Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber Think the Adults on Full House Were Too Mean to Kimmy Gibbler
Full House has long been remembered as one of America’s most iconic family sitcoms, capturing hearts with its lovable characters, hilarious antics, and life lessons. But while most fans adored the Tanner family, there was one character who didn’t always get the warmest welcome—Kimmy Gibbler. Played by Andrea Barber, Kimmy was often the butt of jokes and, unfortunately, the target of some pretty harsh treatment from the adults in the show.
Recently, both Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber, who played Stephanie Tanner and Kimmy Gibbler, respectively, shared their opinions on the way Kimmy was treated throughout the series. To their surprise (or perhaps not), both actresses believe that the adults in the Tanner household were often too tough on Kimmy. Let’s dive into their thoughts on this, and what it says about how we view friendships and family dynamics on-screen.
Kimmy Gibbler: The Unlikely Hero of Full House
Kimmy Gibbler was the quirky, fun-loving best friend of Stephanie Tanner, but she often found herself in the shadows when it came to the love and support she deserved. From the start, she was portrayed as a bit of an outcast—a character who was considered annoying by many of the adults, especially Danny Tanner and his brothers-in-law, Joey and Jesse. Despite her eccentricities, Kimmy had a heart of gold and was incredibly loyal to Stephanie and her family.
But while the show’s adults were often kind and caring to the Tanner family, they weren’t always so warm to Kimmy. From frequent teasing to outright dismissal, Kimmy was often the target of jokes. And while her role as the comedic relief was important to the show, it also highlighted the tension between how she was perceived and how she deserved to be treated.
Jodie Sweetin’s Thoughts on Kimmy’s Treatment
Jodie Sweetin, who played Stephanie Tanner, has reflected on the dynamic between Stephanie and Kimmy, particularly regarding how the adults treated Kimmy. According to Sweetin, while Kimmy’s quirky behavior could be irritating at times, there was no excuse for the constant teasing and dismissal she received.
“Kimmy was always there for Stephanie,” Sweetin remarked in a recent interview, “But the adults treated her like she wasn’t important. She was the outsider, and it wasn’t fair to her character.” Sweetin goes on to note that Kimmy was often excluded from the family dynamic, even though she was just as much a part of the Tanner kids’ lives as anyone else.
Andrea Barber Opens Up About Kimmy’s Treatment
Andrea Barber, who played Kimmy Gibbler, has been candid about the way her character was treated on Full House. In an interview, Barber admitted that, at times, it felt as though Kimmy was the perpetual joke of the family. She recalled how the adults would often make fun of Kimmy’s eccentric outfits, loud personality, and even her love for pop music. But instead of shying away from her character’s flaws, Kimmy embraced them, which is part of why fans love her so much.
“Kimmy was always the one who was kind of left out or made fun of,” Barber reflected. “But she was loyal, and she would do anything for Stephanie. I think that’s what made her so special. She had this unshakable confidence that no one could take away from her.”
What Does It Say About Family Dynamics on TV?
The treatment of Kimmy Gibbler by the Tanner adults raises an interesting question: What does this say about how family dynamics are portrayed on television? While Full House was meant to be light-hearted and comedic, it still reflected certain stereotypes and societal norms that viewers may have taken for granted. Kimmy’s character was often the comic relief, but at the expense of her self-worth and standing within the Tanner family.
In a sense, Full House used Kimmy’s “annoying” qualities to drive humor, but it also showed how sometimes even those who love us the most can unintentionally hurt us. Despite this, Kimmy always had Stephanie’s back, showing that loyalty and friendship go beyond family bonds, and sometimes, those outside the immediate family can be just as important.
The Power of Friendship: Kimmy’s Unshakeable Loyalty
Despite all the teasing and the moments when she felt like an outsider, Kimmy Gibbler’s role in Full House exemplified the power of true friendship. She wasn’t just the best friend—she was a member of the Tanner family. She was there for Stephanie through thick and thin, and even though the adults were often dismissive, Kimmy remained steadfast in her loyalty and love for her friend.
