Since then, the actor has built an awe-inspiring resume — from becoming the face of Hallmark Channel to writing bestselling books and running multiple businesses. Plus, the star has also had several internet storms to her name! Here is a look back at the life and spectacular evolution of Candace Cameron Bure.
Growing Up in L.A.
Candace Helaine Cameron was born on April 6, 1976, to Robert and Barbara Cameron. She is the youngest of four siblings. Her brother, Kirk, is the eldest, followed by her sisters, Bridgette and Melissa.
Growing up in Los Angeles, the Cameron children grew up in close quarters in the entertainment industry. Candace's mother worked as a talent manager, while her father was a gym instructor. It was only a matter of time before someone in the family made it big in Hollywood.
She Enters Showbiz at Age Five
Sure enough, her brother, Kirk, broke into the entertainment business. He made a name for himself as Mike Seaver on “Growing Pains,” with subsequent appearances in many more television shows and movies. It seemed like a natural progression when Candace and her sister, Melissa, followed suit.
Candace began acting in television commercials at age five. Melissa started auditioning around the same time and even landed one commercial. Unlike Candace, however, she decided acting was not her calling.
She Appears in Several Commercials
Candace's early work included a 1982 KFC commercial with magician David Fletcher. A very young, incredibly-cute Candace appears in the ad, relishing a chicken leg and showing America how to “do chicken right.” She also appeared in a commercial for Cabbage Patch Kids, where she introduced the baby doll line, AKA “the littlest Cabbage Patch Kids of all.”
But her first credited role was in an episode of the 1982 hit series. "St. Elsewhere." The budding actor was so good she appeared in the series several more times.
Her First Theatrical Releases
She made her feature film debut in a minor role in the teen romance "Some Kind of Wonderful" (1987) scripted by John Hughes. Candace also played Sally Field's daughter in the film, "Punchline" (1988), which also featured a young Tom Hanks. She would later reveal that being on the sets of "Punchline" gave her valuable life lessons.
The young actor witnessed an exhausted Sally Field — spent after shooting an emotional scene multiple times — insisting she needed a break. Even Hollywood legends have their limits. Candace learned that "it's okay to say when you've reached yours."
The Audition That Changed Her Life
Although having a celebrity brother helped, Candace nailed the auditions for the ABC sitcom "Full House" all alone. Series creator Jeff Franklin believed she was not faking being "DJ Tanner" because, in many ways, Candace was the character — authentic, cute, and immensely relatable. Candace more than held her own, despite her last name.
Being Kirk Cameron’s sister was merely a bonus. The rest is history. “Full House” became a TV phenomenon with 192 episodes over eight seasons. Candace was integral to the cast ensemble, staying with the show for its entire run from 1987 to 1995.
She Was Devastated After "Full House" Auditions
Candace did not recall things going so smoothly, though. After her first audition for the role of DJ Tanner, the casting director called and said, "Yeah, she was fine. She was fine. We'll bring her back for a second interview." Candace broke down, thinking she had blown the audition. Despite the casting director's assurances that everything was alright, Candace felt destroyed.
She asked what she could do to be better than "fine," and they suggested she bring more energy. Candace had two or three auditions for producers before officially becoming DJ Tanner.
The Origins of “Oh Mylanta!”
One of the things fans love about "Full House" are the many catchphrases. Each catchphrase became trendy to use — from "how rude!" and “cut it out!” to uncle Jesse’s now-iconic "have mercy!" Candace's was, "Oh, Mylanta!" But very few people know that some catchphrases came from expressions the cast used in real life.
Candace often used "Oh Mylanta" since she was a devout Christian who did not want to the Lord's name in vain. The phrase stuck and became a part of the show.
She Missed One "Full House" Episode
As a family sitcom, “Full House” storylines depended on everyone in the main cast. The actors needed to be around even when an episode was not about them. The show broke from convention in season six when Candace did not appear in “Subterranean Graduation Blues.”
DJ Tanner appears only in the opening credits since Candace was visiting her brother Kirk at camp. Although she was the only member of the main cast who missed an episode, she seems to have more than made up for that as the lead in the successful spin-off “Fuller House.”
Real-Life Incidents
Things were not always so great between the cast of "Full House", and we are not talking about the clashes the characters had in the show's storyline. We are talking about real-life events. As it turns out, Jodie Sweetin, who played Stephanie on the show, published a biography named "unSweetined."
She shared many secrets from the show with her fans and didn't spare any words when describing how Candace behaved on set sometimes.
The Cameron Siblings Appear in Each Other’s Shows
Before getting her big break, Candace experienced what it was like to be the sister of a famous 1980s TV sitcom star. Still, few people know or remember that the two celebrity siblings appeared on each other's respective shows.
Kirk Cameron appeared in the episode "Just One of the Guys," where he played DJ's cousin, Steve. Candace appeared as a guest star on two episodes of "Growing Pains" as Jenny Foster.
Jeremy Miller
Kirk Cameron, Candace's brother, was not her only connection to "Growing Pains." As it turns out, Candace dated one of the cast members of the show. Candace claims it was nothing serious, but there was something going on at the time.
Jeremy Miller played Ben Seaver, Mike's younger and annoying brother. Miller was just eleven years old, but he claimed it was true love. She, on the other hand, says her husband was her first real romance.
Sometimes Dream Do Come True
When Candace was on "Full House," she was a huge fan of New Kids on the Block. Andrea Barber, who played Kimmy from next door, was a huge fan too. The two did everything they could to bring the band on to the show, with not much success.
When Candace grew up, and so did the "Full House" show, which turned into "Fuller House," Candace recognized an opportunity. This time her dream was about to come true, even if it was more than two decades later. The members of the band were guests on now of the show's early episodes.
