When you think of Full House, one of the first things that probably comes to mind is Stephanie Tanner’s iconic catchphrase, “How rude!” It became one of the most memorable lines from the show, spoken with a mix of sass and innocence by the beloved character played by Jodie Sweetin. However, when Full House fans saw an older version of Stephanie in Fuller House, there was a twist—an unexpected actress, Julia Montgomery, portrayed the grown-up version of the character. Her take on the famous catchphrase left a lasting impression, and she’s finally opened up about how she nailed it.
In this article, we’ll dive into the story behind Julia Montgomery’s portrayal of Stephanie Tanner, her thoughts on capturing the essence of that iconic “How rude!” moment, and why it continues to resonate with fans to this day.
The Full House Phenomenon: A Timeless Family Favorite
First, let’s revisit the magic of Full House. The show ran from 1987 to 1995, and throughout its run, it became a cultural staple. From the lovable Tanner family to the hilarious situations that unfolded, Full House captured the hearts of millions. Stephanie Tanner, the middle child, quickly became a fan favorite with her quirky antics and her loveable sass. One of her most iconic moments came when she delivered the now-infamous line, “How rude!” which became a signature catchphrase associated with the character.
But what happens when that childhood sass grows up? That’s where Julia Montgomery enters the picture.
Who Is Julia Montgomery? A Quick Introduction
Before we dive into her role as an older Stephanie Tanner, let’s take a moment to talk about Julia Montgomery. Montgomery is an experienced actress who’s known for her versatile roles across film and television. She has an extensive career, having appeared in a variety of genres and shows, from comedy to drama.
When the opportunity came to play the older version of Stephanie Tanner on Fuller House, Montgomery stepped into the role with both confidence and respect for the original portrayal. Fans weren’t sure what to expect, but Montgomery’s interpretation quickly won them over.
Recreating the Famous ‘How Rude’ Line: Julia’s Approach
As part of her role in Fuller House, Montgomery had the unique challenge of delivering one of the most iconic lines in TV history. “How rude!” wasn’t just a line—it was a signature moment that defined Stephanie Tanner’s character. Julia knew she had to do justice to the moment but make it her own. So, how did she approach it?
Montgomery revealed that she spent time studying Jodie Sweetin’s original performance. “I watched Jodie’s portrayal closely,” she said. “I wanted to make sure I understood the essence of the character and why that line became so iconic. It’s all about the timing and delivery.” With that in mind, Montgomery took a deep dive into what made the line memorable for fans—its perfect blend of shock, sass, and humor.
Why ‘How Rude’ Became So Iconic in the First Place
The magic of Stephanie Tanner’s “How rude!” lies not just in the words, but in the delivery. Jodie Sweetin’s take on the line embodied the character’s innocence while still showcasing her ability to call out those around her in a funny, exaggerated way. It was the perfect blend of youthful defiance and humor.
Fans still remember it fondly, and it’s no surprise that Fuller House would bring back this iconic moment when it was time to showcase an older version of Stephanie. The challenge for Montgomery was to bring that same energy while playing a grown-up version of the character who had clearly evolved but still carried the spirit of her younger self.
The Power of Nostalgia: Bringing Back a Classic Catchphrase
When Fuller House debuted on Netflix, fans were eager to revisit their favorite childhood characters. The show’s creators understood that nostalgia would play a significant role in the reboot’s success, and bringing back the “How rude!” line was a smart move. But rather than simply repeating it for the sake of it, the delivery had to feel fresh while also honoring the original moment.
Montgomery’s recreation of the line brought back that nostalgic punch, which fans loved. It was a perfect way to pay homage to the original show, while also giving the line a modern twist. The character had grown up, but the essence of the spunky, outspoken Stephanie was still there.
The Reactions from Fans: Did Julia Montgomery’s ‘How Rude’ Hit the Mark?
As soon as Montgomery delivered the line in Fuller House, fans took to social media to express their excitement. Many commented on how well she captured the essence of the character while also adding her unique flair. The scene quickly went viral, with fans praising Montgomery for her spot-on recreation of the iconic catchphrase.
