An Inside Look At Candace Cameron Bure
Candace Cameron Bure has been a fixture in family television for most of her life. Always recognizable as D.J. Tanner, the mom of three reprised her iconic role on "Fuller House" from 2016 to 2020. She has worked steadily since the Netflix sitcom wrapped, and her fans closely follow Bure's decades-long career in made-for-TV movies. Who knew "Moonlight & Mistletoe" would be the beginning of a Yuletide empire? She told Christian Women Online before the Hallmark film debuted in 2008, "I've always had a heart for acting, and I believe that I can make a difference and contribute to bringing back wholesome television shows and movies." The actor is still known for that mission.
Bure might also describe herself as a hugger. When the world lost actor and comedian Bob Saget in 2022, she wrote in Woman's Day, "In honor of Bob, tell the ones you love that you love them. Tell them, and tell them again. Give them big hugs that are tender and all-engulfing. Be that person! I'm so glad Bob was that person to me — and to everyone else he knew."
On and off camera, Bure has stayed close to her "Full House" family and has shared a variety of personal details with her fans and followers. She has been a public figure since she was a kid, and there's still a lot to learn about the California native. Candace Cameron Bure remains full of surprises.
Growing up Cameron
Alongside big brother Kirk Cameron, Candace Cameron Bure got an early start in show business. These two Cameron kids were spotted in guest TV roles beginning in the early 1980s — "Alice," "St. Elsewhere," "Punky Brewster," and "Who's the Boss" for Candace. She appeared on Kirk's ABC sitcom, "Growing Pains," starting in 1987. In the same year, and on the same network, "Full House" made its debut. Notably, Kirk appeared in a Season 1 episode as D.J.'s cousin Steve.
Show business wasn't always easy for young Candace. In a 1987 special called "Superstars and Their Moms," fans learned that Barbara Cameron split her time between Kirk and Candace's shows. "I like my mom on the set, too," Candace said. "One time, Kirk and my mom went to Colorado, so my mom couldn't be there on the set. And I was so sad, and I cried on the set 'cause I really missed my mom." The segment implied a goal of unity, with all the Cameron kids washing a car together and then performing a Mother's Day rap featuring Kirk's beatboxing.
Candace told LiveHappy in 2015, "It was always about doing everything as a family together. Even if I was working or if my brother had opportunities, we would go together." Candace and Kirk also have two sisters, Bridgette Cameron and Melissa Fleming. The Camerons went to school and did chores around the house when they weren't working, and Candace's education was a hybrid model, combining on-set tutoring with some classes in school.
The D.J. Tanner story
"We watched a lot of 'Growing Pains' episodes in person," Candace Cameron Bure told "Today" in 2019, "so I really learned how a sitcom worked before I started 'Full House.'" Candace and her mother still remember her fateful audition for the role of D.J. Tanner. In her "Balancing It All" memoir, the star wrote, "After my first reading, the casting director told me she was going to call me back, but I also overheard her say on the phone to someone that I'd done 'Okay,' which was disappointing to me." That's when Candace's mother, Barbara Cameron, stepped in. Barbara wrote in "A Full House of Growing Pains" that she requested a second audition for Candace, despite the fact that she was already getting a callback. Producers even rearranged the pilot's shooting schedule to accommodate Candace while she simultaneously worked on the film "Punchline."
Barbara Cameron, who became a talent agent, was actively involved in Candace's professional life and baked chocolate-chip lace cookies for the "Full" and "Fuller House" crews, per Wine Spectator. Life at home wasn't perfect, though. Speaking about herself and husband Robert Cameron, Barbara Cameron told Christian Women Online, "I watched my children experience the struggles in our marriage. They saw how it threatened to tear our family apart." Candace Cameron Bure later told Us Weekly that she drew inspiration from her parents' choice to stay together and improve their marriage. Her parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2019, where they renewed their vows.
She met her husband at his hockey game
Valeri Bure is a two-time Olympic medalist in ice hockey, but before he went to Nagano or Salt Lake City, he met Candace Cameron at the end of her run as D.J. Tanner. For the couple's 25th wedding anniversary, Candace shared photos on Instagram from the night she met Val way back in 1994. Her co-star Dave Coulier was playing in a charity hockey game with the athlete. Candace and her TV dad and aunt, Bob Saget and Lori Loughlin, respectively, were invited. "Swipe to the third photo. Centered is a super cute, blonde haired, extremely talented Russian pro hockey player in the blue helmet talking with his talented super star brother, Pavel," Candace wrote.
