Lori Loughlin, best known as ‘Aunt Becky’ in the 1987 sitcom, Full House, is back in the headlines, but for less controversial reasons this time. The actress, 61, is going her separate ways from her husband of 28 years, Mossimo Giannulli, 62, after nearly three decades together. Loughlin’s representative confirmed the news of the separation to PEOPLE. 

The Full House alum and her fashion designer husband, parents to influencer daughters, Olivia Jade and Isabella Rose, are officially living apart, though no legal proceedings have been filed yet. The news of their estrangement comes after the pair quietly listed their Hidden Hills mansion earlier this year. 

In the past few years, