Andrea Laura Barber (born July 3, 1976, in Los Angeles) is an American actress best known for her role as the eccentric Kimmy Gibbler on the family sitcom Full House and its Netflix revival, Fuller House. She began acting as a child, appearing in television roles before achieving wider recognition on network television in the late 1980s and 1990s.
Career overview
Barber started in television as a child actor and had an early part on the daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives. Her breakout role came when she was cast as Kimmy Gibbler, the quirky and outspoken best friend of D.J. Tanner, on Full House, a series that originally aired in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Years after the original series concluded, Barber reprised the character for the Netflix revival Fuller House, which brought the original cast back together for a new generation of viewers.
Significance and public image
Kimmy Gibbler is often cited as a memorable television foil: the awkward, comedic companion whose mannerisms, fashion choices and loyalty became part of the show's charm. Barber's portrayal emphasized physical comedy and timing, and the character developed a devoted fan base. The revival on streaming platforms reintroduced her to popular culture and sparked renewed interest in her earlier work.
Life beyond acting
After the original run of Full House ended, Barber took an extended break from acting to pursue education and other interests away from the television spotlight. Her return in the revival reflects a broader pattern of 1990s series being revisited for modern audiences.
Selected roles
- Kimmy Gibbler — Full House (original series) and Fuller House (revival)
- Child role on Days of Our Lives — early television work
- Additional guest and television appearances over several decades
For more information about Andrea Barber's career, interviews, or current projects, consult published profiles and trustworthy entertainment databases. See an official or comprehensive listing at professional profiles, recent interviews at press sources, credits and filmography at industry listings, and curated retrospectives at feature articles.