The Olsen twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley, became household names at an incredibly young age due to their iconic roles as Michelle Tanner on the beloved TV series Full House. While fans have always been curious about the lives of these famous siblings, many are unaware of the complexities and relationships they had with their Full House co-stars. In this article, we uncover 20 fascinating things about the Olsen twins’ relationships with the Full House cast that you probably never knew.
1. The Olsen Twins Didn’t Actually Share a Role on Set
Though Mary-Kate and Ashley alternated playing Michelle Tanner, it wasn’t just a simple case of one twin acting while the other rested. In fact, both of them had distinct schedules, and they often switched places during filming. The twins would take turns playing Michelle, especially when the scenes required long hours of filming, giving them more time to balance work and childhood.
2. Bob Saget Was Like a Father Figure to Them
Bob Saget, who played Danny Tanner, had a significant influence on the Olsen twins during the Full House years. He was like a father figure to the girls, offering them advice and guidance throughout their early years in Hollywood. In interviews, both Mary-Kate and Ashley have shared their fondness for Bob, with Ashley noting that he was “like a second father.”
3. John Stamos Helped the Olsen Twins Learn the Ropes of Acting
John Stamos, who played the charismatic Uncle Jesse, was another key figure in the twins’ lives. He played an instrumental role in introducing the girls to the professional side of acting. Stamos would often mentor them, offering tips on how to perform in front of the camera, which helped them build their acting skills from a young age.
4. The Twins Were Nervous Around Candace Cameron Bure
Candace Cameron Bure, who portrayed DJ Tanner, was one of the most beloved characters on Full House. In their early years, the Olsen twins were actually a bit shy and intimidated by Candace, as she was much older and more experienced. Over time, however, they became closer and developed a strong bond, both on and off-screen.
5. The Cast Went to Great Lengths to Protect Their Privacy
The Full House cast, especially the Olsen twins, were constantly in the spotlight. To protect their privacy, the cast, particularly Bob Saget and John Stamos, made efforts to shield the twins from the invasive paparazzi and media attention. They often acted as guardians, helping keep the twins’ childhoods as normal as possible amidst the fame.
6. The Olsen Twins Found It Hard to Be Just Kids
Due to the immense fame and pressure they experienced from an early age, the Olsen twins often had difficulty leading a typical childhood. They spent much of their youth on set, learning how to juggle work and play. While their co-stars were supportive, the twins’ lives were always under public scrutiny, making it difficult for them to experience a “normal” childhood.
7. Bob Saget Helped the Olsen Twins Through Their Early Hollywood Struggles
As the twins became more popular, they started facing the pressures of being child stars. Bob Saget, always a steady presence, was there to reassure them. According to the twins, Saget would often comfort them when things got overwhelming. He made sure they had the support they needed to navigate Hollywood without getting lost in the chaos of fame.
8. They Had a Special Bond with Lori Loughlin (Aunt Becky)
While Lori Loughlin, who played Aunt Becky, wasn’t in every episode, the twins shared a close bond with her. Loughlin, who also became a mother figure on set, was warm and caring toward the Olsen twins, always offering a listening ear. Her motherly approach helped the twins feel safe and loved on set.
9. The Twins Were Actually a Bit Hesitant About Being in the Spotlight
Though the twins became extremely successful through Full House, they were initially hesitant about the idea of being in the spotlight. Their mother, Jarnette Olsen, always kept them grounded and taught them the importance of balancing fame with family life. Despite their initial hesitations, the twins learned to embrace their roles and grew into their on-screen personas.
10. Mary-Kate Was the More Outgoing Twin
While both Mary-Kate and Ashley are known for their independent personalities, Mary-Kate was often considered the more outgoing of the two. She had a more extroverted personality, while Ashley was more reserved. This dynamic sometimes influenced their relationships with the cast, with Mary-Kate being the first to engage with the other actors off-screen.
11. The Olsen Twins Never Really Left the Show’s Legacy
Even after Full House ended in 1995, the Olsen twins remained connected to the show. They were often invited to cast reunions and continued to engage with their co-stars in private, keeping the legacy of the Tanner family alive. Their love for the show remained strong, and they were always respectful of what Full House did for their careers.