In a way, Full House taught viewers that family isn’t just about blood relationships. It’s about the people who stand by you when things get tough, and Kimmy certainly did that for Stephanie. She always had her back, no matter how many times the adults may have dismissed her or poked fun at her.
Andrea Barber and Jodie Sweetin’s Reflective Conversations on Kimmy
Both Andrea Barber and Jodie Sweetin have gone on record discussing their feelings about Kimmy’s treatment over the years. Sweetin has admitted that, even though Stephanie loved her best friend, she could have stepped in more to defend her. On the other hand, Barber has mentioned that there were many moments when she wished her character could have had a bit more respect from the adults in the show.
But in retrospect, both actresses now see the humor and heart in Kimmy’s character. Despite the teasing and the moments where Kimmy was made the punchline of a joke, there was something undeniably lovable about her. The character’s quirks and oddities were part of what made her so memorable, and both Sweetin and Barber agree that the show would have been far less enjoyable without Kimmy’s unique personality.
The Evolution of Kimmy Gibbler in Fuller House
The character of Kimmy Gibbler underwent significant growth in the Full House spin-off, Fuller House. While the adults in the original series might have been tough on Kimmy, the reboot offered her a chance to shine in a more positive light. Kimmy was no longer the comic relief; instead, she was a fully developed character, with her own family and storylines that reflected her growth over the years.
In Fuller House, Kimmy’s role evolved from the eccentric best friend to a successful businesswoman and dedicated mother. The new series also highlighted her importance to the Tanner family and, in many ways, gave fans the redemption arc they had been waiting for since Full House.
The Lasting Legacy of Kimmy Gibbler
Kimmy Gibbler’s character has always held a special place in the hearts of Full House fans. She may have been treated unfairly by the adults on the show, but over time, it became clear that Kimmy was more than just the goofy friend. She was a symbol of loyalty, self-confidence, and the importance of finding your place in the world, no matter how many times people might try to put you down.
The love and admiration for Kimmy only grew with Fuller House, where viewers were able to see her as more than just the comedic sidekick—she became a strong, independent woman with her own dreams and aspirations.
Conclusion: Kimmy Gibbler Deserved More on Full House
While Kimmy Gibbler was the subject of many jokes on Full House, the truth is that she was a character who deserved more respect from the adults around her. Both Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber have reflected on how Kimmy was often treated poorly, but they also understand that it was part of the character’s charm. Over time, Kimmy evolved into a fan-favorite, and her unique personality became a key part of what made Full House so special.
In the end, Full House was about love, family, and growing together. And, despite the occasional harsh treatment of Kimmy, her unwavering loyalty and support for Stephanie Tanner proved that sometimes, the best friends are the ones who stand by you even when life isn’t easy.
FAQs
Q1: Why was Kimmy Gibbler treated unfairly on Full House?
A1: Kimmy was often portrayed as the quirky, eccentric friend, which made her an easy target for jokes and teasing by the adults on the show.
Q2: How did Andrea Barber feel about Kimmy Gibbler’s role on Full House?
A2: Andrea Barber has acknowledged that Kimmy was sometimes treated poorly, but she believes the character’s quirks and loyalty made her an important part of the show.
Q3: Did Jodie Sweetin defend Kimmy Gibbler on Full House?
A3: Jodie Sweetin has admitted that Stephanie could have defended Kimmy more, but she always supported her best friend in her own way.
Q4: How did Kimmy Gibbler’s character evolve in Fuller House?
A4: In Fuller House, Kimmy grew into a more mature and successful character, gaining respect from those around her and showing how much she had changed since Full House.
Q5: What does Kimmy Gibbler symbolize on Full House?
A5: Kimmy represents loyalty, self-confidence, and the importance of embracing who you are, despite how others may treat you.
