Candace Cameron-Bure catapulted to mainstream popularity at age 11 playing DJ in Danny Tanner (Bob Saget), DJ was more serious than her younger siblings, and she did well in school and was for the most part responsible - a stark contrast with her best friend, Kimmy Gibbler, who was more of a wild child.
Lori Loughlin) and Steve Hale (Scott Weinger). None of them were as integral to the show as Andrea Barber's Kimmy who appeared in the majority of the episodes as DJ's best friend. ed for her colorful outfits and bold personality, Kimmy was a foil to DJ and brought a frenetic energy to the show.
However, when Barber first came in to audition for Full House, she tried for the role of DJ instead of Kimmy. Ultimately, the producers wanted Cameron-Bure for the role of eldest Tanner sister. Prior to appearing in the ABC sitcom, Cameron-Bure already had a string of guest starring roles in other shows such as St. Elsewhere, Growing Pains, Who's the Boss, and the John Hughes film Some Kind of Wonderful. Cameron-Bure was simply a better fit to portray DJ. That being said, the people behind Full House saw potential in Barber and asked her to return and read for the role of the "quirky neighbor."
Kimmy's appearance was supposed to be for only one episode, but thanks to the character's fun vibe, they expanded her role, and during the series' eight-year run, Barber appeared in 146 episodes. After a long break from acting, Barber later reprised the role of Kimmy for the Fuller House.
While Barber continues to be effective in the role of Kimmy Gibbler, the actress is nothing like her character. Shortly after Full House wrapped up in 1995, she left show business and earned a Masters in Women's Studies from the University of York in England. With Michelle Tanner, Kimmy becomes the third honorary Tanner sister with the off-shoot's finale expected to feature her, DJ, and Stephanie's (Jodie Sweetin) triple wedding.