In a candid and emotional interview with her former “Full House” co-star Dave Coulier, Jodie Sweetin shared a lesser-known aspect of her time on the beloved TV show: the bullying she experienced on set. Sweetin, who played the precocious middle child Stephanie Tanner, opened up about the challenges she faced behind the scenes of the hit sitcom.
Sweetin revealed that, despite the show’s wholesome family image and the strong bond she shared with her on-screen family, she often felt isolated and targeted by some of the cast and crew. “It wasn’t everyone, and it wasn’t all the time,” she explained, “but there were definitely moments where I felt like I was the odd one out, and it was tough.”
The actress, who joined the show at just five years old, said that being one of the youngest cast members made her more vulnerable to teasing and exclusion. “There were times when I felt like I wasn’t good enough or that I didn’t belong,” she recalled. “Some of the older kids could be really mean, and it affected my confidence.”
Uncle Joey Offers Comfort
Coulier, who played the lovable Uncle Joey, expressed his shock and sadness upon hearing about Sweetin’s experiences. “I had no idea you were going through that, Jodie,” he said during the interview. “I’m so sorry you had to deal with that on top of everything else.”
Sweetin acknowledged that the bullying contributed to her struggles with self-esteem and mental health later in life. “It definitely had a lasting impact on me,” she admitted. “I spent a long time trying to prove to myself and others that I was worth something.”
Despite the difficulties, Sweetin emphasized that she also had many positive experiences on the “Full House” set and formed lifelong friendships with her co-stars. “There were a lot of good times, too,” she said. “I don’t want people to think it was all bad because it wasn’t. I had a lot of support from people like Bob [Saget], John [Stamos], and of course, you, Dave.”
Sweetin’s openness about her experiences has sparked a broader conversation about the pressures and challenges faced by child actors. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help other young performers who might be dealing with similar issues. “It’s important to talk about these things,” she said. “No one should feel alone or ashamed for what they’ve been through.”
Jodie Sweetin, Pressing On
In the years since “Full House,” Sweetin has become an advocate for mental health and addiction recovery, drawing on her own experiences to help others. She credits her journey to self-acceptance and healing to the support of her friends, family, and fans. “I’ve come a long way,” she said. “I’m proud of who I am today, and I hope my story can inspire others to keep going, no matter what challenges they face.”
As the interview wrapped up, Coulier praised Sweetin for her bravery and resilience. “You’ve grown into an incredible person, Jodie,” he said. “I’m so proud of you and everything you’ve accomplished. Thank you for sharing your story with us.”
Sweetin’s revelations serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of kindness and support, both on and off the set. Her courage in speaking out about her past continues to inspire and resonate with fans around the world.
