The Full House Phenomenon

There were so many wonderful sitcoms in the 1980s, from the cult classics like "Growing Pains," "Alf" and "Small Wonder" to the TGIF family classics. "Full House" was a truly lovable sitcom. Its premise was a single dad raising his three young daughters with the help of his brother-in-law and best friend. The sitcom started soon after the girls' mother had passed away, and the hilarity of the household soon took over the initial sadness one would expect from that situation.

Those of that grew up with the Tanner family favorite still love the show today. It was released as a complete series in a box set shaped like the Tanner family San Francisco townhouse. It's still available in many online stores and shops. If you don't want to spend over $100 on it, you can catch reruns on several channels in the U.S., as well as in many countries around the world.

The "Full House" stars have gone on to see great success. The Olsen twins, who shared the part of Michelle Tanner, have had enduring careers as they grew up before our eyes. For years, they were most visible after "Full House." Yet, they have kept a lower profile recently. Mary-Kate Olsen recently played Kendra in "Beastly," a modern re-telling of "Beauty and the Beast." It's due out in March 2011.

Ashley Olsen has stepped away from acting since the twins starred together in "New York Minute" in 2004. She now focuses more on fashion. Along with Mary-Kate, she is the CEO of two fashion lines, The Row and the less exclusive (and less expensive) line, Elizabeth and James.

Jodie Sweetin, who played spunky middle child Stephanie Tanner, has released her memoirs chronicling her child stardom, spiral into drugs and the redemption of motherhood. She is now the mother of two beautiful daughters. As Press Kitsch reported, there is also a strong fan group dedicated to getting her as the next contestant on "Dancing with the Stars": Get Jodie on DWTS.

Candace Cameron (now Candace Cameron Bure), who starred as the lovely oldest daughter D.J. Tanner, currently stars on ABC Family's "Make it or Break It." In January 2011, she released a book with co-writer Darlene Schacht called "Reshaping It All," which is a mixture of biographical anecdotes, spiritual growth lessons, and healthful living advice.

Lori Loughlin, who portrayed lovable "Aunt" Rebecca Donaldson (Katsopolis when she married "Uncle Jesse"), has gone on to many exciting things since the front door closed on "Full House." She played Debbie Wilson on "90210," the spin-off of the original "Beverly Hills, 90210" series. She also saw success playing Ava Gregory in "Summerland," a show she co-created for the WB.

John Stamos, who played the unforgettable and lovable "bad boy" Uncle Jesse Katsopolis, now stars on "Glee" as Dr. Carl Howell. His performance in the "Rocky Horror Picture" show tribute episode went viral online. He also completed a very successful run in "Bye Bye Birdie" on Broadway in 2010, and he has done many films, TV shows (such as "ER") and Broadway shows since the conclusion of "Full House."

Bob Saget, the actor behind the cleaning-obsessed, ever-loving dad Danny Tanner, tours the U.S. with his comedy (which is much dirtier than anything ever uttered from Danny's mouth). In 2010, he did a show called "Strange Days with Bob Saget" for the Arts and Entertainment Channel. The series looked at odd, unusual or quirky subcultures across the U.S. He continues to act and do comedy regularly.

Dave Coulier, known to "Full House" fans as irresistible, hilarious Joey, remains a very in-demand comedian, and he tours all over the country with his act. He has also recently started directing commercials. He is also a very talented voice actor, and he has lent his voice talents to such shows as "Bob & Doug," "Robot Chicken," and "Farce of the Penguins."

Andrea Barber, who portrayed the fashion-challenged, Jesse-loving best friend of D.J., retired from acting after "Full House." She was praised in Jodie Sweetin's memoirs "Unsweetined" and in Candace Cameron Bure's "Reshaping It All" (which both feature her photographs and great stories of her lovable personality and kindness on the set). She is now married with a son.

Sources cited:

"TV Guide," Lori Loughlin Biography
Dave Coulier's Official Twitter Account, @DaveCoulier
ABC News, "20 Years After Full House"
Press Kitsch, "Latest Contestant on Dancing with the Stars: Jodie Sweetin?
Jodie Sweetin's Official Twitter Account, @JodieTweetin
Candace Cameron Bure, Official Website
Bob Saget, Official Bob Saget Site