John Stamos Reveals Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen’s Post-Bob Saget Visit and The Enduring Full House Family Bond

In a recent candid interview, beloved actor John Stamos has opened up about a deeply personal reunion with former Full House co-stars Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen. The 59-year-old star revealed on the podcast And That’s What You REALLY Missed that the now 36-year-old twins visited his home following the unexpected death of their on-screen father figure, Bob Saget. This heartfelt get-together marked a significant moment for the cast, especially after years of the Olsen twins declining to reprise their iconic shared role of Michelle Tanner in the Netflix spin-off series, Fuller House.

Stamos, known for his role as Uncle Jesse, confessed that he initially harbored some frustration when Mary-Kate and Ashley decided against joining the cast of Fuller House. “When I did Fuller House, they didn’t wanna come back. And I was angry for a minute,” Stamos admitted during the podcast episode, which aired on May 24th. The Olsen twins, who began their acting careers on the original sitcom from 1987 to 1995, were notably the only major original stars from Full House not to make an appearance in the revival. This absence became a widely discussed topic among fans and the media, leaving many to speculate about the reasons behind their decision.

Addressing persistent rumors that Mary-Kate and Ashley “hated” their time on the show as children, Stamos firmly stated that such speculation couldn’t be further from the truth. He recounted their sincere assurances during their recent visit. “And that got out. But they were, like, ‘We loved our childhood. We loved being with you. We miss Bob’,” John shared, relaying the twins’ heartfelt sentiments. This conversation underscored the deep affection and nostalgia they hold for their early years on the set and the unique family they formed with their co-stars.

The reunion at Stamos’s home was marked by a touching, if somewhat unconventional, gesture. “They came over to my house. They brought a pork chop and sage. I don’t know why, but thank you? It was a frozen pork chop, so that was really nice. So we stayed very close,” Stamos fondly added, reflecting on the visit with the successful actors-turned-fashion designers. This peculiar gift, far from being ordinary, highlights the enduring and idiosyncratic nature of their bond, a testament to decades of shared history and affection that transcends typical professional relationships.

The Enduring Bond Forged by Full House and Bob Saget’s Legacy

Stamos further emphasized the pivotal role Bob Saget played in maintaining the cohesion of the Full House family. “Bob Saget was very instrumental in keeping us all together. The twins moved to New York. And I gotta tell you, one of the only good thing to come out of Bob’s [passing]… Mary-Kate and Ashley, we didn’t see them much. I mean, we stayed in touch a little bit but Bob really did. And they were so great,” he candidly shared in the interview. Saget’s passing, while tragic, undeniably served as a catalyst for strengthening the connections between the cast members, particularly with the Olsen twins who had largely stepped away from the public eye and moved away from Los Angeles.

The original Full House, which ran for eight seasons, captivated audiences with its heartwarming stories of a widower raising his three daughters with the help of his brother-in-law and best friend. The show’s themes of family, love, and support resonated deeply with millions, creating a lasting legacy that continues to draw new generations of fans. This strong foundation of shared experience and mutual affection forged a bond among the cast members that proved to be resilient through the years, weathering various personal and professional changes.

Fuller House: A Revival Without Michelle Tanner

Fuller House, the much-anticipated sequel, premiered on Netflix in 2016, aiming to recapture the magic of the original series while introducing a new generation of Tanners. The show centered around D.J. Tanner-Fuller, Stephanie Tanner, and Kimmy Gibbler, who move back into their childhood home to raise D.J.’s three sons. Despite the absence of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the series enjoyed considerable success, running for a total of five seasons and producing 75 episodes before concluding in 2020. Its successful run was recognized with several accolades, including multiple Kid’s Choice Awards, a People’s Choice Award, and a Teen Choice Award, showcasing its continued popularity among a diverse audience.

The decision by Mary-Kate and Ashley not to participate in Fuller House was a point of considerable discussion. For years, the Olsen twins had successfully transitioned from acting to become highly acclaimed fashion designers, co-founding luxury brands like The Row and Elizabeth and James. Their focus had shifted entirely away from the entertainment industry, making a return to their child star roots unlikely. Stamos, while initially disappointed, demonstrated a profound understanding of their choices. In 2018, he spoke to Howard Stern on his Sirius XM show about their absence, offering a mature perspective. “People should do what they want with their lives, and when they’re 9 months old and they get a job, [they have a right to stop doing it],” he remarked, acknowledging their long and unique career trajectory. He added, “I love them very very much, Ashley and Mary-Kate, and they love what they do and acting is not what they want to do. People should do what they want to do.” This statement not only conveyed his affection but also his respect for their individual paths and aspirations, even if it meant a fan-favorite character couldn’t return.

The Tragic Loss of Bob Saget and Its Unifying Impact

The tragic death of Bob Saget in January 2022 sent shockwaves through Hollywood and deeply impacted the Full House family. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were among the many Full House cast members, friends, and colleagues who gathered to mourn the beloved comedian at his funeral. Saget, 65, passed away from “blunt head trauma” in Orlando, Florida, where he had been scheduled for a stand-up comedy show. The autopsy, performed by the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office, revealed further details, including that he had an enlarged heart with 95% blockage on one side, in addition to testing positive for COVID-19. His sudden passing left a void in the hearts of many, and the tributes poured in from across the entertainment world, highlighting his warmth, humor, and immense talent.

For the Full House cast, Saget’s death was particularly devastating. He wasn’t just a co-worker; he was a mentor, a friend, and a crucial anchor of their unconventional on-screen and off-screen family. His ability to keep the group connected, even as careers diverged and lives moved in different directions, was unparalleled. The emotional weight of his loss brought everyone together, reaffirming the profound bonds that had been forged decades ago on the set of the iconic sitcom. Mary-Kate and Ashley’s presence at the funeral, and their subsequent visit to John Stamos, served as powerful symbols of this unbreakable connection, demonstrating that no matter how much time passes or how different their lives become, the core family unit of Full House remains.

Beyond the Screen: A Family That Transcends Hollywood

The story of John Stamos, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and their connection through Bob Saget’s memory is a testament to the power of enduring friendships and the unique family dynamics that can arise from shared experiences in Hollywood. While the Olsen twins may have moved on from acting to become successful fashion moguls, their roots in the T.G.I.F. lineup remain a significant part of their personal history. Stamos’s revelations confirm that despite the passage of time and varying career paths, the love and respect within the Full House family continue to thrive. The initial anger Stamos felt over their Fuller House absence has clearly evolved into a deep understanding and appreciation for their choices, solidified by the shared grief and comforting reunion after Saget’s death. This narrative beautifully illustrates how genuine relationships can withstand the tests of fame, professional divergence, and ultimately, even tragedy, maintaining a heartfelt connection that truly embodies the spirit of family.