kimmy’s character arc?
Absolutely. She was given depth, purpose, and a full emotional storyline.
4. Why was Kimmy seen as annoying on Full House?
Her quirks were exaggerated for comedy, making her a frequent target of jokes.
5. Why do people love Kimmy Gibbler today?
She represents confidence, individuality, and staying true to yourself.
