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If you grew up in the ’90s, chances are you knew her as D.J. Tanner—the big sister with a big heart and even bigger hair on the beloved sitcom Full House. But Candace Cameron Bure is more than just a former child star. She’s become a powerhouse in family entertainment, a bestselling author, a businesswoman, and a major face of the Hallmark Channel.
So how did Candace go from teen sitcom royalty to the queen of holiday movies? Let’s dive into her incredible journey and discover where she is today.
The Early Days: A Star is Born
Born on April 6, 1976, in Panorama City, California, Candace was practically destined for the screen. Her older brother, Kirk Cameron, had already made waves on Growing Pains, and it wasn’t long before she followed in his footsteps.
Candace began acting at the tender age of five, landing commercials and small roles in TV shows like St. Elsewhere and Who’s the Boss?. But her big break came at age 11 when she was cast as D.J. Tanner on Full House in 1987.
Growing Up on Set
For eight seasons, Candace grew up right in front of America’s eyes. Full House wasn’t just a show—it was a cultural phenomenon. As the responsible and sweet D.J., Candace became a role model for young girls everywhere. Behind the scenes, she formed lifelong friendships with co-stars like Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber.
But fame at such a young age isn’t always easy. Candace has spoken candidly about the pressures of being a teen in Hollywood and how she kept grounded with the help of her close-knit family and strong faith.
Life After Full House
When Full House ended in 1995, Candace took a step back from acting to focus on something that mattered even more to her—family.
At 20, she married Russian NHL hockey player Valeri Bure. Together, they raised three children and kept a relatively low profile throughout the 2000s. For over a decade, she prioritized being a stay-at-home mom, which she’s called one of the best decisions of her life.
Return to the Spotlight: The Hallmark Era
Candace made her return to television in the late 2000s, this time trading teen drama for holiday magic. Her partnership with the Hallmark Channel began in 2008, and she quickly became one of the network’s most recognizable faces.
From Let It Snow to A Christmas Detour to Switched for Christmas, Candace became synonymous with holiday cheer. Audiences loved her wholesome, heartwarming portrayals of characters looking for love, hope, and meaning during the most wonderful time of the year.
The Hallmark Queen
To date, Candace has starred in more than 30 Hallmark movies, including the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries, a fan-favorite detective series that showed off her range beyond seasonal romance.
Her consistent popularity helped solidify Hallmark’s brand as the go-to for clean, family-friendly content, and she became a cornerstone of the channel’s success.
New Chapter: Great American Family
In 2022, Candace made headlines when she left Hallmark to sign an exclusive deal with a new channel—Great American Family. As Chief Creative Officer, she now helps shape the network’s programming while continuing to star in original films.
Her move sparked conversation in the media, particularly over her outspoken views on producing content that reflects her Christian values. While her stance has been both praised and criticized, Candace remains firm in her convictions and continues to connect with fans who share her faith.
Candace the Author
Beyond acting, Candace has built a successful writing career. She’s penned several books, including:
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Reshaping It All: Motivation for Physical and Spiritual Fitness
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Balancing It All: My Story of Juggling Priorities and Purpose
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Kind Is the New Classy: The Power of Living Graciously
Her books touch on everything from motherhood and marriage to faith and personal growth. They’ve made bestseller lists and inspired countless readers to lead more intentional lives.
Faith and Family First
A major part of Candace’s identity is her deep Christian faith. She’s never shied away from sharing how her beliefs shape her personal and professional decisions. From social media posts to speaking engagements, she’s been vocal about the importance of faith, family, and kindness.
Candace and her husband, Valeri, celebrated over 25 years of marriage—an incredible milestone in Hollywood—and their relationship is often held up as an example of enduring love and partnership.
Motherhood and Life at Home
Despite her busy schedule, Candace always prioritizes motherhood. Her children—Natasha, Lev, and Maksim—are growing up fast. Natasha has even followed in her mother’s footsteps, pursuing modeling and acting.
Candace has spoken openly about parenting in the public eye and the challenges of raising grounded kids in a world that often celebrates fame over substance.
Fitness, Wellness, and Living Clean
If you follow her on Instagram, you’ll see that Candace is a big advocate for clean living. She shares her workouts, healthy recipes, and self-care routines regularly. Her approach to wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about finding balance.
Whether it’s taking a break from social media or going for a hike with her husband, she encourages others to prioritize mental and physical health without guilt.
The Controversies and Criticism
Candace’s strong opinions and values have sometimes drawn backlash. Whether it’s about traditional marriage roles or religious beliefs, she’s been at the center of media storms more than once.
But through it all, she stays true to herself. In interviews, she’s made it clear: “I don’t expect everyone to agree with me, but I do expect to be respected.” And that honesty has only deepened her connection with fans.
Social Media Presence
Candace has millions of followers across platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where she shares slices of her life—from Bible studies to baking cookies. Her blend of glamour and realness makes her stand out in a crowded influencer world.
What’s Next for Candace Cameron Bure?
With her role at Great American Family, her ongoing acting projects, and her growing lifestyle brand, Candace shows no signs of slowing down. She’s even hinted at launching a home goods line and producing faith-based films.
She’s also expressed interest in directing—a natural next step for someone who’s been in front of the camera for over three decades.
Conclusion: More Than Just D.J. Tanner
Candace Cameron Bure’s story is about more than just a role on a hit sitcom. It’s about staying true to yourself, evolving with grace, and choosing purpose over popularity.
From D.J. Tanner to the Hallmark queen and beyond, she’s carved out a space in entertainment that reflects not just who she was—but who she’s become.
FAQs
1. How many Hallmark movies has Candace Cameron Bure starred in?
Over 30, including holiday favorites and the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries series.2. Why did she leave Hallmark Channel?
She moved to Great American Family to pursue content that aligns more closely with her personal values and creative goals.3. Is Candace Cameron Bure married?
Yes, she’s been married to Valeri Bure since 1996. They have three children.4. Does she still act?
Absolutely. She continues to star in TV movies and is exploring producing and directing opportunities.5. What books has Candace written?
She’s written several bestselling books on faith, family, and personal growth, including Kind Is the New Classy and Balancing It All. -
