Growing Up in America’s Favorite TV Family
If you grew up in the ’90s, you probably knew D.J. Tanner — the big-hearted, slightly bossy, and always lovable eldest daughter from Full House.
Played by Candace Cameron Bure, D.J. was the glue that held the Tanner household together.
But behind the laughter, hugs, and “You got it, dude!” moments, Candace’s real-life journey was far more complex — a story of fame, faith, and finding herself amid Hollywood’s glitter and chaos.
Today, she’s not just a beloved actress — she’s a symbol of staying true to your values in an industry that often rewards the opposite.
The Early Years: A Star Before Her Teens
Born in 1976 in Los Angeles, Candace Cameron started acting when she was just 5. Her brother, Kirk Cameron (of Growing Pains fame), was already a teen idol, and Hollywood seemed like a natural path.
By age 11, she landed the role that would define her career — D.J. Tanner on Full House.
“I was just a kid who loved to make people laugh,” Candace recalled. “But I had no idea how much that show would shape my life.”
Full House Fame: The Pressure Behind the Smile
Full House wasn’t just a show — it was a phenomenon. Millions tuned in weekly to see the Tanner family navigate love, loss, and life with humor and heart.
For Candace, it was both a dream and a challenge.
Growing up in front of cameras meant she faced enormous pressure — to stay perfect, look perfect, and live up to fans’ expectations.
“Everyone saw me as D.J., but I was still figuring out who Candace was,” she said in an interview.
Balancing school, fame, and a public image wasn’t easy — but the Full House family became her real-life support system.
The On-Screen Family That Became Real
Unlike many Hollywood casts, the Full House crew truly became a family.
Bob Saget, who played her dad Danny Tanner, was a father figure off-screen too. John Stamos and Dave Coulier treated her like their kid sister.
“We had so much love on that set,” Candace said. “It wasn’t fake — we were family.”
That bond stayed strong for decades. Even after the cameras stopped rolling in 1995, the Tanner family remained close — through weddings, children, and heartbreaks.
After Full House: Finding Herself Beyond D.J. Tanner
When Full House ended, Candace was only 19 — and suddenly, life outside the sitcom bubble felt overwhelming.
She married Valeri Bure, a professional hockey player, in 1996, and shifted her focus to family. Together, they raised three children: Natasha, Lev, and Maksim.
But fame never really left her. Fans still saw her as D.J. Tanner — and that identity was both a blessing and a burden.
“I needed to figure out who I was when the applause stopped,” she said.
A New Chapter: Faith Becomes Her Foundation
During this period of reflection, Candace found something that would completely change her life — her faith in God.
She became a devout Christian, crediting her relationship with Christ as the reason she survived Hollywood’s pressures.
“Faith isn’t just part of my life — it is my life,” Candace said.
Her spiritual awakening gave her a sense of peace, grounding her in a world often defined by vanity and chaos.
The Hallmark Years: Love, Light, and Faith
Candace returned to acting in the 2000s, but this time on her own terms.
She became one of Hallmark Channel’s most beloved stars, appearing in wholesome romantic comedies and Christmas movies that reflected her personal values.
“People tease me about Hallmark movies,” she laughed, “but I love them. They’re joyful, hopeful, and family-friendly — just like me.”
Her Hallmark career solidified her reputation as Hollywood’s “Queen of Christmas” — and as an actress who could entertain without compromising her beliefs.
Fuller House: Coming Home Again
When Netflix announced Fuller House, Candace immediately said yes.
“It felt like coming home,” she said. “Those were my people.”
Reprising her role as D.J. Tanner-Fuller — now a widowed mom raising three kids — was a full-circle moment.
The show became a nostalgic hit, and Candace’s portrayal of a strong, independent mother resonated deeply with fans.
Balancing Hollywood and Faith
Candace’s outspoken Christian values have sometimes made her a target in the entertainment industry.
She’s been criticized for her conservative stances, but she remains unapologetically herself.
“I’m not here to preach,” she said. “I just want to live authentically — to love people and be true to my faith.”
Her confidence has made her a role model for young women navigating fame while staying grounded in their beliefs.
Her Philosophy: Grace Over Perfection
Candace often speaks about the importance of grace — both giving it and receiving it.
She admits she’s made mistakes, struggled with insecurities, and sometimes felt lost.
But she believes those experiences helped her grow.
“I’m not perfect. No one is. But God’s grace covers all of it,” she said.
That humility and honesty have made her not just a celebrity, but a relatable voice in faith-based communities.
Marriage and Motherhood: Her True Roles
While her acting career flourished, Candace has always prioritized her family.
Her marriage to Valeri Bure — now over 25 years strong — is one of Hollywood’s rare love stories that’s stood the test of time.
“Marriage takes work,” she admits. “But we always come back to faith, forgiveness, and laughter.”
As for motherhood, she calls it her greatest blessing.
“I can play a mom on TV, but nothing compares to being one in real life.”
How She Handles Criticism
Candace isn’t shy about facing backlash. Whether it’s her faith, her opinions, or her movie roles, she’s learned not to let criticism define her.
“You can’t please everyone,” she said. “But you can choose joy and kindness every day.”
That mindset has helped her maintain peace — even when social media storms hit.
Candace’s Influence Beyond Acting
Beyond television, Candace is an author, podcast host, and entrepreneur.
Her books — like Reshaping It All and Kind Is the New Classy — encourage readers to live with purpose, discipline, and faith.
She also runs Candace Cameron Bure Clothing, a lifestyle brand promoting modest fashion and confidence.
“I want women to feel beautiful and strong — inside and out.”
The Legacy of D.J. Tanner
Even decades later, D.J. Tanner remains one of TV’s most beloved characters.
Candace says she’s proud to have played her — not because of fame, but because of what D.J. represented: kindness, family, and growth.
“D.J. taught me that even when life gets messy, love always wins.”
Conclusion: Faith, Family, and Full House Forever
Candace Cameron Bure’s journey from child star to faith-driven role model is nothing short of inspiring.
She’s shown the world that it’s possible to succeed in Hollywood without losing yourself — that staying true to your values can be your greatest strength.
From D.J. Tanner to real-life mom, wife, and believer, Candace’s story is a living testament to grace, gratitude, and God’s plan.
And as long as reruns of Full House air, her laughter — and her light — will keep shining.
FAQs
1. Did Candace Cameron Bure stay close with her Full House co-stars?
Yes, she remains close friends with her on-screen family, especially Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber.
2. How did Candace Cameron Bure become a Christian?
Her faith deepened in her 20s after stepping away from Hollywood to focus on family and spiritual growth.
3. Is Candace still married to Valeri Bure?
Yes, they’ve been happily married since 1996 and have three children together.
4. Why did she leave Hallmark for Great American Family (GAF)?
She moved to GAF to pursue projects that aligned more closely with her values and creative goals.
5. What is Candace Cameron Bure doing now?
She continues acting, producing, writing, and running her lifestyle brand — all while promoting kindness and faith.
