Remember when the Tanner family ruled Friday nights? The laughs, the life lessons, the catch-phrases — Full House was more than just a sitcom; it was a generational touchstone. Now, nearly three decades since the show wrapped in 1995, the cast has taken very different paths. Some are household names still working, some reinvented themselves, and sadly — some we’ve lost. Let’s catch up with the stars of Full House: where they are now, what they’ve done, and how the years have shaped them.
The Core Cast: Who They Were
Danny Tanner – Bob Saget
He was the neat-freak dad with heart. Saget brought warmth and humour to the role and became a beloved figure. Sadly, Bob passed away in 2022. His legacy lives on through his comedy and kindness.
Jesse Katsopolis – John Stamos
Cool uncle, musician, hair icon — John Stamos gave Jesse the swagger and depth that made him unforgettable. His career has gone strong since Full House, from acting to producing to music.
Joey Gladstone – Dave Coulier
The fun-loving prankster cousin who moved in to help the Tanner family when dad needed a hand. Coulier continued in comedy, voice work, and remains active in entertainment today.
D.J. Tanner – Candace Cameron Bure
The responsible oldest daughter whose life took interesting turns after the show. She’s active, prolific, and still in the public eye, known for her work in family-friendly television and movies.
Stephanie Tanner – Jodie Sweetin
The feisty middle child who grew up on-screen. Sweetin has had her ups and downs, but she’s weathered the storm, become an advocate for recovery, and found her footing again in entertainment.
Michelle Tanner – Mary-Kate Olsen & Ashley Olsen
The adorable youngest Tanner, played by the Olsen twins. They’ve since stepped away from acting and become major figures in the fashion world, known for their luxury brand success.
Aunt Becky – Lori Loughlin
Becky was the cool co-host-turned-mom figure in the show. Her life post-sitcom has included acting, family, and a very public controversy, but she’s slowly returning to work.
Kimmy Gibbler – Andrea Barber
The quirky best friend next door. Barber stepped back from acting, pursued education, and then returned for the reboot, proving that Kimmy’s charm never fades.
Where Are They Now? Major Cast Updates
John Stamos (Jesse Katsopolis)
Stamos continued acting in television and film, starred in various projects, and took on producing roles. He’s also active in music and philanthropy, often crediting Full House for launching his lifelong career.
Candace Cameron Bure (D.J. Tanner)
After Full House, Candace transitioned into family-friendly TV films, authored books, and became an executive for a media company. She remains one of the most visible members of the cast, balancing work, family, and faith.
Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie Tanner)
Sweetin has been open about her struggles and her recovery journey. She’s a proud mom, podcast host, and advocate for addiction awareness. Her transparency has earned her renewed respect from fans.
Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen (Michelle Tanner)
After conquering TV and direct-to-video stardom, the Olsen twins pivoted to fashion. They founded The Row and Elizabeth & James, redefining luxury style and choosing to keep their private lives out of the spotlight.
Lori Loughlin (Aunt Becky)
Loughlin continued acting for years until the 2019 college admissions scandal impacted her career. After serving her sentence, she’s been working toward redemption, slowly returning to TV with smaller projects.
Dave Coulier (Joey Gladstone)
Coulier has continued performing stand-up comedy and voice work. Recently, he faced health challenges, including a battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but remains upbeat and connected to his Full House family.
Andrea Barber (Kimmy Gibbler)
Barber earned a Master’s degree, became an author, and returned to acting for Fuller House. She now co-hosts a podcast and frequently connects with fans online, embracing her 90s icon status.
Bob Saget (Danny Tanner)
Saget’s passing in 2022 was a heartbreaking loss. He was known for his warmth, wit, and his stand-up comedy career, which showcased a different side of his humor than the beloved dad role fans knew.
Less-Seen Cast & Their Paths
Blake & Dylan Tuomy-Wilhoit (Nicky & Alex Katsopolis)
The twins who played Jesse and Becky’s sons moved away from acting. Dylan pursued a career in sound production for film and television, while Blake also found success in audio engineering.