Kimmy Gibler and Candace
The role of Kimmy Gibler on "Full House" stretched much further than what is seen on the screen. In reality, Candace and Andrea Barber, who played Gibler, are true soulmates. Barber starred in "Fuller House" too and is known as a marathon runner.
In the real world, Candace has joined Barber on more than one occasion and has run half a marathon with her. They are best friends and share lifetime memories.
The Perks and Pressures of Being Famous
How did Candace handle all the fame? In an appearance on the All-New Mickey Mouse Club in 1990, the actor explained she was initially oblivious to the media frenzy. It never dawned on her until later that people would watch her every move and scrutinize her behavior.
Call it youth or naivete, but she remained largely unaffected by the hoop-la. Candace was 14 and still unafraid to make mistakes. She admitted she needed to be more cautious since her world had changed. Beyond that, the star was not overly concerned.
Breaking Out of Her Brother's Shadow
It could not have been easy for Candace to live with the moniker "Kirk Cameron's little sister." For many people in the industry, she was the other Cameron sibling for a long time. After being on the show for three years, everyone began calling her Candace.
She said she liked that much better even though she loved being Kirk's sister and the two famously got along. Still, breaking out of her big brother's shadow was a tremendous achievement for her.
Her First Kiss Was On-Screen
Candace had her first-ever kiss on camera — an occupational hazard for many child stars! In the episode titled "13 Candles," birthday girl DJ finally gets a kiss from her crush, Kevin. Candace recalled how it was uncomfortable and felt a million eyes on her.
What made things worse? Her parents were on set and watching along with the crew! Talk about awkward! She had no idea what to do with her eyes or hands. Fate made up for it when Candace had her true love's first kiss years later, which, she said, went a gazillion times better.
Candace Went to Senior Prom With Her On-Screen Boyfriend
Candace Cameron Bure and Scott Weinger were more than just on-screen partners. Their characters, DJ and Steve, were prom dates on the show. Candace and Scott were high school dance dates in real life too! She attended the premiere of "Aladdin" in 1992 with Scott, who voiced the title character.
The pair also went to Candace's senior prom together. In a sweet throwback moment, Scott posted their adorable prom picture to wish her a happy 46th birthday.
It Was Definitely a Date
Back in 1992, Candace wasn't sure what was lying behind Scott Weinger's invite to the "Aladdin" Premier. She didn't know if he was just being friendly or if they were, in fact, going on a date. Scott recalled that he had no idea what was going on either.
Candace was sixteen years old at the time and didn't have the guts to ask. Years later, they both agreed that they were on a date. Today, Scott confirmed that he was proud to have Candace on his dating list.
Uncle Joey Plays Matchmaker
Candace met her first boyfriend and her future husband, Valeri Bure, at a charity game held in Ontario, Canada, in October 1994. She credits meeting the Russian-born NHL player to hockey enthusiast Dave Coulier, better known as Uncle Joey.
Candace and Valeri hit it off instantly, sparks flying in the middle of an NHL lockout. Valeri handed her his jersey after the game and asked her to lunch the next day. Bob Saget would later say how he looked at the couple and knew it was a "done deal."
Her Acclaimed, Lesser-Known Films
Although she is best known for her role in "Full House," Candace also appeared in two lesser-known dramatic Lifetime Movies in the 90s. She appeared in the films "No One Would Tell" (1996) and "She Cried No" (1996).
The movies starred fellow child actors Fred Savage of “The Wonder Years" fame and Mark-Paul Gosselaar from "Saved by the Bell," respectively. Fans and critics lauded both films for their phenomenal acting and storytelling.
No One Realy Didn't Tell
The movie "No One Would Tell" was not easy for Candace to participate in. The movie is based on a tragic true story and tells the tale of a young teenager who is killed by her ex-boyfriend.
The plot covers real-life events and is a warning for other teenagers who find themselves in an abusive relationship like the lead character, who Candace plays. She posted on Twitter, "It’s such a sad and awful real-life story. Abuse, verbal & physical, is NEVER ok or justified. Tell someone if you’ve been hit or hurt."
The Sweetest Love Story
Candace played a big part in her boyfriend's introduction to life in America. The NHL player had been in Canada for only two years when they met, starting a new life from scratch after defecting from Russia.
Valeri and his brother, Pavel, did not even speak English that well, but they picked up the language by watching (you guessed it) "Full House." The show made life in a new country easier. Meeting Candace while she was filming the sitcom seemed like fate.
Candace and Valeri Get Hitched
Candace and Valeri had a whirlwind romance. The pair wasted no time and got engaged within a year of dating. A year later, the happy couple tied the knot. True to form, her on-screen family showed up to share the joy, and everyone was present — Dave Coulier (matchmaker extraordinaire), Bob Saget, John Stamos, Lori Loughlin, Jodie Sweetin, and Andrea Barber.
After the wedding, Valeri allegedly sent Dave a signed hockey stick that read, "Dear Dave, Thank you for Candace."
She Struggles With Mental Health
Filming for the final season of “Full House” had wrapped by the time she was married. Candace retired from acting and moved to Montreal, where her husband played pro hockey for the Montreal Canadiens. From “Full House” mania to a low-key existence in Montreal, the shift proved too much for her to handle.
Candace struggled to cope with her life which had become unrecognizable. Candace revealed she did not know who she was anymore. She sought emotional comfort in food and struggled with health issues and depression.
A Sabbatical From Hollywood
Candace became a mother at 22 and decided to put her career on hold. For any child star wanting to make it big as an adult in the industry, your 20s are pivotal. Candace had no regrets. Her daughter, Natasha, was born on August 15, 1998, followed by sons Lev on February 20, 2000, and Maksim on January 20, 2002.
