The Full House series, which premiered in 1987, became one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. Fast forward to 2016, when the show was revived with Fuller House on Netflix, bringing the next generation of the Tanner family into the spotlight. As fans tuned in, many wondered: how have the original stars aged since the days of Full House? How do their appearances compare in Fuller House, and how old were they in both shows?
In this article, we’re going to take a look at the ages of the main Full House cast members then and now, examining how much they’ve changed over the years, from their youthful days on Full House to their more mature roles in Fuller House.
Full House: A Glimpse into the Past
Full House first aired on September 22, 1987, and quickly became a staple of family-friendly TV. The show’s premise centered around Danny Tanner (Bob Saget), a widowed father raising his three daughters, DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle, with the help of his brother-in-law, Jesse, and best friend Joey. The wholesome, feel-good sitcom captivated audiences for eight seasons, ending in 1995.
The Cast of Full House: Ages at the Start
Here’s a breakdown of the main cast members’ ages when Full House first aired in 1987:
- Bob Saget (Danny Tanner): Born May 17, 1956, Saget was 31 years old when Full House premiered.
- John Stamos (Jesse Katsopolis): Born August 19, 1963, Stamos was 24 years old at the start of Full House.
- Dave Coulier (Joey Gladstone): Born September 21, 1959, Coulier was 28 years old when the show began.
- Candace Cameron Bure (DJ Tanner): Born April 6, 1976, Bure was just 11 years old when Full House premiered.
- Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie Tanner): Born January 19, 1982, Sweetin was 5 years old at the time of the show’s debut.
- Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (Michelle Tanner): The Olsen twins, who shared the role of Michelle Tanner, were born on June 13, 1986, making them only 1 year old when Full House started.
As you can see, the main cast was relatively young when the show began, especially the child stars like Candace, Jodie, and the Olsen twins. But as Full House continued through the 90s, these young actors grew up alongside their on-screen counterparts.
Fuller House: The Cast Returns (With a Few Years Between)
Nearly two decades after Full House ended, Netflix debuted Fuller House, a reboot that brought back most of the original cast. The series, which premiered in February 2016, focused on DJ Tanner-Fuller (Candace Cameron Bure) as a widowed mom raising her children in the same house she grew up in. Stephanie Tanner (Jodie Sweetin) and Kimmy Gibbler (Andrea Barber) returned as well.
The Cast of Fuller House: Ages When the Reboot Aired
Here’s how old the main Full House cast was when Fuller House debuted:
- Bob Saget (Danny Tanner): Born in 1956, Saget was 59 years old when Fuller House premiered.
- John Stamos (Jesse Katsopolis): Stamos was 52 years old when Fuller House aired.
- Dave Coulier (Joey Gladstone): Coulier was 56 years old at the time of the reboot’s release.
- Candace Cameron Bure (DJ Tanner): Bure was 39 years old when Fuller House debuted.
- Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie Tanner): Sweetin was 34 years old when the show premiered.
- Andrea Barber (Kimmy Gibbler): Barber, who portrayed DJ’s quirky best friend, was 40 years old during Fuller House.
As you can see, the main Full House cast members were much older when they returned for Fuller House, having grown from their roles as young adults and children to full-fledged adults themselves.
A Journey Through Time: How the Cast Changed
It’s fascinating to compare how the cast of Full House has changed over the years, especially since many of them were so young when the original series began. Let’s break down how the key members have transformed from the 1980s to 2016 and beyond.
Candace Cameron Bure (DJ Tanner)
Candace Cameron Bure was just a pre-teen when she starred as the oldest Tanner child, DJ. She grew up on screen, transitioning from the sweet, responsible big sister to a full-grown adult with her own family in Fuller House. By the time the reboot aired in 2016, Bure was 39 years old, balancing motherhood, career, and the return to her iconic role.
Transformation: From the innocent 11-year-old to a confident 39-year-old mother and career woman, Bure has not only aged gracefully but has also proven herself as a talented actress and author.
Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie Tanner)
Jodie Sweetin was only five years old when she became the witty and charming middle child, Stephanie Tanner. Over the years, Sweetin went through her own personal struggles but made a successful return to the screen with Fuller House at 34 years old. Her role as the fun-loving, free-spirited aunt was well-received, and fans loved seeing her grow into a mature woman.
Transformation: From a child star to a resilient adult, Sweetin’s transformation reflects her ability to overcome challenges and find success in her career.
John Stamos (Jesse Katsopolis)
John Stamos was 24 when he first played the cool, lovable uncle Jesse in Full House. His character was a heartthrob for many, and Stamos himself has only grown more charismatic with age. By the time Fuller House premiered, Stamos was 52, still looking youthful and spry, and as charming as ever.
Transformation: While Stamos certainly aged, his smooth transition from a 24-year-old bachelor to a 52-year-old family man has been impressive. His on-screen chemistry with the Tanner family remains unchanged.
Bob Saget (Danny Tanner)
Bob Saget, the heart and soul of Full House, was just 31 when he portrayed the widowed father, Danny Tanner. He was a perfect blend of humor and fatherly wisdom, and fans were devastated when Saget passed away in 2022. His legacy, both as a comedian and as Danny, lives on through reruns and Fuller House.
Transformation: Though Saget’s appearance naturally changed over the years, his role as a beloved father figure remained a core part of the show, and his legacy will always be remembered.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (Michelle Tanner)
The Olsen twins were only 1 year old when they shared the role of Michelle Tanner. By the time Fuller House aired, the twins had stepped away from acting to pursue fashion and business ventures. They did not reprise their role for the reboot, and their absence was noticeable for many fans.
Transformation: While the Olsen twins are no longer acting, their evolution from child stars to successful entrepreneurs is remarkable.
Conclusion: From Childhood to Parenthood – The Tanner Family Grows
The main cast of Full House and Fuller House has undergone significant transformations over the years, growing from young TV stars to mature adults. Watching them evolve on-screen has been a joy for fans who grew up with the show, and Fuller House allowed us to see the Tanner family in a new light. Despite the years that have passed, the core values of love, family, and humor have remained the same, making these shows timeless.
Whether they were playing the fun-loving children of Full House or the adults raising the next generation in Fuller House, the cast’s journey from then to now serves as a testament to their enduring appeal.
FAQs
1. How old were the main cast members of Full House when the show first aired?
The main cast members ranged in age from Bob Saget (31) to the Olsen twins (1 year old) when Full House premiered in 1987.
2. How old were the main cast members of Fuller House?
The main cast of Fuller House was considerably older, with Candace Cameron Bure being 39 and John Stamos 52 when the show debuted in 2016.
3. Did the Olsen twins reprise their role as Michelle Tanner in Fuller House?
No, the Olsen twins did not reprise their role in Fuller House, as they had retired from acting to focus on fashion and business.
4. How did the transformation of the cast affect the show?
The cast’s transformation brought a fresh perspective to Fuller House, where the original stars balanced their roles with new storylines about parenthood, love, and family.
5. How did Bob Saget’s passing impact the cast of Full House and Fuller House?
Bob Saget’s death in 2022 was a tragic loss for the cast and fans. His absence was felt deeply, but his legacy as Danny Tanner and his contributions to both Full House and Fuller House continue to resonate.
