The Cutest Cast Member With a Not-So-Planned Quirk
Let’s be real: Fuller House brought the nostalgia — and the adorable. Among all the heartwarming (and hilarious) moments, one character quietly stole scenes just by being himself: Tommy Fuller Jr. The youngest member of the Tanner-Fuller-Gibbler tribe wasn’t just cute — he was authentically funny in a way most child actors aren’t.
But here’s the twist most fans don’t know: one of Tommy’s signature on-screen traits wasn’t scripted at all. It came straight from real life. And once you hear the story behind it, you won’t unsee it.
Meet Tommy Fuller Jr.: The Littlest Fuller with Big Charm
If you watched Fuller House, you know Tommy as D.J.’s youngest son — the baby of the house who gradually grew up during the show’s five seasons. He didn’t have many lines in the beginning (because, you know, babies), but his facial expressions and reactions often said more than words could.
As he got older, fans noticed something quirky: Tommy would constantly stick out his tongue — during emotional scenes, family moments, and even while walking across the kitchen. It became a running gag that fans loved, even if they never really got an explanation.
So… What’s With the Tongue Thing?
You’d think it was written into the show for comedic effect, right?
Nope. Not even close.
It turns out that the tongue thing was 100% natural — a habit picked up by the twins who played Tommy. Yep, just like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in Full House, the role of Tommy was shared by Dashiell and Fox Messitt, identical twin brothers.
And guess what? One of them had a habit of sticking out his tongue when he was concentrating.
Real-Life Twins, Real-Life Quirks
Dashiell and Fox were cast in Fuller House when they were just babies. As with most infant roles in Hollywood, twins are used so that filming can continue legally within time limits. When one twin gets tired, the other jumps in. But here’s where it gets funny: only one of the twins would do the tongue thing.
It became part of Tommy’s personality on-screen — not because the directors planned it, but because they loved how real and cute it was. Rather than correct it or edit it out, the producers leaned into it.
The Writers Had to Adapt to Tommy’s Adorable Habit
As the show progressed and Tommy’s character aged, fans began to associate the tongue-out look with his personality. It became a quirky signature — like Michelle Tanner’s “You got it, dude!” — only without the catchphrase.
Behind the scenes, writers and editors had to work around it. Sometimes they’d try to cut around the tongue moments, but often they just let them roll. Why? Because viewers LOVED it.
When a Baby’s Quirk Becomes Canon
Imagine being so adorable that your natural behavior becomes part of your character’s DNA. That’s exactly what happened here.
The tongue-out trait wasn’t in the script. It wasn’t directed. But it became iconic — in the most innocent, hilarious way possible.
How Social Media Reacted to Tommy’s Tongue Habit
Once fans caught on, social media lit up. Memes, GIFs, and side-by-side comparisons popped up everywhere.
Comments like:
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“Why is baby Tommy always sticking his tongue out? 😂”
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“It’s oddly specific, but I love that about him!”
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“He’s like a baby rockstar!”
People weren’t mocking it — they were charmed by it. It became one of those subtle things that made Fuller House feel more grounded and real.
The Fuller House Cast Loved It Too
According to interviews, the cast — especially Candace Cameron Bure (D.J.) — adored the twins and embraced their quirks.
They often joked that Tommy “improvised” better than some adults. His spontaneous reactions made scenes feel authentic, especially the tongue-sticking moments that often got genuine laughs from the cast during filming.
When Real Life Makes the Best TV
Sometimes, the best parts of a show aren’t written. They’re lived.
Tommy’s tongue thing is the perfect example of this. In an industry obsessed with scripting every second, this little habit slipped through and became beloved.
Why? Because it was real. It reminded viewers that these characters were human — and in Tommy’s case, hilariously human.
Other Child Actor Habits That Made It On Screen
This isn’t the first time a child actor’s real-life behavior made it into the final cut. Think:
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The Olsen twins’ shared glances when trying to remember lines.
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Jake Harper from Two and a Half Men constantly eating on screen because the actor genuinely loved snacks.
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Millie Bobby Brown improvising some of Eleven’s reactions in Stranger Things.
Child actors don’t always follow the rules — and sometimes, that’s what makes them memorable.
The Messitt Twins Today
Now a few years older, Dashiell and Fox Messitt have taken a break from acting, focusing on school and life outside the spotlight. But their time on Fuller House gave them an unforgettable place in sitcom history.
Fans still follow their rare public appearances, and yes — people still ask: “Which one was the tongue kid?”
Why This Silly Habit Mattered More Than People Realize
You might think it’s just a funny baby habit. But in a way, Tommy’s tongue trait represents something deeper: authenticity in an overly produced world.
The smallest details — a goofy face, a natural habit — are what make characters feel real. And Fuller House, for all its cheesiness and nostalgia, never forgot that.
Conclusion: Sometimes the Funniest Moments Are the Real Ones
So now you know: the reason Tommy always sticks out his tongue on Fuller House?
It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t scripted. It was just real.
And honestly, isn’t that the best kind of comedy?
From quirky baby mannerisms to scene-stealing moments, Tommy reminded us all that life — and sitcoms — are better when you don’t overthink it. Just stick your tongue out and enjoy the moment.
FAQs
1. Who played Tommy Fuller Jr. in Fuller House?
Tommy was played by twin brothers Dashiell and Fox Messitt, similar to how Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen shared the role of Michelle Tanner in Full House.
2. Why does Tommy stick out his tongue on the show?
One of the twins had a real-life habit of sticking out his tongue while concentrating. The showrunners let it happen naturally because it added charm to his character.
3. Was the tongue-out trait written into the script?
Nope! It was completely unscripted and became part of Tommy’s character because it was so endearing.
4. Are the Messitt twins still acting?
As of now, they’ve stepped back from acting and are focusing on school and regular life outside of showbiz.
5. Do other shows let kid actors’ habits shape the character?
Yes! Many child actors bring their own quirks to roles, and sometimes directors embrace these moments because they add authenticity and charm.
