When Full House hit television screens in 1987, it instantly became one of America’s most beloved family sitcoms. With its wholesome storyline, lovable characters, and iconic catchphrases, the show painted the perfect picture of family life in San Francisco.
But behind the scenes, the cast wasn’t always as squeaky clean as their on-screen personas. Over the years, several stars from Full House and its Netflix sequel Fuller House found themselves making headlines—not always for the right reasons.
From Lori Loughlin’s college admissions scandal to John Stamos’s run-in with the law, here’s a deep dive into the biggest Full House star scandals that shocked fans and left Hollywood buzzing.
The Perfect Family Image vs. Real-Life Drama
Full House was marketed as the ultimate family-friendly sitcom, portraying a household filled with love, laughter, and life lessons. But like many Hollywood productions, the off-screen stories weren’t nearly as picture-perfect.
The cast’s real lives included mistakes, controversies, and scandals that stood in stark contrast to the Tanner family’s wholesome image.
Lori Loughlin’s College Admissions Scandal
Without question, the biggest scandal linked to Full House belongs to Lori Loughlin, who played the lovable Aunt Becky.
In 2019, Lori and her husband, fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, were charged in a nationwide college admissions bribery scandal. The couple was accused of paying $500,000 to secure their daughters’ admission to the University of Southern California as fake crew recruits.
The scandal sent shockwaves across Hollywood and the Full House fanbase. Lori, once seen as America’s favorite TV aunt, faced prison time, lost acting jobs, and had her reputation shattered.
The Fallout of Aunt Becky’s Image
Fans struggled to reconcile the sweet, moral Aunt Becky with the real-life Lori Loughlin who had broken the law. Netflix even wrote her character out of Fuller House.
For many, the scandal highlighted just how far some Hollywood stars would go to protect their family’s image—even if it meant breaking the law.
John Stamos’s DUI Arrest
John Stamos, known for his role as the charming Uncle Jesse, wasn’t immune to scandal either. In 2015, Stamos was arrested for driving under the influence in Beverly Hills.
Fans were shocked, as Stamos was one of the most beloved figures from the show. Luckily, he took accountability, sought treatment for substance abuse, and later turned the experience into a life lesson he openly shared with fans.
Jodie Sweetin’s Battle with Addiction
Jodie Sweetin, who played the middle Tanner daughter Stephanie, faced her share of struggles as well. After Full House ended, Sweetin battled drug and alcohol addiction.
In her memoir, she revealed that she became addicted to methamphetamine and other substances, leading to years of personal turmoil. At one point, she admitted to giving speeches about sobriety while still secretly using drugs.
Jodie Sweetin’s Inspiring Comeback
Despite her dark period, Sweetin turned her life around. She got sober in 2008 and has since become a passionate advocate for addiction recovery. Her candidness has inspired fans who admire her resilience.
Bob Saget’s Raunchy Humor
While Bob Saget was America’s favorite dad on Full House, off-screen he was known for his edgy, raunchy stand-up comedy.
Fans who saw his comedy routines for the first time were often shocked by the stark contrast between wholesome Danny Tanner and the real-life Saget’s humor.
Though it wasn’t a scandal in the legal sense, it certainly raised eyebrows and changed how some people saw him.
Candace Cameron Bure and Political Backlash
Candace Cameron Bure, who played eldest daughter D.J. Tanner, often made headlines for her outspoken conservative Christian views.
From her stints on The View to her comments about “traditional marriage” on the Hallmark Channel, Bure sparked heated debates. While not a scandal in the traditional sense, her polarizing opinions drew both strong support and heavy criticism from fans.
Mary-Kate Olsen’s Health Struggles
Mary-Kate Olsen, who shared the role of Michelle Tanner with her twin Ashley, also faced public scrutiny. In the early 2000s, Mary-Kate entered treatment for an eating disorder after years of media speculation about her weight and health.
The intense spotlight on the Olsen twins since childhood contributed to their decision to step away from acting and build a fashion empire instead.
Ashley Olsen’s Low-Key Life
Unlike Mary-Kate, Ashley avoided major scandals but chose to keep a low profile. Fans sometimes criticized the twins for not returning for Fuller House, but the sisters stayed focused on fashion and business rather than Hollywood drama.
Dave Coulier’s Scandal-Free Reputation
Interestingly, Dave Coulier—who played goofy Uncle Joey—managed to avoid scandal for the most part. His biggest brush with tabloid drama came from rumors that Alanis Morissette’s hit song “You Oughta Know” was about him.
Though he later confirmed the rumors with a wink, Coulier has mostly stayed out of the scandal spotlight.
Andrea Barber’s Silent Struggles
Andrea Barber, who played Kimmy Gibbler, has also opened up about her struggles with anxiety and depression. In her memoir, she described the toll fame and personal challenges took on her mental health.
Her honesty about therapy and recovery resonated deeply with fans who grew up watching her.
Why Full House Scandals Shock Fans More
The reason these scandals hit harder than most is because of the wholesome reputation of Full House. Fans expected squeaky-clean cast members who lived like their characters.
When real-life mistakes and controversies surfaced, it reminded audiences that the actors weren’t perfect role models—they were human.
The Fuller House Era and Redemption
Netflix’s Fuller House brought many cast members back into the spotlight. For some, like Jodie Sweetin, it was a chance to show how far they had come. For others, like Lori Loughlin, their absence was a glaring reminder of scandals that lingered.
Lessons from the Full House Cast’s Scandals
At the end of the day, the scandals linked to Full House stars are reminders that even the most beloved TV families have flaws. They struggled with addiction, faced legal troubles, and dealt with public criticism just like anyone else.
The difference is that their mistakes played out in front of millions of fans who once saw them as America’s perfect family.
Conclusion
Full House will always hold a special place in television history. Its scandals, though shocking, only add another layer to the legacy of the show. They remind us that the people behind our favorite characters are human—flawed, vulnerable, and capable of redemption.
From Lori Loughlin’s college admissions scandal to Jodie Sweetin’s battle with addiction, each story is a reminder that real life doesn’t always match the script. Yet, fans continue to cherish the laughter, warmth, and nostalgia the Tanner family gave us for decades.
FAQs
1. What was the biggest scandal from Full House?
The most infamous was Lori Loughlin’s involvement in the 2019 college admissions scandal.
2. Did John Stamos ever face controversy?
Yes, Stamos was arrested for DUI in 2015 but later sought treatment and rebuilt his image.
3. Which Full House star struggled with addiction?
Jodie Sweetin openly battled drug and alcohol addiction before getting sober in 2008.
4. Why were Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen criticized?
Mostly for stepping away from acting and not joining Fuller House, though Mary-Kate’s health struggles also drew media attention.
5. Did Bob Saget have a scandal?
Not legally, but his raunchy stand-up comedy surprised fans who only knew him as wholesome Danny Tanner.
