What Happened to Michelle in Fuller House? Why was Michelle Not in Fuller House?
by A Maria | Updated Jun 07, 2023
Fuller House
Fuller House is a delightful American sitcom that serves as a sequel to the beloved 1987–1995 television series Full House. Created by Jeff Franklin and produced by Warner Bros. Television Group, this show airs as a Netflix original series, capturing the hearts of fans all over the world. The storyline revolves around D.J. Tanner-Fuller, a compassionate veterinarian and a devoted mother to her three sons. After experiencing the loss of her husband, D.J. finds support and companionship from her sister Stephanie and her best friend Kimmy.
Together, they embark on a joyous adventure, living under one roof at the cherished Tanners' childhood home in the beautiful city of San Francisco, California. What makes Fuller House truly special is the return of most of the original series' beloved cast. Fans are thrilled to see familiar faces reprising their iconic roles, either as regular cast members or in heartwarming guest appearances. However, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who shared the role of Michelle Tanner in Full House, did not participate in Fuller House.
With its nostalgic charm and heartwarming storylines, Fuller House continues to captivate audiences as it carries on the legacy of the beloved Full House series. It is a delightful reunion that brings laughter, love, and cherished memories to both old fans and new viewers alike.
What Happened to Michelle in Fuller House?
During the initial seasons of Fuller House, there were occasional references to Michelle Tanner, albeit infrequent. However, as the show progressed and it became evident that Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were firm in their decision not to reprise the role, the mentions of Michelle gradually diminished. Nevertheless, one intriguing reference to the character emerged, albeit indirectly.
In Season 5, Episode 1 of Fuller House, there is a noteworthy moment when Danny (portrayed by Bob Saget) states, "it's so nice to have three daughters again" while conversing with DJ, Stephanie, and Kimmy. This implies that Kimmy had taken on a significant role within the family, potentially filling the void left by Michelle. Although no explicit clarification was provided, an alternate theory has emerged, building upon this idea.
According to this theory, Michelle's absence could be attributed to a tragic event that occurred in the Full House finale, rather than a recent occurrence. In the concluding arc of the original show, Michelle experienced a head injury after falling off her horse, resulting in amnesia. The subsequent episodes revolved around the Tanners' collective efforts to help her regain her memory. Eventually, it appeared that Michelle had made a recovery, but the theory suggests an alternative outcome.
This theory proposes that Michelle did not have the opportunity to grow up because she tragically passed away in the Full House finale. While it remains speculative and unconfirmed, the notion adds an intriguing layer to the storyline. It speculates that the Tanners' ongoing references to Michelle in Fuller House are expressions of fond memories and a way to honor her cherished presence within the family.
Why was Michelle Not in Fuller House?
Prior to the premiere of Fuller House, John Stamos shared his perspective on why he believed Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen declined the opportunity to reprise their role as Michelle Tanner. In a 2016 interview with USA Today, Stamos revealed, "I called Mary-Kate, and at that time, she wasn't sure. She was very gracious and mentioned that she would discuss it with Ashley. However, I think they no longer consider themselves actresses as they haven't been involved in the industry for quite some time. Perhaps they simply didn't want to revisit that part of their lives."
After bidding farewell to their shared character in 1995, the Olsen twins ventured into various film projects together. However, their most recent appearance on the big screen dates back 15 years ago, in the 2004 teen comedy New York Minute. Since then, they have pursued other interests and chosen not to pursue acting roles.
Where is Michelle in Fuller House?
Michelle is notably absent from the Fuller House spin-off series, making her the only original main character who did not return. In the premiere episode titled "Our Very First Show, Again," it is disclosed that Michelle relocated to New York. However, her presence is still acknowledged by the remaining characters in subsequent episodes. In the episode "Love Is In The Air," D.J., Stephanie, and Kimmy reach out to Michelle during a phone call, as they gather for Kimmy's bachelorette party, ensuring that her memory and connection to the family remain intact. While Michelle's physical presence may be absent, her influence and impact on the Tanner family are still recognized and cherished by her loved ones.
Who is Michelle Tanner?
Michelle Elizabeth Tanner is a fictional character portrayed by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in the long-running ABC sitcom Full House. Introduced in the show's pilot episode, titled "Our Very First Show" in 1987, Michelle remained a central character until the two-part series finale, "Michelle Rides Again," in 1995. As the Olsen twins' debut acting role, they were just nine months old when they joined the series.
Following the conclusion of Full House, Mary-Kate and Ashley embarked on numerous ventures in film and television during their teenage years. However, in the 2016 Netflix sequel, Fuller House, Michelle Tanner is notably absent as both Olsen twins declined to reprise the beloved role. Despite her absence, Michelle's character remains an integral part of Full House's legacy and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans.
Synopsis of Fuller House
Similar to its predecessor, the show takes place in the familiar San Francisco house still owned by Danny Tanner. The storyline revolves around D.J. Tanner-Fuller, who is dealing with the recent loss of her firefighter husband, Tommy. As a veterinarian and a mother to three young boys, D.J. finds herself in need of support and stability. In a twist of fate, she moves back into her childhood home with her father, Danny.
However, when Danny's work requires him to relocate, he generously allows D.J. to remain in the house. Grateful for the assistance, D.J. embraces the help of her sister, Stephanie, and her best friend, Kimmy. Both Stephanie and Kimmy decide to move in with D.J., forming a unique household dynamic. Together, they navigate the challenges of raising D.J.'s three sons: Jackson, a teenager, Max, a young boy, and the adorable baby Tommy Jr. Adding to the mix, Kimmy's teenage daughter, Ramona, also becomes a resident in the household.
This blended family setup sets the stage for heartwarming and comedic moments as they learn to support and rely on each other in the midst of their shared journey. The show captures the essence of family, love, and friendship, while embracing the nostalgia of the beloved Full House series.
About Fuller House
Genre
Sitcom
Created by
Jeff Franklin
Country of origin
United States
Original language
English
No. of seasons
5
No. of episodes
75
Running time
25–36 minutes
Original network
Netflix
Original release
February 26, 2016 –
June 2, 2020
SPECIFICATIONS
DETAILS
What Happened to Michelle in Fuller House - FAQs
Fuller House is an American sitcom that serves as a sequel to the popular 1987–1995 television series, Full House. It continues the heartwarming story with a new chapter in the lives of the characters we know and love.
Fuller House was created by Jeff Franklin, the same creator behind the original Full House series. It is produced by Warner Bros. Television Group and airs as a Netflix original series.
The show revolves around D.J. Tanner-Fuller, a compassionate veterinarian and devoted mother to her three sons. After the loss of her husband, she finds support and companionship from her sister Stephanie and her best friend Kimmy. Together, they navigate the ups and downs of life, living under one roof at the beloved Tanners' childhood home in San Francisco, California.
Yes! Fuller House brings back most of the beloved cast from the original Full House series. Fans are thrilled to see familiar faces reprising their iconic roles, either as regular cast members or through heartwarming guest appearances.
No, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who shared the role of Michelle Tanner in Full House, did not participate in Fuller House. The Olsen twins decided not to reprise their role for the sequel series.