She loved raising her children but later admitted that being labeled "just a mom" affected her. Taking care of her children meant everything, and anyone who suggested otherwise was taking it too far.
Old Fashion Upbringing
Sometimes, Candace has an old fashion way of looking at things; take discipline, for example. She had said in one interview that she is not completely against physical punishments for children and had spanked her kids when they were younger.
She said she knows it doesn't sound like a modern way of parenting, and that was exactly the point she wanted to make. She knows violence is never the answer, however, she deeply feels that something has gone lost with the modern way of bringing up kids.
Just Like Her Mother
Candace's daughter Natasha is following in her mother's footsteps and has become an actress. She has starred alongside her mother in the movie "Switched for Christmas," which was produced by Hallmark.
Natasha is best known for her role as Cassidy in the movie "Farmer and the Belle: Saving Santaland." In 2021 she starred alongside Heather Locklear in "Lifetime's Don't Sweat the Small Stuff," and she is planning to make it big in Hollywood.
Life as a Full-Time Mom and What Came After
Candace turned down multiple jobs after becoming a mother to raise her kids — something she did happily. From her early 20s until she turned 30, the actor focused on striking a balance and staying home.
When she returned to Hollywood, one of her first jobs was with Bill Abbott, the then-CEO and president of Hallmark Media. She had no idea she would soon become the network's face (along with Lori Loughlin, her "Full House" co-star).
Valeri and Candace Become Winery Owners
Candace and Valeri founded a Napa Valley winery in 2006 after Valeri suffered a devastating back injury that ended his hockey career. Valeri channeled his passion to wine and established the Bure Family Wines. The Bure winery produces limited batches of fine wine under the guidance of winemaker Luc Morlet — a sought-after name among premium Napa Valley establishments.
Valeri and Candace went one step further and purchased an estate in 2011 to grow their own grapes.
Back in Action
Before her comeback in Hallmark's "Moonlight and Mistletoe" (2008), Candace made several tv appearances. She was featured in "I Love the 80s" and "I Love the 80s Strikes Back." During this period, she also co-hosted E! Network's "50 Cutest Child Stars: All Grown Up" and made guest appearances in "That's So Raven" and "The Wager."
She returned to mainstream acting in 2009 with the tv series "Make It or Break It." The show aired until 2012.
Why Hockey Was Off-Limits to Her Son
Candace shared that she and Valeri attempted to discourage their children from taking up hockey. Valeri knew first-hand the physical and emotional toll of the sport, having played in the NHL for a decade. The doting dad tried to get his kids interested in tennis, but their son Maks had his heart set on playing since he was four.
The parents finally relented, and Maks began playing hockey when he was seven. Valeri agreed to coach.
A New York Times Bestselling Author
Candace is not just an actor but also a New York Times bestselling author. She published her first book, "Reshaping It All: Motivation for Physical and Spiritual Fitness," in 2011. Through "Reshaping It All," Bure hoped to inspire women to embrace healthier spiritual and physical lives.
The book is a candid retelling of her troubled relationship with food and its associated struggles. She writes about how she overcame these struggles by making better choices and putting her faith first, which is no simple feat when you work in an industry that vilifies anyone above a size 0.
She Dances Too!
In 2014, she participated in "Dancing with the Stars", coupling with Mark Ballas, where she came in second place behind Amy Purdy and Meryl Davis. One of the storylines brewing on the reality shows that season was whether or not her religious views would come in the way of her dancing. Fans got a taste when Candace felt the need to justify her sultry moves in a post-dance interview.
While she had hinted throughout that she would not be "sexy," Cameron's Christian beliefs came across a little more aggressively than usual in the interview, as she discussed balancing her faith and "Dancing With the Stars."
Her Kids' Award
Candace is the only person who hosted "The Kids' Choice Awards" twice. The first time was in 1990 when she joined her then co-stars, Dave Coulier and David Faustino. The second time wasn't late to come.
In 1994, Candace went hand in hand with Mark Weiner and Joey Lawrence and gave the performance of her life. The award show has been running since 1988 and is going strong ever since.
She’s All for Diversity
Despite being cast as a “bigot” and a raging Conservative, Candace has always maintained she does not condone discrimination of any kind. She supported Hallmark's decision when the channel sought to diversify its movie offerings.
The network wanted to be inclusive of all groups, which Candace supported wholeheartedly. She believed the relationship was symbiotic, and they also allowed her to make films incorporating faith and family-friendly entertainment for a conservative audience.
"Fuller House" — Where Everything and Nothing Had Changed
She announced in 2015 that she would reprise her role as DJ Tanner in the highly-anticipated Netflix spin-off, “Fuller House.” The show was a tremendous success, despite the pressures of having a massive legacy to live up to. Fans loved seeing their favorite characters evolve, although many remarked how different DJ seemed in the offshoot.
In trying to drum up nostalgia, the show wanted to recreate a mirror of “Full House”. For the creators, that meant tweaking DJ's character to be more like her father’s (the late Bob Saget), and fans quickly spotted it.
Behind the Scenes Is Where Everything Happens
If there is now thing Candes loves doing, it's filming behind-the-scenes footage. She believes, and rightfully so, that fans are far more interested in the things that happen off-set than in front of the screen.
She regularly posts photos on her Instagram account. While promoting "Fuller House," these photos usually involve Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber posing for the camera.
Of Politics, Faith, and Hollywood
Candace is an outspoken conservative Republican in an industry that historically leans left. When she was a panelist on "The View", the actor said she felt pressure to represent conservatives on TV. Candace appeared in one season as a co-host — a memorable stint for all the wrong reasons.
She thanked co-host Whoopi Goldberg for having her back throughout the emotional rollercoaster. The actor believes she still experiences PTSD, thanks to the stress she endured on the show.
Wedding Cake Controversy
In July 2015, Candace, once again, made the news for defending an Oregon bakery that refused to make a cake for a lesbian wedding. She believed the business did not discriminate and had the right to choose its customers.
The former Hallmark actor discussed the matter at length on "The View" as a First Amendment rights concern and a business's freedom to choose whom it associates with. Raven Symoné, her co-host at the time, cut her off by saying, "I refuse to associate with you right now."
On Why She Left "The View"
Candace left "The View" one month after the US presidential elections in 2016. When Donald Trump was elected president, she knew things would get uglier. Defending her political views on TV would become next to impossible, not to mention unbearable.
She decided becoming a punching bag for conservatives was not worth jeopardizing her mental health. The actor was already deeply-distressed being on the show, and leaving was an easy decision.
Not Today
Despite her wholesome Christian image (or because of it), Candace has been embroiled in numerous controversies. In March 2017, the actor posted a picture on Instagram wearing a shirt with the catchphrase "Not today, S@t@n" – more famously known for being a catchphrase from “Ru Paul’s Drag Race.”
Bianca Del Rio, a contestant on the show and creator of the phrase, bitterly chastised Candace, who defended herself by saying she was not narrow-minded and prejudiced as Del Rio suggested and only has a love for people, even if she disagrees with them.
A Skincare Collaboration With QVC
Candace became the brand ambassador for Lancer Skincare as it made its QVC debut. She appeared on QVC to promote the brand's Method 3-step system, which sold out in minutes! The actress had been a Lancer Skincare loyalist for years, and she even had Dr. Lancer (the brand's creator) as her dermatologist.
On their part, Lancer Skincare believed Candace was the ultimate representation of the brand's ethos — an "authentic partnership" nurtured over ten years and counting.
A Successful Author
After the success of her first book, Candace has released several more. In 2018, she published her fifth and sixth books, "Kind is the New Classy: The Power of Living Graciously" and "Candace Center Stage," her first children's book.
Candace's third book, "Dancing Through Life: Steps of Courage and Conviction," centers around her journey on "Dancing With the Stars." The book chronicles her triumphs and struggles in stepping outside her comfort zone to compete on the show.
She Gets Trolled for Defending Her Brother
During the coronavirus pandemic, the star faced backlash when she took to social media to defend her brother Kirk, who allegedly organized Christmas caroling events in the thick of the lockdown. He was suitably rebuked and chastised by the internet, but not before Candace had something to say about it since trolls began attacking her too.
She wrote that she did not attend any caroling events and did “not appreciate the slanderous tweets” about her family.
The PDA Photo
In September 2020, Candace received criticism after sharing a photo of her husband, Valeri, with his hand on her breast. She responded with good humor and addressed the Christians shaming her post. That people believed her husband of 24 years could not touch her breast made her laugh, she said.
"We have a lot of fun together. He is free to touch me whenever he wants, and I hope he does," said the actor. She went on to apologize before promptly taking it back. Candace was sorry it offended people but was actually not sorry!
Why She Follows Democrats on Social Media
Candace found herself in the middle of another internet storm following negative comments about her following habits on social media. At the time, she followed over 1000 accounts, including Barack Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, and President Joe Biden.
The actor took pains to explain that following someone on social media does not imply endorsement. It just meant she followed different accounts to broaden her perspective and understand diverse points of view. You don't have to agree, but you must hear their opinions. Preach!
You Can't Mess With Her
If there is one thing the actor has taken away from her time on “The View,” it is a thick skin. Candace today claps back at haters without hesitation, especially when they come at her for innocuous things — like a sweet family holiday card she posted online in 2021!
The comments devolved from celebrating her family to unkind words about her children’s appearances and photo editing. She waded into the comments to tell the trolls off. The actor had much more to say on E! about the general audacity.
She Launches a Fashion Line With QVC
In 2021, Candace joined the ranks of co-stars Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen when she launched a casual sportswear collection with QVC. The fashion line reflected her values, emphasizing affordability and size inclusivity. Whether someone was size XXS or 5X, the line had fun, feminine, and fashionable clothes for everyone.
Candace did not enter the fashion world on a whim. She had always loved clothing, but it took a lot of thought, effort, and getting things right before she felt comfortable venturing into the industry, which paid off. Candace Cameron Bure Clothing sales have been incredibly successful.
When She Danced for the Holy Spirit
The Fuller House alum apologized after some of her fans were offended by a TikTok video. In July 2021, Candace posted a video in which she spoke about "the power of the Holy Spirit" while dancing with her Bible. Many thought she was attempting to be seductive and felt the post was inappropriate.
Candace clarified that she was trying to be strong and not seductive while dancing. Although she never usually apologizes for such things, the actor eventually removed the video.
Who’s the Drama?
In October 2021, she made headlines for a TikTok video about what it was like to be a conservative in the entertainment industry. The video shows her lip-syncing to an audio clip from "RuPaul's Drag Race" asking, '"Is it me? Am I the drama?" She captioned the post saying she is not the villain, but maybe she is in the larger scheme of things.
The drag reality show reposted the original clip from the show the following day with the caption, "When your audio lands on the wrong side of TikTok & they have no idea."
The Time She Wore Red to a Wedding
The actor had to go online and defend her fashion choices at a wedding in October 2021! Observers on social media took it upon themselves to criticize Candace and her daughter Natasha for wearing red dresses to a wedding — an absolute no-no, they said.
Even as Instagram users continued slamming her, Candace responded by saying, “anything goes in L.A.” and “different style rules apply in Los Angeles.” Candace does not get a break!
Followers Criticize Candace for Her Silence on Uvalde
Candace responded to followers who rebuked her for not speaking out after the tragic shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Social media was the last thing on her mind and never the first place she thought of to pour her heart out. The actor did not want to be on it then.