On the podcast "Mayim Bialik's Breakdown," Candace Cameron Bure explained what attracted her to Val decades ago. "I didn't really date in high school because the boys that I had met and talked to felt so immature and couldn't understand that I had been working half my life. ... So when I met Val, who was a professional athlete, we instantly connected over our work ethic as children, because he started playing hockey when he was four years old, and that was his road and that was his path," the actor said. As Candace shared, it didn't hurt that Val was also a looker who could make her laugh. Val proposed to Candace in Paris, and the two wed in 1996.
Her surprising credits in the late '90s
"Full House" ended in 1995, and Candace Cameron Bure took on several made-for-TV projects that might frighten D.J. Tanner. "Visitors of the Night" in '95 was an alien sci-fi flick, and Variety wrote of Bure's character, "Katie (Candace Cameron sporting a bad-girl Tori Spelling hairdo) is a rebellious kid who gets into normal teen trouble in the rural small town."
In 1996, Bure starred in "No One Would Tell" with Fred Savage and "She Cried No" with Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Jenna von Oÿ. She followed those up in 1997 with "NightScream." In her 2007 diet-focused book "Reshaping It All," she wrote, "I've worked on a few things that I've regretted since becoming a Christian. There's no turning back. However, now that I have a biblical worldview, my decisions are different, and my options are fewer." Writing for Christian Women Online in 2008, she was still proud of "No One Would Tell" since it raised awareness about abusive relationships.
On a lighter note, Bure does remember her 1998 "Boy Meets World" appearance in Season 5's "The Witches of Pennbrook." Her TGIF pal Melissa Joan Hart was even in the episode, in character as Sabrina Spellman. Bure posed with Hart in 2018 and wrote on Instagram, "After 20+ years meeting for the first time, being on Boy Meets World together, texting and talking on the phone over the years, @melissajoanhart and I finally got a chance to have dinner together."
If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website.
Candace Cameron Bure hasn't been shy about her Christian faith
Candace Cameron Bure and her brother, Kirk Cameron, are known to be devout conservative Christians, though they did not spend all of their childhood as regular churchgoers. Their mom, Barbara Cameron, shared in her memoir that the family skipped Sunday services and went to the beach in Santa Monica instead.
"I chose to dig into the Bible and know God in my early 20s, and since then everything in my personal life and in my career really revolves around the foundation of the Bible and my Christian faith, and trying to walk that walk and not just say it with words," Bure said in Woman's Day. (In 2020, she became the magazine's Chief Spiritual Officer.) She told The Washington Post that she took a ten-year hiatus from acting so that she could focus on being a mom. "When I came back into the industry in my early 30s, I just knew that this is who I am and I'm not going to be shy about it," the star revealed. She continued, "And if for some reason, Hollywood doesn't accept me, I'm okay with that because my faith is more important than my career or what Hollywood has had to say about it."
Bure has sold a collection of T-shirts with sayings such as "I only overshare Jesus," "In a world divided, multiply kindness," and "I only run from the devil." If you need a $65 Bible, she's your girl.
The Make It or Break It chapter of her life
Candace Cameron Bure was acting more regularly again by the late 2000s. In a departure from the wholesome family sitcom world, Bure landed a role on the Freeform (formerly ABC Family) gymnastics drama "Make It or Break It" in 2009. She played Summer Van Horne, a love interest for a gymnast's father and also for the coach. Though such a scandalous teen drama might seem unusual for Bure, producers designed her character with the actor in mind. "I had no clue until probably two weeks before I shot the pilot episode that they decided to make this character a Christian and put those types of values into the show through my character," Bure told Risen Magazine. She continued, "So it was a pleasant surprise. The producers took a lot of aspects of my own personal life and my character and thought that would be interesting to write into the show."
In a 2010 interview with Access, Bure revealed that her husband Val wasn't too keen on the spicier scenes between Summer and Coach Sasha. "But that's quite okay. He is super supportive and loves that I love what I'm doing. But yeah, some of those scenes we just skip over," she shared. As "Make It or Break It" was drawing to a close, Bure launched her digital magazine, Roo Mag, which included home, lifestyle, love, parenting, and sex columns. The magazine ended in 2013.
Candace Cameron Bure's approach to health and wellness
Candace Cameron Bure has shared her food and fitness journeys publicly for many years. In the 2010s, when Your Teen magazine asked Bure about her previous eating disorder, the actor said that her faith helped her through that difficult time. "In light of my experience, I am very aware of how much I talk about my weight or scrutinize myself in front of my teenage daughter. Our kids watch what we do," the mom explained. Fellow actor Mayim Bialik hosted Bure on "Mayim Bialik's Breakdown" in 2022 and also brought up the subject of eating disorders. Bure openly discussed her relationship with food and her passion for movement.
