Lori Loughlin was first hired for six episodes of Full House in 1988.
Loughlin joined during the sitcom’s second season as Rebecca Donaldson, the co-host of Wake Up, San Francisco and Jesse Katsopolis’s eventual love interest. Producers initially designed the part as a limited romance storyline rather than a permanent role.
The character proved popular, however, and Rebecca’s relationship with Jesse developed into one of the show’s central continuing plots. Loughlin returned beyond the original six-episode order and became a regular cast member in the following season. Rebecca later married Jesse, and the couple moved into the Tanner family home’s attic.
A common mix-up is confusing Loughlin’s initial contract with her total time on the series. She ultimately appeared through Full House’s eighth and final season, which ended in 1995. Her character also became important to later storylines involving twins Nicky and Alex, introduced in season five.