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Candace Cameron Bure opens up about weight pressures on ‘Full House’
Reflecting on childhood stardom
Candace Cameron Bure recently shared her experiences growing up in the spotlight on the “Boy Meets World” rewatch podcast, “Pod Meets World.” Known for her role as D.J. Tanner on the beloved sitcom “Full House,” Bure opened up about the weight pressures she faced during her formative years on the show.
“I was always the chubby-cheeked girl, and a lot of people loved that I was,” Bure reminisced. “Looking back, I realize I was just a normal, average girl. Yet, people would often say, ‘You’re so much thinner in person.'”
The magnified insecurities of a teenage star
Bure’s reflections highlight a universal truth: teenage insecurities are amplified under the scrutiny of television. “As a teenager, you feel insecure whether you’re on TV or not. But when you are, those feelings are magnified,” she explained. This sentiment resonates with many who have grown up in the public eye, where every change in appearance is subject to public commentary.
The ‘Shape Up’ episode: A delicate topic
One of the most memorable episodes for Bure was “Shape Up” from the fourth season of “Full House.” In this episode, her character D.J. Tanner goes on a crash diet to lose weight. Bure revealed that the show’s writers approached her and her parents beforehand to ensure she was comfortable with the storyline.
“They actually talked to my mom and dad, and they talked to me and said, ‘Would you feel comfortable if we wrote an episode like this?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, sure,'” Bure recalled. “But when you’re in it and doing it, it feels a little awkward.”
A personal transformation
Bure also discussed her own weight loss journey during her time on “Full House.” After losing 20 pounds between seasons, the show’s producers wanted to highlight her transformation. “They thought it was so great and suggested having me on an exercise bike in the opening titles to promote it,” she said. “I didn’t think the idea was bad. I really put a lot of hard work and effort into losing 20 pounds.”
Danielle Fishel’s similar experience on ‘Boy Meets World’
The conversation took an interesting turn when “Pod Meets World” host Danielle Fishel, who played Topanga Lawrence on “Boy Meets World,” shared her own experience with weight being written into a storyline. Fishel recounted an episode from Season 7 titled “She’s Having My Baby Back Ribs,” which focused on her and co-star Will Friedle’s weight gain.
“They called me into the office to tell me they were going to do it,” Fishel said. “It wasn’t really like they asked. They just kind of said, ‘We just want you to know…obviously, you guys have gained a little bit of weight. So we’re going to write an episode about it.'”
The impact of unsolicited storylines
Fishel’s anecdote underscores the often uncomfortable reality of having personal aspects of one’s life written into a show without prior consultation. “I remember thinking, ‘Wow, these people think I’ve gained enough weight that they have to write an entire episode about my weight gain,'” Fishel added. “At the time, I felt I had no alternative but to go along with it.”
A broader conversation on body image in Hollywood
These candid discussions from Bure and Fishel open up a broader conversation about body image and the pressures faced by young actors in Hollywood. The entertainment industry has long been criticized for its unrealistic beauty standards and the impact these can have on the mental health of its stars.
For fans of cinema and TV series, these revelations offer a deeper understanding of the personal challenges faced by their favorite actors. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and support for those in the public eye.
Exploring further
For those interested in revisiting these iconic shows, you can watch the trailer for “Full House” here and “Boy Meets World” here. These links provide immediate access to additional details and multimedia resources, enriching your viewing experience.
Final thoughts
The stories shared by Candace Cameron Bure and Danielle Fishel highlight the often unseen pressures of growing up in the entertainment industry. Their experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of addressing body image issues with sensitivity and care, both on and off the screen. As fans, we can support our favorite stars by celebrating their talents and contributions, rather than focusing on their physical appearances.