12. They Loved Working with Dave Coulier
Dave Coulier, who played Joey Gladstone, was another co-star the twins had a special connection with. Coulier’s goofy sense of humor and ability to make everyone laugh on set made him a favorite among the twins. They were particularly fond of his pranks and antics, which kept things light-hearted on set.
13. The Cast Was Protective of Their Childhoods
While many child stars fall victim to the pressures of Hollywood, the cast of Full House made a conscious effort to protect the Olsen twins from the darker side of fame. They ensured that the twins didn’t grow up too quickly and were shielded from the harsh realities of the entertainment industry, which was a major concern for their parents as well.
14. They Felt Like True Family on Set
Despite the often chaotic nature of being child stars, the Olsen twins always felt like the Full House cast was a true family. From the adult stars like Bob Saget and John Stamos to their fellow young actors like Candace Cameron Bure, everyone treated them with respect and care, fostering a family-like environment on set that the twins cherish to this day.
15. They Were Involved in the Show’s Creative Decisions
As the twins became older, they were gradually more involved in the creative side of Full House. They would offer their opinions on storylines, and the producers would take their input seriously. This helped the twins feel more in control of their roles and allowed them to grow more as performers.
16. The Cast Stayed in Touch After the Show Ended
After Full House wrapped up, the Olsen twins maintained friendships with many of the cast members. They often stayed in touch with their co-stars and would occasionally reunite for events or private gatherings. Their bond with Bob Saget, John Stamos, and others remained strong long after the show ended.
17. They Weren’t Initially Interested in the Reboot
When the idea of a Full House reboot came up with Fuller House, the Olsen twins weren’t initially on board. They were focused on their fashion career and wanted to move on from their acting days. However, they later expressed support for the show and have occasionally made cameo appearances in reunions.
18. The Twins Were Grateful for Their Full House Experience
Despite the challenges of growing up in the public eye, the Olsen twins have expressed immense gratitude for their time on Full House. They’ve stated in interviews that they wouldn’t trade the experience for anything, as it helped shape who they are today and gave them invaluable life lessons.
19. Bob Saget’s Passing Was a Hard Loss for the Twins
When Bob Saget tragically passed away in January 2022, the Olsen twins shared heartfelt tributes to the man who had been like a father figure to them. They expressed how much he had meant to them over the years and the deep impact he had on their lives.
20. The Olsen Twins Will Always Be Part of the Full House Legacy
No matter how far the twins have gone in their careers or how much time has passed since Full House ended, the Olsen twins will forever be part of the show’s legacy. Their portrayal of Michelle Tanner left an indelible mark on the show and its fans, and their bond with the Full House cast will always be remembered as one of the most special aspects of the show’s success.
Conclusion
The Olsen twins’ relationship with the Full House cast is a testament to the enduring nature of the show’s heartwarming dynamics. While their time on the show helped launch their incredibly successful careers, their deep bonds with their co-stars made their experience on Full House even more memorable. From the love and support of Bob Saget to the fun moments with John Stamos and the tight-knit cast, the Olsen twins will forever be linked to the iconic show that shaped their childhood and career.
FAQs
1. Did the Olsen twins like working with Bob Saget?
Yes, the Olsen twins considered Bob Saget a father figure, and they shared fond memories of his guidance and care during their time on the show.
2. Were the Olsen twins involved in the creative decisions on Full House?
As they got older, the twins were gradually more involved in offering opinions on storylines and their characters, making them feel more in control of their roles.
3. Did the Olsen twins ever return to Full House after it ended?
While they didn’t initially appear in the Full House reboot, Fuller House, the twins expressed support for the project and made a cameo appearance at a later stage.
4. How did the Olsen twins feel about their childhood in the spotlight?
The twins had a unique experience growing up as child stars, and while it was challenging at times, they expressed gratitude for their time on Full House and the relationships they formed with the cast.
5. What was Bob Saget’s impact on the Olsen twins’ lives?
Bob Saget had a profound impact on the Olsen twins. He was a mentor and father figure who provided invaluable advice and helped them navigate the challenges of being child stars in Hollywood.
