American actress Lori Loughlin began her career as a model before achieving fame in the television and film industries. She became most well-known for her roles in TV series such as the sitcom Full House. Through her long and successful career in the entertainment industry, Loughlin won the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. However, her reputation was later tarnished by a high-profile bribery scandal. Read more about this famous actress on queenski.com.
Early Years
Lori Loughlin was born on July 28, 1964, in Queens, to a Christian family. Her father worked for The New York Telephone Company (now Verizon New York, Inc.), and her mother was a homemaker. Lori’s distinctive appearance is due to her Irish and Italian heritage. At age 11, Lori began appearing in numerous commercials, introduced to a modeling agency in Manhattan by her mother’s friend. Her father allowed her to pursue modeling only if she maintained good grades and stayed grounded.
Acting Career
After participating in the TV film Too Far To Go, Loughlin began receiving offers from well-known filmmakers. At age 15, she landed the role of dancer Jody Travis in the soap opera The Edge of Night, and from then on, she appeared in dozens of series and movies.
Her most iconic role was that of Rebecca Donaldson in the TV sitcom Full House, in which she starred from 1988 to 1995. Initially invited for only six episodes, Loughlin’s impressive performance led her to become a permanent cast member. Full House follows sports anchor Danny Tanner, who, after his wife’s death, enlists the help of his musician brother-in-law and childhood friend—stand-up comedian Joey—to raise his three young daughters. Together, they unexpectedly form close bonds with the children and each other.
For her work on Full House, Lori received widespread critical praise. The series won multiple awards and is ranked among the most popular American shows of all time.
Loughlin also gained recognition for roles in other TV series, such as:
- Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990–2000), which chronicles the lives of students from Beverly Hills’ wealthiest neighborhoods as they navigate friendship, love, and adversity, facing challenges such as alcoholism, drug addiction, and unplanned pregnancies.
- Summerland (2004–2005), where she played Ava Gregory, a 30-year-old fashion designer raising her nieces and nephews after their parents’ tragic accident. The series depicts the difficulties of adjusting to a new life as the children share a home with Ava’s ex-boyfriend, her best friend and business partner, and an Australian surfer. Summerland earned Loughlin another round of high praise from critics.
- When Calls the Heart, which tells the story of Elizabeth Thatcher, a wealthy young woman who pursues a teaching career in a remote mining town. Her hard work and resilience endear her to the rough, often skeptical locals, while she finds herself falling in love with a man who wins her heart.
Loughlin also appeared in several Hollywood blockbusters, including:
- Secret Admirer (1985), an American teen romantic comedy. In this film, high school senior Michael Ryan is in love with Deborah Anne Fimple, the school’s most popular girl, while his best friend, Toni Williams, secretly admires him. One day, Michael finds an anonymous love letter in his locker, mistakenly believing it’s from Deborah. Delighted but unsure how to respond, he seeks Toni’s help, only for the letter to end up in the wrong hands. Loughlin played the role of Toni.
- The Night Before (1988), an American comedy in which she starred as Tara Mitchell. She asks unpopular classmate Winston Connelly (Keanu Reeves) to be her prom date. He wakes up hours later in a dirty alley, confused and desperate to find out what happened to his wallet, car keys, and Tara—while a local pimp named Tito is now after him.
Throughout her career, Lori Loughlin collaborated with Hollywood stars like Keanu Reeves, Christopher Thomas Howell, John Stamos, Bob Saget, and Shawn Christian.
Personal Life
In 1989, Loughlin married investment banker Michael R. Burns, but they divorced in 1996 after she fell in love with Mossimo Giannulli, founder of the sportswear and accessories company Mossimo. The couple married in 1997 and welcomed two daughters over the following two years.
In 2019, Loughlin and Giannulli made headlines after being implicated in a scandal. They were charged with bribing officials at the prestigious University of Southern California to secure their daughters’ admissions. Shortly after news of the scandal broke, Giannulli was arrested and released on $1 million bail, while Loughlin was taken into custody the following day on the same bail amount.
In August 2020, Loughlin was sentenced to two months in prison, and her husband received five months. Upon her release, she was placed under supervision for two years, fined $150,000, and required to complete 100 hours of community service. Afterward, she returned to the entertainment industry. Giannulli was fined $250,000 and ordered to complete 250 hours of community service.
A Few Fun Facts
- Lori Loughlin is an avid water skier, having competed in several waterskiing events.
- Another hobby of hers is cooking, and she frequently shares favorite recipes with fans on social media.
- In her free time, Loughlin enjoys painting.
- She is a devoted philanthropist, supporting charities like Feeding America and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Recognizing the value of education, she has actively supported initiatives that provide educational opportunities for children and youth.
- Loughlin loves dogs and has several furry companions.
- Inspired by her husband, she launched her own clothing line, reflecting her unique sense of style.
- She is passionate about home decor and often shares her stylish interior designs on social media.
- Loughlin has mentored young actors, sharing her industry insights and guiding newcomers in navigating the entertainment world.