JODIE SWEETIN I Finally LOVE MYSELF

With her struggles behind her, this mom, newlywed and Full House actress is making the most of every day

- Susan Hornik

Jodie Sweetin is one of those rare people who truly grew up on TV. Cast as Full House's middle sister, Stephanie Tanner, at just 5 years old, fans watched her metamorphize from a precocious child to a beautiful young woman. "I love the way I grew up," Jodie, 40, tells Closer about life as a child actress. "It was hard, it was stressful, but I wouldn't change a thing." Jodie even reprised the role of Stephanie on Fuller House, which ran on Netflix for five seasons, from 2016 to 2020. The actress remains busy. This fall, Jodie stars in two-holiday romances: A Cozy Christmas Inn is due to bow Oct. 28 on Hallmark, while Merry Swissmas will debut on Lifetime Nov. 5.

When she's not working, Jodie tends to a full house of her own! She's a newlywed and mother of two teenage daughters, Zoie Herpin, 14, and Beatrix Sweetin-Coyle, 12. "The thing I love most about my home is the people in it," says Jodie. "I love hanging out with my kids and my husband."

Full House has always had a nice reputation as one of the happiest casts on TV. Who do you still keep in touch with?

Everybody. We all text regularly. I talked to Lori [Loughlin] today because I was doing her daughter's podcast. Dave [Coulier] and I were texting just last week. Andrea [Barber]and I are going on a theater date in a few weeks. I see Candace [Cameron Bure] all the time. It's been wonderful. We're a real family.

So you have no regrets about spending your childhood on the set?

No, not at all. I made some of the most wonderful connections in my life because of being on TV as a child. I had incredible experiences. I got to live a life that I wouldn't have otherwise, and I'm really, really grateful.

What was it like to return as grown-up Stephanie for Fuller House?