When Full House first aired in 1987, the world fell in love with the Tanner family. The lovable characters, from Danny Tanner (Bob Saget) to the mischievous twins Michelle Tanner (played by twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen), became household names almost overnight. But what happens when decades pass, and it’s time to revisit those beloved characters? This is where Fuller House comes in – a Netflix revival that brought back many of the stars of the original show, but with a new, older twist.
Fans were eager to see how the cast had changed, and today we’ll break down the comparison of how old the original Full House cast was when it aired compared to their Fuller House counterparts. Let’s take a deep dive into the transformation of these beloved stars from childhood actors to adulthood on-screen!
The Full House Era: When It All Began
Before we talk about Fuller House, let’s start with a brief recap of Full House and its initial cast. The show, which ran for 8 seasons from 1987 to 1995, introduced us to the Tanner family: a widowed dad, Danny Tanner, raising three daughters, along with the help of his brother-in-law Jesse Katsopolis and his best friend Joey Gladstone.
The Full House main cast members were relatively young, and they fit perfectly into their roles as the carefree, quirky characters we came to love. Here’s how old each of the main stars were when the show first premiered:
Danny Tanner (Bob Saget)
Bob Saget, who played Danny Tanner, was born on May 17, 1956. When Full House aired in 1987, Saget was 31 years old. He portrayed a loving, often neurotic single father, balancing a chaotic home with humor and heart.
Jesse Katsopolis (John Stamos)
John Stamos, who played the cool, rockstar uncle Jesse, was born on August 19, 1963. He was just 24 years old when Full House premiered. His youthful energy and good looks made him a fan favorite.
Joey Gladstone (Dave Coulier)
Dave Coulier, who played the goofy and lovable Joey, was born on September 21, 1959. He was 28 years old when he started playing the character in Full House.
DJ Tanner (Candace Cameron Bure)
Candace Cameron Bure, who played the eldest Tanner daughter DJ, was born on April 6, 1976. She was only 11 years old when she first appeared on Full House. DJ grew up right alongside the show, making her character relatable to fans who were also growing up during the same time.
Stephanie Tanner (Jodie Sweetin)
Jodie Sweetin, who played the middle child Stephanie Tanner, was born on January 19, 1982. She was just 5 years old when Full House debuted in 1987, growing up on-screen as fans watched her evolve from a cute, sassy little girl into a strong young woman.
Michelle Tanner (Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen)
The role of the adorable Michelle Tanner was shared by twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. The twins were born on June 13, 1986, meaning they were about 1 year old when Full House began. Over the years, they alternated in playing the character, becoming iconic child stars in the process.
Fuller House: A New Era
Fast forward to 2016 when Fuller House hit Netflix, and the nostalgia for Full House fans was overwhelming. This time around, DJ Tanner (Candace Cameron Bure) is a grown woman, now a single mother raising her own kids, just like her father once did. Her sisters, Stephanie and Michelle (though Michelle’s absence was notable), return to lend a hand in helping DJ navigate motherhood.
Let’s now compare the ages of the main cast in Fuller House to see how much they had changed after 21 years!
Danny Tanner (Bob Saget) – 21 Years Later
By the time Fuller House premiered in 2016, Bob Saget was 60 years old. Despite his older age, Saget’s iconic character remained as charming and lovable as ever, continuing to be the caring father figure, albeit with a touch of added wisdom (and wrinkles!).
Jesse Katsopolis (John Stamos) – The Ageless Uncle
John Stamos, at 52 years old in Fuller House, is a striking example of aging gracefully. Even though he was no longer the fresh-faced heartthrob of the original show, Stamos brought the same charm to his role as Uncle Jesse, now married with kids. His portrayal of the family’s lovable rock star uncle remained a favorite for viewers, proving that he’s still got it!
Joey Gladstone (Dave Coulier) – Bringing the Humor, Still
Dave Coulier, now 56 in Fuller House, brought the same goofy humor to his role as Joey, the lovable uncle. He had aged, but the jokes and gags still made fans chuckle, showing that the true spirit of Joey had never left.
DJ Tanner (Candace Cameron Bure) – A Grown-Up Supermom
Candace Cameron Bure was 40 years old when Fuller House aired. DJ Tanner had grown up to become a successful career woman, a widow, and a mother of three. Bure’s portrayal of DJ as a supermom who juggles her career, kids, and love life resonated deeply with many fans, showing that the character had matured in every way possible.
Stephanie Tanner (Jodie Sweetin) – A Strong Woman
Jodie Sweetin, who was 34 years old when Fuller House premiered, returned as Stephanie Tanner, now a successful DJ and world traveler. She had shed her childlike sass for a more mature and confident version of herself, but the charm and quirkiness remained.
Michelle Tanner (Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen) – The Mysterious Absence
Here’s where things get a bit interesting: Michelle Tanner, the adorable little girl we all knew and loved, was notably absent in Fuller House. Neither Mary-Kate nor Ashley Olsen returned to reprise the role of Michelle, leaving many fans wondering what could have been. The reasons behind their absence were never fully explained, but it added an air of mystery to the Fuller House reboot.
How Old Were The Cast Members In Total?
Let’s take a look at the ages of the main cast of Fuller House at the time of the show’s premiere in 2016:
- Bob Saget (Danny Tanner) – 60 years old
- John Stamos (Jesse Katsopolis) – 52 years old
- Dave Coulier (Joey Gladstone) – 56 years old
- Candace Cameron Bure (DJ Tanner) – 40 years old
- Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie Tanner) – 34 years old
- Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (Michelle Tanner) – Not involved in Fuller House
Conclusion: A Look at the Passing of Time
It’s incredible to look back and see how much the Full House cast has changed over the years. From the fresh-faced youngsters of the original series to the more mature and wise characters in Fuller House, the cast showed us that time may pass, but the love for these characters never fades.
While some fans may have been disappointed with Michelle’s absence, the rest of the cast made sure to keep the spirit of Full House alive. Whether it was Bob Saget’s fatherly wisdom or John Stamos’s timeless charm, the characters from Full House still resonated with audiences, proving that they truly were a family we all grew up with.
FAQs:
1. Why wasn’t Michelle Tanner in Fuller House?
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen chose not to reprise their role as Michelle Tanner in Fuller House. The reasons behind their absence are unclear, but it has been suggested they were not interested in acting at the time.
2. How old was Candace Cameron Bure when Fuller House began?
Candace Cameron Bure was 40 years old when Fuller House premiered in 2016.
3. Did John Stamos really age as gracefully as Jesse in Fuller House?
Yes! John Stamos, now in his 50s, still exuded the same charm and appeal as Jesse Katsopolis, albeit with more life experience.
4. What was the age difference between the characters in Full House and Fuller House?
The cast members aged 20-30 years between Full House and Fuller House, reflecting the passage of time both in real life and within the show’s universe.
5. Will there be another Fuller House season?
As of now, Fuller House has concluded with its fifth season. There have been no announcements regarding a continuation or reboot.