In May 2022, a teary-eyed Candace shared how she processes things differently from others. Some people vent or express grief instantly, while others like her need time to sit with their emotions. She went on to say that silence on social media is not an accurate representation of someone's thoughts or actions.
Her Feud With JoJo Siwa
In July 2022, Candace became the subject of another unnecessary kerfuffle when JoJo Siwa claimed in a TikTok video that the "Full House" actor is the "rudest" celebrity she had ever met. The two stars connected after the video went viral.
Jojo Siwa later explained that she was referring to a time when Candace allegedly refused to pose for a photograph with her. 11-year-old Jojo was excited to meet Candace then, and it may have been an inconvenient time for her to take photos. She did not actually think Candace was an awful human.
Candace Leaves Hallmark
She left Hallmark Media after an impressive run of 30 movies, including 18 in the "Aurora Teagarden" franchise. In April, Bure made the shocking announcement that she would be joining Great American Family, the network Bill Abbott launched in 2021 after a tumultuous exit from ABC.
Candace cleared the air with reporters, saying her contract with Hallmark was about to expire when Great American Family happened. Although she had begun renewal negotiations with Hallmark, things didn't work out.
A New Christmas Movie
In September 2022, Candace announced her first Christmas movie project with the Great American Family. The "Full House" alum revealed that the film titled "A Christmas... Present" would premiere in November as part of the network's "Great American Christmas" lineup.
The theme of the film centers around slowing down enough and enjoying the quiet moments to find God. Candace plays Maggie Larson, an overworked real estate agent and mom who needs to rediscover the "reason for the season."
Her Support of Traditional Marriage
After leaving Hallmark for Great American Family (GAF), the actor received backlash when she stated that GAF films would prioritize stories on traditional marriage. She went on to say that GAF shared her love for the Lord.
Together, they were excited to promote good family entertainment and faith-based programming. Hilarie Burton Morgan called Candace a "bigot" on social media, telling her to "ride that prejudice wave all the way to the bank."
A New Project With Hallmark
Candace Cameron Bure launched a new collaboration with Hallmark in November 2022. Unlike previous years, this did not involve holiday movies for Hallmark Media or the Hallmark Channel. Instead, Candace joined hands with Hallmark subsidiary, DaySpring, and Walmart to launch a line of faith-based inspirational merchandise.
The collection features decor, houseware, and other Christian products. In true Candace form, some of the items include "Beautifully Broken" coffee mugs, a booklet with "100 Pass-Along Notes to Share the Love," and a "One Step Closer" calendar.
A Fitness Freak
Acting, running multiple businesses, and being a mom keeps Candace busy, but she enjoys working out and prioritizes health. She told Fox News that fitness makes her feel better from the inside out. "I realized how much better my mindset is and my attitude when I put some exercise in because there are endorphins that are released that chemically actually make you a happier person," Candace explained in an interview.
Even on days with long working hours, she makes it a point to squeeze in several 10-minute workouts at different intervals.
A Price to Pay
Candace's perfect completion has a story behind it. She is strongly into anti-aging lotions and anything that can make her skin look younger and fresher. She uses the old method of vaseline for removing eye makeup and says it does wonders.
Sunscreen is one of her closest companions. She is a lover of Lancer moisturizers, and she uses fillers for her eyebrows as she says they are naturally sparse.
Candace Does Her Own Stunts!
Here is something you probably did not know about Candace. She is an action star who rarely needs a stunt double! That is right. The oh-so-sweet Candace performed all her stunts in Hallmark films and Netflix's "Fuller House" (the wrestling scene). She has never faced a stunt-related injury on set.
The actor revealed that she already knew about wrestling because she watched it with her kids at home. She believed she could handle the intense wrestling stunts on her own. Even though there were stunt doubles on set, just in case she decided she did not need them.
"Full House" was a family-favorite sitcom that lit up living rooms all throughout America in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. It was so popular that it expanded into a sequel titled "Fuller House", starring most of the original cast (minus the Olsen twins, who want nothing to do with acting anymore.)
But, even if you’re a superfan who’s seen every episode of the show multiple times, there are probably some things that you had no idea happened, and some things that were meant to stay secret. Here are some behind-the-scenes "Full House" facts you’ve never heard.
A Different Vision
If the show’s creator would’ve gone with his original ideas, "Full House" would have been an entirely different entity.
Initially, it was set to be called "House of Comics", and would follow three single stand-up comedians who were living together. The men would all stir things up just to have some spicy material for their acts. “That was the show I wanted to do,” said Jeff Franklin. Eventually, it was morphed into the show that everyone knows and loves.
Locked in
During the casting process, Franklin had to work pretty hard to secure his first choice for the leading role of Danny Tanner. Bob Saget was locked into a contract with his role on "The Morning Program".
So, when the pilot went into production, Franklin had to think quickly. He wound up casting actor John Posey. The episode never ended up airing, as he was replaced by Saget before production continued. Had he appeared in the episode; the actor would have been in every episode of the show that ever aired.
Uncle Adam
Uncle Jesse was a favorite on the show, have mercy, but things could’ve turned out very differently – and they almost did. The character’s name was originally written as Adam Cochran, but John Stamos wasn’t having it.
He really didn’t feel like an “Adam,” so he requested the name be changed to Jesse. Even then, it was Jesse Cochran, but not for long. The actor decided he wanted his Greek heritage to come through in the name, and it evolved into Jesse Katsopolis.
Living the Cry-Free Life
According to inside reports, one of the main reasons the Olsen twins were cast into the singular role of Michelle Tanner was their good behavior during auditions.
