If you grew up in the late ’80s or early ’90s, chances are Full House was your comfort show — the perfect mix of family fun, cheesy jokes, and heartwarming lessons. But behind the laughter and perfect hugs of the Tanner family, the cast lived real, complex lives filled with success, loss, love, and even controversy.
Let’s take a look at the Full House cast and see what’s been going on in their personal lives — from relationships and careers to the moments that shaped who they are today.
Bob Saget (Danny Tanner): The Heart of the House
The late Bob Saget played everyone’s favorite neat-freak dad, Danny Tanner. Off-screen, however, Saget was far from his wholesome TV persona.
Known for his edgy stand-up comedy, Saget balanced his squeaky-clean sitcom image with a sharp wit that delighted adult audiences. Tragically, he passed away in January 2022 at age 65, leaving fans and co-stars heartbroken.
He was married to Kelly Rizzo, and their love story became a beacon of positivity even amid his demanding career. His passing reminded fans that life, like Full House, is both funny and fragile.
John Stamos (Uncle Jesse): The Forever Cool Guy
Who didn’t have a crush on Uncle Jesse?
John Stamos, the charming rock-n-roll uncle with perfect hair, has aged like fine wine. In real life, Stamos is just as magnetic. After years of bachelorhood, he found lasting love with actress Caitlin McHugh, marrying her in 2018. The couple has one son, Billy.
Beyond acting, Stamos is a musician, producer, and philanthropist — still rocking stages and hearts around the world. His memoir, If You Would Have Told Me, gave fans an intimate glimpse into his personal struggles, insecurities, and growth.
Dave Coulier (Joey Gladstone): The Comedian with a Big Heart
“Cut it out!” — you can almost hear Joey Gladstone saying it.
Dave Coulier was the goofy uncle who brought comic relief to the Tanner household. After Full House, he continued doing voice work and stand-up comedy.
He married Melissa Bring in 2014 and remains close with his Full House family. Behind the humor, Coulier has faced loss and personal battles, including supporting his friend Bob Saget’s widow through grief. His humor, both light and healing, continues to be his superpower.
Candace Cameron Bure (D.J. Tanner): The Faithful Big Sister
As D.J. Tanner, Candace Cameron Bure grew up on-screen — and so did her real-life fans.
After the original show ended, she stepped back from acting to focus on family life. Candace married former NHL player Valeri Bure in 1996, and they share three children. She later returned to acting and became a Hallmark Channel favorite.
However, her outspoken Christian beliefs and conservative views have stirred controversy, especially online. Despite criticism, Candace continues to stay true to her values, saying she wants to make “wholesome, family-centered entertainment.”
Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie Tanner): Dancing Through Darkness
“How rude!” may have been her catchphrase, but Jodie Sweetin’s real life was anything but simple.
After Full House, she faced personal struggles, including addiction. She’s been open about her journey, documenting her recovery in her memoir unSweetined. Jodie has since become a powerful advocate for sobriety and mental health.
Today, she’s a mom, actress, and podcast host, using her platform to inspire others who face similar challenges. Her resilience shows that life — much like Full House — can be messy but full of hope.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (Michelle Tanner): From TV Twins to Fashion Icons
The youngest Tanner, Michelle, was actually played by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who took turns in the role as toddlers.
After their Full House fame, they built an empire. From TV movies to billion-dollar fashion labels like The Row and Elizabeth and James, the Olsen twins redefined success.
Though they left Hollywood early, they remain cultural icons — known for their privacy, minimalist style, and business brilliance. Both sisters now focus on fashion full-time and live largely out of the public eye.
Andrea Barber (Kimmy Gibbler): The Neighbor We All Loved (and Sometimes Cringed At)
No one could play quirky like Andrea Barber.
As Kimmy Gibbler, she was the awkward neighbor who made every scene funnier. After Full House, Andrea stepped away from acting to focus on family and education.
She later returned for Fuller House and shared her personal journey with anxiety and depression in her book Full Circle. Her honesty about mental health made her a role model for fans who struggle with similar issues.
Lori Loughlin (Aunt Becky): From Sitcom Sweetheart to Scandal
As Aunt Becky, Lori Loughlin was America’s TV sweetheart — elegant, kind, and relatable.
However, her real life took a dramatic turn in 2019 when she was involved in the college admissions scandal. After serving a short prison sentence, Loughlin has been working toward redemption, slowly returning to acting and charity work.
Despite the controversy, she remains connected with some of her Full House co-stars and continues to rebuild her image.
Scott Weinger (Steve Hale): D.J.’s High School Sweetheart
Scott Weinger, known for playing D.J.’s adorable boyfriend Steve, also made Disney history as the voice of Aladdin.
He went on to write and produce shows like Black-ish and Galavant. Off-screen, he’s married with a son and occasionally revisits his Full House roots during fan events.
Weinger’s life mirrors his character’s — grounded, creative, and full of heart.
The Fuller House Comeback
Netflix’s Fuller House revival reunited most of the cast from 2016 to 2020, giving fans a dose of nostalgia with a modern twist.
The reboot followed D.J., Stephanie, and Kimmy as single moms raising their kids in the same iconic San Francisco house. While Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen opted out of returning, the show still captured the family spirit that made the original so beloved.
How the Cast Stayed a Real Family
Even decades later, the Full House cast remains tight-knit. They attend each other’s weddings, birthdays, and memorials — proof that what started as an on-screen family became a real one.
When Bob Saget passed, every cast member publicly shared their heartbreak, calling him “the glue that held us all together.”
Life Lessons Behind the Sitcom
Full House wasn’t just a sitcom — it was a life manual disguised as comedy. From teaching patience and forgiveness to reminding us about the power of family, its lessons still hold true today.
The cast’s personal lives reflect those same themes: resilience, love, and learning to keep smiling through the hard times.
Conclusion
The Full House cast has faced triumphs and tragedies, laughter and tears — just like any family. But what makes them special is how they’ve stayed connected through it all.
Their journeys remind us that life doesn’t always follow a script. It’s full of surprises, second chances, and moments that make us stronger.
So, whether you’re rewatching the show or just reminiscing, remember: life, like Full House, is all about finding joy in the chaos — and love in every corner.
FAQs
Q1: Did the Full House cast stay close after the show ended?
Yes, many of the cast members remain friends and have supported each other through major life events.
Q2: Which cast member passed away?
Bob Saget passed away in 2022, leaving a lasting legacy as both an actor and comedian.
Q3: Are Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen still acting?
No, they left Hollywood years ago to focus on their successful fashion empire.
Q4: Is there a chance for another Full House reboot?
There’s no official plan, but several cast members have expressed interest in future projects.
Q5: What’s the biggest takeaway from the Full House cast’s real lives?
That fame doesn’t define you — family, growth, and resilience do.
