Anne Marie McEvoy: From "Full House" to the Classroom

Anne Marie McEvoy, who played Kathy Santoni on "Full House," left Hollywood to pursue a career in academia, earning a PhD and becoming an assistant professor of education.

Anne Marie McEvoy's journey from the iconic sitcom "Full House" to the halls of academia is a testament to her multifaceted talents and love of learning. As a child actor, McEvoy portrayed the popular girl, Kathy Santoni, on the hit show, but she always knew that her true calling lay elsewhere.

Growing up in the spotlight, McEvoy realized that acting was not her ultimate passion. "I didn't do it because I wanted to be an actress at all," she explained on the "How Rude, Tanneritos!" podcast. "It was a job. I'm going to college… money… all that."

Anne Marie McEvoy: From "Full House" to the Classroom

With a determined spirit, McEvoy set her sights on higher education. She left Hollywood behind and enrolled in college, where she excelled in her studies. Her academic pursuits led her to the University of California, Irvine, where she earned a PhD in developmental and educational psychology.

Upon completing her doctorate, McEvoy joined the faculty at her alma mater as an assistant professor of education. She found a perfect fit in the academic world, where she was able to share her knowledge and experience with students.

Anne Marie McEvoy: From "Full House" to the Classroom

One of the most remarkable aspects of McEvoy's career is her ability to bridge the gap between her acting past and her current scholarly pursuits. She skillfully integrates lessons from "Full House" into her teaching, providing students with relatable examples of adolescent development, peer relationships, and family dynamics.

"I studied adolescent development and… teach classes on it," McEvoy shared. "I taught a whole version of the course… around ‘Full House.’ I used examples from ‘Full House.’"

Anne Marie McEvoy: From "Full House" to the Classroom

McEvoy's former co-stars, Candace Cameron Bure and Andrea Barber, were delighted to hear about her unconventional path. "That's amazing," Barber exclaimed on the podcast. "I love that you've taken something that was so much a part of your life and are using it to educate."

Students in McEvoy's classes have also been fascinated by her "Full House" connection. "People would find out and… quietly after class… and said, ‘I was watching TV last night, and I saw you. Was that you on ‘Full House?’" she recalled.

Anne Marie McEvoy: From "Full House" to the Classroom

While she does not currently plan to return to acting full-time, McEvoy did reprise her role as Kathy Santoni in the Netflix reboot "Fuller House" in 2016, demonstrating her enduring bond with the "Full House" family.

Anne Marie McEvoy's journey from television star to academic is a testament to the power of following one's passions. By embracing her love of learning and sharing her unique experiences, she has found fulfillment in both the entertainment industry and the classroom.

Anne Marie McEvoy: From "Full House" to the Classroom