They were around nine-months-old at the time, so it’s understandable that all of the other babies who came to try out for the role cried during their time at the studio. But after they landed the role, they weren’t shy about letting the tears flow. In fact, it apparently got to be so much that some of their co-stars wanted them fired.
Give the Babies the Boot
John Stamos reportedly insisted that nine-month-old Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen be released from their newfound role on the show. According to the actor, it was because “all the Olsen twins did was cry.”
He told showrunners to find some new actresses, and they did – but it didn’t work out for very long. For a couple of takes, they invited in a new pair of babies but ended up deciding that the Olsen’s were just so adorable they could handle the crying (or they would try.)
Two for One
Hollywood certainly loves to shroud things in secrecy, and, for some things, it makes sense, but for others, not so much. Take the fact the credits removed the “and” from the Olsen’s names so that it appeared as Mary-Kate Ashley Olsen for the opening credits in the first seven seasons of the show!
Although they were credited “Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen” in the closing credits of the first season, Mary Kate was reportedly used for more scenes because Ashley cried the most when she was put on the set.
One Down
Although Mary Kate and Ashley are fraternal twins, it was very hard to tell them apart as babies because of how similar they looked. However, as they started to get older, it became more obvious that they were not the same person and this worried producers.
They started to talk about letting one of the twins go and just keeping Mary Kate to play the role of Michelle. An unlikely hero would step forward to ensure they both got to stick around when Stamos of all people said they should both get to stay.
Matching Pairs
Mary Kate and Ashley weren’t the only twins on the set of the show. Well, they may have been the only actual twins, though if you look particularly closely during season one, you’ll see another pair that always matches.
Joey’s mannequin, which sits in the alcove, always has on the same shirt as he does, which begs the question: but why? Did he buy two of each shirt because he genuinely liked them, or because he had some strange thing where he didn’t feel quite right if his mannequin wasn’t dressed exactly alike? Hmmm…
Cut It Out
One of Uncle Joey's quirks was his famous catchphrase, “Cut. It. Out.” On "Full House", it spurs from Joey’s time doing standup comedy and hosting his own children’s show with his puppet, Mr. Woodchuck. But in reality, it originated in the comedy duo Coulier shared with Mark Cendrowski before his role on the show.
The duo, which they called C and Ski, consisted of Cendrowski (Ski,) unbuttoning his shirt and making eye contact with women in the audience who he saw watching him. He’d say, “You’re in love with me, now. Cut. It. Out.” Coulier borrowed it for his new role.
A Different Kind of Love
In one season-three dream sequence, actress Jayne Modean played an all-grown-up Michelle. She and Coulier really hit it off. In the episode, titled "Those Better Not Be the Days", there’s a “Freaky Friday” vibe when the guys and girls switch roles for the day.
The two developed such an intimate relationship that they decided to tie the knot just four months after meeting on set. The two would go on to have a son, Luc, but the wedded bliss was fairly short-lived, and they ended up getting divorced just two years later.
Aunt Becky
These days, Lori Loughlin is more infamous than famous, considering her recent trouble with the law. But, when the show was on the air, she was beloved for playing the sweet role of Aunt Becky.
Initially, she was only written into the show for a small stretch of episodes, but after showrunners saw the potential between her and John Stamos, they decided to make her a permanent part of the story.
Chemistry Rising
Lori Loughlin’s chemistry with John Stamos is what convinced producers that she deserved to stick around as a regular, and that’s exactly what happened with D.J’s on-screen boyfriend, Steve Hale, played by Scott Weinger.
He told the Huffington Post in one interview that he was only originally supposed to appear in one episode but ended up sticking around for several seasons. It was already up in the air that D.J. was to have a boyfriend in the season that followed his appearance, and they liked him so much they decided to give him the spot.
Granted
While most of the actors and actresses who appeared on the show auditioned for it, one of them bypassed that process altogether. Jodie Sweetin, who played the role of Stephanie Tanner, was cast directly into it by producer Jeff Franklin himself.
Franklin was impressed with the work she’d done in a guest role as a girl named Pamela Poole on "Valerie" in 1987. When the show ended, Sweetin found herself spiraling down a dark path of substance abuse. Luckily, she was able to overcome it and now works as an advocate to help others do the same.
Couch Surfing
On the show, “uncle” Joey moved in with Danny Tanner not too long after Pam, Danny’s wife, passes away. Joey Gladstone moves in to help raise the girls when Danny’s left in such a traumatizing position. But as it turns out, living together was something the actors had done off-screen, as well.
It wasn’t for very long, but Coulier actually did stay with Bob Saget for a couple of weeks one time during a swing through L.A. The twist? This was before the days of "Full House", as they’d known each other since Coulier was just 18 years old.
No, You
You may assume that on a set full of children, it’d be the kids who were the immature ones, but as Bob Saget said back in the days, that wasn’t the case on the set. It may be the young Tanners who make the trouble when the cameras are on, but when they weren’t rolling, it was the men who’d stir things up.
In fact, they found themselves in trouble with the moms for letting their adult humor reach their young ears. In their defense, they didn’t know they could hear them – as they were in the prop room, and unaware of the turned-on monitors.
Uncles J & J
Joey and Jesse become fast friends after Jesse shows up. Jesse was only supposed to stay for a few weeks, which isn’t exactly how things turned out. When he arrived, he had zero experience in dealing with children, and he wasn’t very responsible – which was one of the reasons those two hit it off.
In one episode, the two grow their bond after taking a road trip to Las Vegas together. The trip was originally meant for all three men, but Saget couldn’t bring himself to go, which made the relationship between Jesse and Joey grow even stronger.
Regulars
During the eight seasons of the show, from 1987 to 1995, three actors can be seen in each and every episode. Jodie Sweetin, Dave Coulier, and John Stamos were in it from start to finish. Bob Saget would’ve been included on the list, too, had he not missed the pilot due to his commitment to his previous job with The Morning Program.