"Exercise has become a good form of comfort for me because it really helps my mental state," she told Bialik. The "Fuller House" star shared that the mental boost from regular exercise is just as important as any physical results are. As fans see on her Instagram page, the busy mom loves to bust a move. She is known for working out with celebrity trainer Kira Stokes, who has become her personal friend over the years. Bure uses Stokes' app and shares occasional workouts on IG, even when her dog Boris interrupts her. Whether it's a run with former co-stars or a new TikTok dance with her daughter, this star is full of energy.
If you need help with an eating disorder, or know someone who is, help is available. Visit the National Eating Disorders Association website or contact NEDA's Live Helpline at 1-800-931-2237. You can also receive 24/7 Crisis Support via text (send NEDA to 741-741).
Dancing into daytime
In 2016, Candace Cameron Bure wrote for Time, "When I did 'Dancing With the Stars,' it represented a new page in my life because it wasn't like anything I'd ever done. It changed me. Same with being on 'The View' — I never thought I would cohost a talk show." She continued, "I'm always up for a challenge because I like seeing what I'm capable of." The actor partnered with professional dancer Mark Ballas for the 2014 season of "DWTS." Bure said during a rehearsal, "I'm a mom of three kids so I want to look good and feel beautiful, but I will probably stay on the more modest end of costuming" (via Us Weekly). The duo came in third place.
Bure seemed equally happy to join "The View" in 2015. But then came several hot-button moments on the talk show amid a pivotal presidential election. In December 2016, Bure announced her exit, citing her growing acting commitments and the effects of the bicoastal commute on her family.
In fall 2021, Bure and her former co-host Raven-Symoné were guests on "The View: Behind the Table." Looking back on her experience, Bure said she'd been pitched a less political version of the talk show. "I didn't grow up speaking about politics. ... It was this incredibly fast study for me every single night," she said on the podcast. The actor spent several hours each evening preparing the next day's topics. Despite the pressurized environment, she didn't regret taking a seat at that table.
She is an accomplished author
Candace Cameron Bure has poured her life experience into her writing, and she's penned New York Times bestsellers. In addition to her line of Bibles, devotionals, and other Christian products through DaySpring, Bure has written several autobiographical books for a decidedly female audience — "Reshaping It All," "Balancing It All," "Dancing Through Life," "Kind is the New Classy," and "Staying Stylish" – with various co-writers. The mom has also written a series of children's books based on herself, beginning with "Candace Center Stage."
Bure has shared what the skill of authoring means to her, tweeting in 2018, "Long before becoming a New York Times bestselling author, I dreamt of writing children's books you'd want to read to your littles." The star elaborated on her writing goals in a 2021 interview with Forbes. "I want someone to learn something from my books. I want them to have a dialogue about it. I want to encourage, I want to inspire, I want to give food for thought," she said. "It can be as simple as the little message of faithfulness or patience in the children's book or the bigger overall life themes in my other books."
She traded her Hallmark crown for GAC Family
Candace Cameron Bure includes "Queen of Christmas" in her Instagram bio, and for good reason. In 2022, Variety reported Bure was in a total of 30 Hallmark movies. It always seemed that Bure was happy with her predictable-but-lovable rom-com world. She surprised fans and critics alike with a career change.
"We are excited to announce the star and producer of 'Fuller House,' Candace Cameron Bure, has joined the GAC Family," the network revealed in April 2022. The current Great American Media president and CEO, Bill Abbott, was formerly Hallmark's head. Bure told Variety that the GAC Family opportunity came about when her Hallmark contract was in the midst of renegotiation. "It didn't work out with Hallmark and so we started talking to Bill," she said, noting that the president's 15-year working relationship with her was another good reason to make the move.
In a separate report, Variety divulged that while Bure may have made as much as $1 million annually at Hallmark, her GAC Family deal would almost double that salary. Bure was asked about the presence of faiths other than Christianity in GAC Family holiday movies. "I think we know the core audience and what they love is exactly how Bill originally built the Hallmark Channel. That was Christmas and those traditional holidays, so that's what the focus is going to be. You've got to start somewhere. You can't do everything at once," Bure answered.
Candace Cameron Bure loves California living
Candace Cameron Bure is a California girl through and through. Though she travels frequently and has lived in other locales for work and her husband Val's hockey career, Candace can't stay away from the West Coast sunshine for too long.