One Twitter user wrote, “Julia Montgomery’s ‘How rude’ hit me right in the feels! You nailed it!” Another fan commented, “I didn’t think anyone could pull off the ‘How rude’ line like Jodie Sweetin, but Julia Montgomery did it justice.”
What Makes Julia Montgomery’s ‘How Rude’ Different?
While Montgomery’s version of the “How rude!” line may have been similar to Jodie Sweetin’s portrayal, there were subtle differences that made it uniquely her own. As an adult version of the character, Montgomery’s delivery reflected a slightly more mature tone while still embodying the sassiness Stephanie was known for. It wasn’t just a recreation; it was an evolution of the character, showing how much she had grown over the years.
Montgomery explained, “I had to find a way to give it my own spin. It was important to show that Stephanie had matured but still held onto that witty, outspoken nature she’s known for.”
The Importance of Catchphrases in TV and Film: Why ‘How Rude’ Still Resonates
Catchphrases like “How rude!” are powerful tools in entertainment because they become symbols of the character’s personality. Over time, they become ingrained in pop culture, evoking memories of the show and the character who made them famous. For Full House fans, Stephanie Tanner’s catchphrase is part of what made her so memorable. It’s a phrase that can instantly transport you back to your childhood, whether you’re watching the show for the first time or revisiting it as an adult.
The Lasting Legacy of ‘How Rude’ in Pop Culture
Even years after Full House ended, “How rude!” remains a defining element of the show. It has been referenced in various media, parodied by other characters, and continues to be quoted by fans who remember the good times they had watching the Tanner family. Julia Montgomery’s recreation of the phrase in Fuller House helped bring that legacy full circle, reminding fans of the lasting impact of Stephanie Tanner and her sassy catchphrase.
Julia Montgomery’s Takeaway: The Art of Recreating an Iconic Moment
For Montgomery, nailing the “How rude!” moment was about more than just saying the line; it was about capturing the heart of what made it so special. “It’s about channeling the same energy and spirit that made the line memorable in the first place,” she explained. “It’s a balance of honoring the past while still bringing something new to the table.”
By doing so, she managed to make the moment feel both nostalgic and fresh, bridging the gap between the Full House era and the new generation of fans who grew up with Fuller House.
Conclusion: A Perfect Tribute to a TV Classic
Julia Montgomery’s portrayal of an older Stephanie Tanner, complete with her iconic “How rude!” line, was a brilliant tribute to a TV classic. By recreating the catchphrase while adding her unique touch, Montgomery not only honored the past but also brought a fresh, mature perspective to a beloved character. Fans of Full House and Fuller House alike were thrilled to see the iconic moment revived, and Montgomery’s performance was the perfect way to pay homage to one of the most memorable catchphrases in TV history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What made Stephanie Tanner’s “How rude!” line so iconic?
Stephanie Tanner’s “How rude!” line became iconic due to its perfect timing, sass, and innocence. It became a signature moment for the character, showcasing her cheeky attitude while also being endearing.
2. How did Julia Montgomery prepare to deliver the “How rude!” line?
Julia Montgomery studied Jodie Sweetin’s original performance closely to understand the essence of the line. She focused on the timing and delivery, making sure to capture the spirit of the character while adding her own spin.
3. Why was the “How rude!” line brought back in Fuller House?
The “How rude!” line was brought back as a nostalgic tribute to Full House fans. It was also a way to show how Stephanie Tanner had grown, while still honoring the character’s classic catchphrase.
4. How did fans react to Julia Montgomery’s “How rude!”?
Fans praised Montgomery’s take on the iconic line, with many expressing that she did justice to the character while making the moment her own. Social media exploded with positive reactions from long-time fans.
5. Why do catchphrases like “How rude!” endure in pop culture?
Catchphrases like “How rude!” endure because they become symbols of a character’s personality. They evoke nostalgia and become ingrained in pop culture, reminding fans of their favorite moments from TV shows.