Sweetin once said that, although many memories were made on screen, they were nothing compared to the “family” they become off-screen. After all, they worked side by side for the better part of a decade!
Fake Out
The opening credits of each episode include some stunning shots of the Golden Gate Bridge, along with Alamo Square and Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, but it isn’t where it was filmed. The majority of the show was filmed in Burbank, at the Warner Bros. studio.
The Tanner house is a series of sets designed to look like one. In fact, it’s meant to look just like one of the Painted Ladies on Postcard Row. The house with the red door that’s seen on the show is actually located about a mile North, on Broderick Street.
A Whole New World
A year after Scott Weinger first appeared on the show, he was cast into another major role, this time, as the voice of Aladdin in Disney’s hit film.
He told "Today" in a recent interview that more people are starting to connect the dots these days, thanks to "Fuller House". Afterward, producers decided to nod to the character by filming an episode at Disney World, in which he appears in the Aladdin costume.
Clean House
During the later seasons of the show, the house always seems impeccable, thanks to Danny demanding of it. However, early on, when the guys are first finding their footing, developing their relationships, and learning to take on their new roles, cleaning isn’t exactly something they’re well-versed in.
In fact, during Season 1, Episode 4 (The Return of Grandma), the boys’ mothers show up and have to get on them about cleaning the house until it gets taken care of.
Prom Queen
Candace Cameron Bure and Steve Weinger made an adorable on-screen couple throughout season 5. But as it turns out, the actress decided to make things real between the two when she invited Weinger to her real high school prom.
Bure sported a sleek, black dress and a corsage her date brought her, while the actor dressed traditionally in a nice black suit. Bure, who is a married mother of three, posted a throwback picture of the event on her Instagram a couple of years ago, which garnered numerous likes from fans.
Comet Conspiracy
The internet is truly an amazing thing. It’s capable of connecting us all and spreading information at the speed of light. However, it’s also capable of spreading a bunch of nonsense, because when a rumor takes hold, it just gets out of hand.
Take the fact that for years, people thought Comet was played by the same dog who played in "Air Bud", though he was not. The rumor got so big Buzzfeed published an article about it to set the internet straight. It turns out the real Comet was played by an adorable rescued Golden Retriever.
Books
After the show had become wildly popular, some of the characters got their own book series as well. Michelle and Stephanie each got their own series, which at one point was combined and just called “Sisters.”
Stephanie got 32 books of her own, the latest of which was "Girl Power", which came out in October of 1999. Most of the books are still sold online today, on sites like Amazon.
Going Global
In the late ‘00s, Full House was adapted into a Russian version, which, when translated to English is basically called "The House is Upside Down", or "Topsy-Turvy House". The premise was the same, but the language and actors are obviously different.
A quick search on YouTube will deliver some results, and you can see for yourself the similarities between scenes of the original and the Russian syndication. As it turns out, the daughter of the CEO of CTC Media, the Russian broadcasting company, was a huge fan of "Full House", which is what started the whole thing!
Canceled
Despite the show’s top 25 ratings, ABC announced its cancellation in 1995, much to the disappointment of fans everywhere.
The show had gotten too expensive to produce, and apparently cost over $1 million per episode. At one point, there were talks that they would move it over to the WB, but the deal never went through.
Everyone Else Said No to the Reboot
You would expect a hit show like "Full House" would have producers lining up for the privilege of rebooting it. The reality, however, was oddly different.
According to Stamos, they were trying to get a spinoff going for several years before "Fuller House" came into being. On his Instagram, he posted that “every single network and streaming service” turned them down, until Netflix finally said yes.
Reviews for "Fuller House" Weren’t Kind
After getting shut down at the door by different networks, things started picking up and they got into their groove with the reboot.
But critics, as they often are, were quick to dismiss is when the show first came out and didn't show much kindness. Then again, like Cameron Bure said, “the critics never had a good thing to say about "Full House" and yet it ran for eight years in primetime!”
The Most-Watched Show in 2016
Critics aren't always good at predicting public opinion about a movie or a TV show. "Fuller House" is just one example of that.
According to an "IndieWire" report, the reboot was the most-watched show in 2016, drawing nearly 14.5 million viewers between the ages of 18 and 49 in just over a month. That’s more than "The Walking Dead", which was at that point, the highest-rated show on TV!
Kimmy Came Out of Retirement
Andrea Barber played the role of D.J’s goofy best friend Kimmy Gibbler from ’87 until 1995. You know, the girl next door with notoriously stinky feet and heart of gold.
When the show ended, she decided to retire from acting and focus on herself. But when the reboot came into the picture, she was more than happy to bring her role back to life, too!
Elizabeth Olsen Wasn’t Part of Casting
Despite the rumors, the Olsen twins’ little sister was never offered the role of Michelle in the reboot, which is a shame if you ask us.
You see, unlike her sisters, Elizabeth still works as an actress and hasn't shown any signs of shying away from the spotlight recently. She can be seen in a number of films from the 2010s and has even made her way into the Marvel Comic Universe playing the role of Scarlet Witch. Ironically, the Scarlet Witch character is a twin.
Scott Weinger Added as a Regular
People just can't get enough of seeing their favorite couple on screen, and can easily revolt if their happily ever after is being threatened in some way.
This is how Scott Weinger became a frequent face in the show. He was only supposed to guest star in season one, but producers were so excited about the prospect of getting him back together with D.J., they promoted him to a regular by the second season.
A Long-Overdue Reunion
The show's creators had been waiting since the original show to get D.J. and Steve back together, and fans have been feeling the same.
