What happened to Andrea Barber: Biography

Andrea Barber is an American actress best known for playing Kimmy Gibbler in Full House and Fuller House. She has taken breaks from acting, then returned to screens, while keeping a close, authentic connection with fans.

Early life, education, and family background

Andrea Laura Barber was born on July 3, 1976, in California. She is the youngest of three children. She grew up in Southern California and attended La Serna High School in Whittier.

After high school, she studied at Whittier College and earned a degree in English in 1999. She later completed a master’s degree in Women’s Studies at the University of York in England. She also worked at Whittier College in the Office of International Programs. These experiences shaped her interests beyond acting, and built a strong base for her later memoir and public speaking.

Acting career and breaks

Early roles and the start in daytime television

Barber’s first big role came as the original Carrie Brady on the daytime series Days of Our Lives, from 1982 to 1986. As a child actor, she also appeared in classic television programs. Credits include guest spots on series that introduced her to wide audiences and helped develop her on camera presence.

Kimmy Gibbler on Full House

In 1987, Barber joined Full House as Kimberly Kimmy Gibbler, the spirited best friend of D. J. Tanner. The role began as recurring, then grew into a series regular part. Viewers loved Kimmy’s comic timing, bold wardrobe, and loyal friendship. The original series ran through 1995. The character became a household name, and remains one of the show’s most recognizable figures.

Hiatus, return, and Fuller House

After Full House ended, Barber stepped away from acting. She focused on education, family life, and personal growth. She later returned for a short comedy sketch that teased fans with a nod to Kimmy. Her full return came with Fuller House, which premiered on Netflix in 2016. She reprised Kimmy across five seasons, ending in 2020. The revival introduced her to a new generation, while rewarding longtime fans with character growth and heartfelt storylines.

Recent roles and projects

Beyond the Full House universe, Barber continued to work in television. She joined the Nickelodeon series That Girl Lay Lay as Principal Zelda Willingham. She has also appeared on talk shows and reunion specials. These appearances show her range, and her ease with both comedy and family friendly formats.

Personal life, marriage, and children

Andrea Barber married Jeremy Rytky in 2002. They have two children, Tate James Rytky, born April 30, 2004, and Felicity Ruth Rytky, born April 10, 2007. The couple divorced in 2014. Barber has spoken with care about co parenting and keeping life balanced for the children. She is also a dedicated runner, with multiple half marathons and marathons completed. Fitness and mental wellness are recurring themes in her public messages.

Are Candace Cameron and Andrea Barber friends

Yes, they are close friends. Their connection began during the original series and has continued through the revival and beyond. Interviews, podcasts, and public events show a sincere, long running friendship. The two often share stories about on set memories, motherhood, and life in and out of Hollywood. Their bond is a core part of the franchise legacy and a favorite subject for fans.

What happened to Andrea Barber from Full House

After the original show ended in 1995, Barber intentionally stepped back from acting. She focused on higher education, campus work, and family life. Years later, she returned to the role that launched her fame with Fuller House. She also wrote a memoir titled Full Circle, From Hollywood to Real Life and Back Again. The book shares her personal journey, including mental health reflections, motherhood, and the decision to return to acting.

Public image, advocacy, and legacy

Barber’s public image blends humor, humility, and resilience. She has spoken openly about anxiety and self care, which resonates with many fans. Her return to acting was not only a nostalgic event. It also showed a path for child actors who step away, then re enter the industry with a fresh perspective. Her legacy ties closely to the warmth of the Tanner family world, her trusted onscreen chemistry with castmates, and her positive role model status for young viewers.

Official socials and related profiles

• Instagram, @andreabarber
• Facebook, Andrea Barber
• IMDb, Andrea Barber on IMDb

These profiles help confirm official updates. If you see other accounts, check for verification or cross references from the profiles above.

FAQs

Are Candace Cameron and Andrea Barber friends

Yes, they have a long friendship that began on Full House. They continue to collaborate and support each other.

What happened to Andrea Barber from Full House

She stepped back to focus on family and education. She then returned in Fuller House, and continued with new projects.

Did Andrea Barber have a baby

Yes, she has two children, Tate and Felicity, with ex husband Jeremy Rytky.

Final thoughts

Andrea Barber shows how a performer can grow, pause, and return with purpose. She protects her family’s privacy, supports friends, and engages her audience with kindness. From child actor to beloved sitcom star, to author and advocate, she continues to shape an enduring legacy that reaches beyond a single role.