Scott Weinger (Steve Hale)
D.J.’s high school sweetheart, Steve Hale, was played by Scott Weinger, who is also the voice of Disney’s Aladdin. He later transitioned to writing and producing, working on several hit TV shows behind the scenes.
Major Life Milestones & Surprises
The Cast Stays Close
Despite busy schedules and separate paths, many Full House cast members remain in touch. They text, visit each other, and often pay tribute to the show that bonded them for life.
The Reboot: Fuller House
In 2016, Netflix launched Fuller House, a sequel series that reunited many original stars. The show celebrated five seasons, giving longtime fans a heartfelt dose of nostalgia and closure.
Health Battles and Personal Struggles
From Jodie Sweetin’s recovery journey to Dave Coulier’s health challenges, and Lori Loughlin’s legal issues, the cast has faced real-life challenges with honesty and resilience.
Business Success & Reinvention
From the Olsen twins’ fashion empire to Candace Cameron Bure’s production career, the cast has shown that reinvention is possible long after child stardom fades.
Who We’ve Lost
The greatest loss came with the passing of Bob Saget in January 2022. His warmth, humor, and love for his Full House family left a mark that fans and colleagues continue to celebrate today.
Why Their Journeys Matter
The Full House cast didn’t just entertain a generation—they grew up alongside their audience. Their real-life stories show how fame, family, and personal growth intersect, and how the bonds built on set can last decades beyond the screen.
Behind the Scenes: What Many Don’t See
Challenges of Child Stardom
Several cast members have spoken about the pressures of growing up on television. From identity struggles to adjusting to life off-camera, their stories shed light on the human side of fame.
Rebranding & Private Life
For some, like the Olsens, fame meant stepping back to preserve privacy. Others, like Candace and Jodie, leaned into new roles that reflected their maturity and beliefs.
The Nostalgia Factor
The enduring love for Full House proves how deeply nostalgia connects generations. It’s more than reruns—it’s a memory of simpler times, with lessons that still hold meaning today.
Legacy vs. Type-Casting
Being forever known as “D.J.” or “Uncle Jesse” can be both a blessing and a limitation. But the cast has embraced their roles, turning type-casting into legacy.
Lessons We Can Learn from the Cast’s Paths
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Embrace change: Growth doesn’t stop when the credits roll.
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Value connection: Lifelong friendships are the real reward of shared experiences.
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Overcome setbacks: Everyone faces struggles—what matters is how you rise from them.
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Reinvent yourself: The Olsen twins’ transition proves success has many forms.
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Cherish legacy: The show’s influence continues because the cast honors it.
What’s Next for the Cast?
Expect more podcasts, public appearances, and nostalgic reunions. With streaming services and fan conventions thriving, the Tanner family’s story likely isn’t over. Whether in front of or behind the camera, this cast continues to find new ways to entertain and inspire.
Conclusion
Thirty years after Full House ended, its cast remains a beloved part of pop culture. From emotional losses to inspiring reinventions, their stories remind us that life doesn’t stop when the set lights go out. Some pursued fame, others chose privacy, but all share a lasting legacy that keeps fans coming back for reruns and reunions.
The laughter, lessons, and love from the Tanner household still resonate — proving that no matter how much time passes, family (and found family) will always matter.
FAQs
1. Are all the original Full House cast still acting today?
Not all of them. Some, like John Stamos and Candace Cameron Bure, remain active, while others have chosen different paths outside entertainment.
2. Did the Full House cast remain friends after the show ended?
Yes. Many cast members still keep in touch, celebrate milestones together, and even collaborate on projects.
3. Why did Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen leave acting?
They decided to focus on fashion and entrepreneurship, building a luxury empire with brands like The Row.
4. How did Bob Saget’s death affect the cast?
His passing deeply impacted the Full House family. They paid heartfelt tributes, calling him the heart of their TV and real-life family.
5. Was there a reboot of Full House?
Yes. Fuller House premiered on Netflix in 2016, featuring most of the original cast and introducing a new generation of Tanners.