Jeff Franklin, along with most fans of the show, wasn’t thrilled when D.J. and Steve broke up on the original show. “The fact that producers chose to break them up, and the storylines that followed weren’t big crowd-pleasers,” he said.
Bure and Weinger Went on a Show-Themed Date
These two went to prom together in real life, but, That wasn’t the only time Cameron Bure and Steve Weinger hung out outside of work hours.
In fact, Weinger asked her to accompany him to the premiere of "Aladdin". How cute! (And yes, it was definitely a date, according to them both.)
Sweetin’s Season-Three Injury Was Real
Sometimes, writers have to work their way around unexpected events. In season three of "Fuller House", Jodie Sweetin doesn’t move around too much – and that’s because she really couldn’t.
She’d actually broken her ankle climbing over a fence to get her sons their toys back. Producers had to write it in, since, as she put it, “there’s no hiding that I can’t walk.”
Production Designers Were Very Busy
Recreating the Tanner house after so many years of it being lost in the void wasn’t an easy feat for production designer Jerry Dunn.
After all, a set that's been incredibly famous for eight years can't be simple to rebuild. He reported having to watch hundreds of hours of the show to get it done after all of the original drawings were lost!
Mr. Woodchuck Was Eaten
Remember Mr. Woodchuck, Joey's puppet who couldn't get enough of wood-related puns? Well, he was also part of the reboot. The famous puppet returns along with him in the reboot – or does he?
The puppet seen on the new show is a replacement since Coulier took the original home with him and, “my dog Ranger ate his face.” Oops!
Jason Marsden Said No Thanks
On the original show, Jason Marsden played Nelson, D.J’s ex-boyfriend. Bringing him back for the reboot would have created a much more complicated love life for D.J., but that plan never materialized.
When producers offered him the chance to revive the role in the reboot, he said no. Though it isn’t clear why, he did post that they “tried their darndest,” to get him aboard.
The ‘90s-Themed Episode
Cameron Bure’s brother, Kirk, is an actor as well, famously known for his work on "Growing Pains".
On one episode of the show during the final season, he makes an appearance, along with ‘90s pop star, Lisa Loeb. Cameron made the note of it being a “’90s episode.”
DJ’s Son Is Played by Twins
Just like Michelle on the original show, the youngest member of the cast, DJ’s son, Tommy, is actually played by a set of twins named Fox and Dashiell Messitt.
When they first got cast into their role, they “didn’t even know how to crawl,” said their mom, Kacy, but they learned throughout the process of filming!
Aunt Becky’s a Bit Tied Up
One of the best relationships on "Full House" was obviously Uncle Jesse and Aunt Becky's. Fans couldn't wait to see the couple on screen again and they really did come back for the reboot.
However, while Aunt Becky returned for the first few seasons of the reboot, she was given the other kind of boot after her involvement in the college admissions scandal was revealed. She was sentenced to two months in prison.
Jeff Franklin Was Fired
There’s still a huge battle going on between show creator Jeff Franklin and the showrunners of the reboot, who fired him for allegedly creating a “toxic workplace,” for female employees by making inappropriate comments.
The comments range from derogatory remarks to plain brags about his bedroom adventures. Obviously, Franklin didn't last long on set. He fired back by suing the current showrunner, Bryan Behar.
Netflix Stopped the Buck Short
Despite the fact "Fuller House" was the most-watched show early on and is still very popular throughout the U.S, Netflix decided to cut it off after five seasons.
The cast members are obviously deeply attached to the show and their characters. They said they would’ve happily done more episodes, but Netflix apparently had their own reasons. Maybe they wanted to quit while they're ahead and leave people wanting more rather than letting the series die down.
There Almost Wasn’t a Fifth Season
Fans may be upset about the show being canceled – yet again – but they should be happy that they even got a fifth season because it almost didn’t happen.
Still, according to Cadence Cameron Bure, the cast would have kept going if they'd had the green light for another season. So we should probably just be grateful for what we have as long as we have it.
The Ongoing Michelle Gag
The Olsen twins have made it very clear (at least, to everyone but people who still keep trying to offer them money to come back into the public eye,) that they want nothing to do with acting.
Still, that didn't stop the constant jokes about Michelle not being around. “Michelle gets at least one little poke per season,” Andrea Barber told "TVLine".
A Firm No
It wasn’t for lack of trying on the show’s end that Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen didn’t accept the revival of their old role.
Mary Kate and Ashley are living very different lives now, and, as Mary Kate told producer Bob Boyett when he contacted them with the idea, “I haven’t been in front of a camera since I was 17, and I don’t feel comfortable acting.”
Three Years of Persuasion
Jeff Franklin, former showrunner, gave an interview on "TVLine" and spoke about the reboot. He addressed the no-Michelle issue and reported that he’d had someone reach out to the twins over the course of three years!
Finally, he said, “they know the door is open, but I’m not going to be calling them anymore to invite them.”
Losing Viewership
Netflix, while they’re notoriously known for keeping numbers hidden, can’t hide the fact that the number of viewers started to slide over the years.
"Recode" published an article in 2018 that showed the streaming site’s most-watched shows of the year, and it didn’t even make the top 20.
It Wasn’t Much About the Fuller Family
When they first announced the show’s revival, fans everywhere rejoiced. Everyone wanted to see it come back to life and find out what they’ve missed from their favorite characters while they’ve been away.
Unfortunately, the reboot focused too much on things like D.J.’s current love triangle, rather than letting us know what Uncle Jesse has been doing all this time.
No More Netflix Studio-Audience Sitcoms
This isn’t the first time Netflix has tried their hand at the whole studio audience thing, but it should probably be the last.
After all, the types of shows that include canned laughter aren’t exactly a match made in heaven for a streaming service. Also, we have been seeing a general decline in the genre, so Netflix isn't the only one.