In 2015, Dirt reported the Bures purchased a 4-bedroom split-level Malibu pad for over $2 million. Per Wine Spectator, the couple has adored Napa Valley since the early 2000s. They bought a home there in 2006 and a vineyard site in 2011. According to The Napa Wine Project, Bure Family Wines are rather exclusive. In addition to an online order system for members, the wines have been sold in Thomas Keller's fine dining restaurant, The French Laundry.
Aside from Candace's family wines and lucrative acting career, she has several other business dealings. The star is a disciple of Lancer Skincare with an entire page of her faves on their website. She maintains her inspirational home and style brand with DaySpring. And in 2021, Bure launched a full clothing line, which is available on QVC. The clothes are reflective of her California spirit, as she shared on "Mayim Bialik's Breakdown." "Grew up, born and raised in L.A. So it's casual and classic. I live in jeans and a T-shirt, but I'll put on a pretty, cute top with my jeans. I'm a very casual person by day," Bure said, adding that her line was colorful and size-inclusive.
Candace Cameron Bure is an empty nester
Valeri Bure and Candace Cameron Bure officially have three kids over 20. On "Takeaways with Kirk Cameron" in late 2021, the mom shared that her children have left the nest. "Lev works for our family business full-time. He lives up in Napa Valley," Candace said. In addition to his job at Bure Family Wines, Lev completed a distance learning program through Liberty University. His proud mom shared on Instagram in fall 2022 that he earned a biblical and theological studies bachelor's degree. "Lev means heart in Hebrew and it positively encompasses everything about his character, outlook on life, nature towards others and relationship with God," she wrote. Maks is a hockey player who has also been studying at Liberty University while playing hockey for the school. Natasha Bure is a YouTuber and up-and-coming actor in Los Angeles who has worked professionally since childhood.
Though they're not living under the same roof, Candace and Natasha have had the opportunity to work together, as Natasha played the younger version of her mom's character in "Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Haunted by Murder." On E! News' "Daily Pop," Candace recalled, "I was having the best time because I had my camera out, I was videotaping everything. I'm also the producer of the movie, so I can do whatever I want. And I was just 'stage-momming' it up in the best of ways. I loved it."
Her special bond with the Full and Fuller House family
When "Full House" hit a milestone anniversary in September 2022, Candace Cameron Bure shared an array of cast photos, writing on Instagram, "35 years ago my life changed for the better." Many of the cast members have stayed connected, attending weddings, birthdays, and even fan conventions happily through the years.
When Bure's TV dad Bob Saget tragically died in January 2022, the "Full House" cast supported one another through the grieving process and spent time with Saget's family. "We've all been in really close contact. That was strangely one of the most unreal weeks of my life, from the week that he passed up into the funeral because we were all together every day, practically 24 hours a day," Bure told ET. The actor designed a sweatshirt that reads, "Love like Jesus, Hug like Bob Saget," and all proceeds benefit the Scleroderma Research Foundation, a cause that was close to Saget's heart. "His hugs were warm, tender, and all-engulfing! If hugging were an Olympic sport, Bob would have been a gold medalist," Bure wrote in Woman's Day.
As they continue to remember Saget, Bure and her former co-stars stay close and work together when they have the opportunity. Andrea Barber, the one and only Kimmy Gibbler, filmed a holiday movie executive produced by Bure for GAC Family. "I'm not sure how it's possible, but we became even closer through this experience," Barber wrote on Instagram when the film wrapped.
Candace Cameron Bure's surprise podcast
In fall 2022, Candace Cameron Bure began dropping hints on social media that she had a new project in the works — first she posted a neon "Be Kind" sign, then an armchair next to what looked like a mic stand. Yep, it's a podcast. While celebrity rewatch pods are all the rage, Bure's venture is not a journey through all seven seasons of "Full House." Instead, "The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast" is a platform for the star to explore special topics. In a trailer posted to YouTube, Bure says, "I'm Candace. But this podcast isn't about me. It's about you. I'm here to introduce you to some of my friends, and to have open conversations about life's challenges, celebrations, and everything in between." The host is shown speaking about faith and family with Christian podcaster and author Tara-Leigh Cobble.
Bure's Instagram grid is decked out with squares forming a photo of Bure in a podcast studio. All captions advertise a November 2022 launch date. In a statement (via Variety), the actor said, "I've been interviewed a whole lot in my 40 plus years on television. I thought it was time to have in-depth conversations about things I really care about — and have lots of fun at the same time!"
Who knows? Maybe Bure will bring on some former "Full House" co-stars for these convos. If she can get the Olsen twins to call in, we'll all be saying "Oh Mylanta!"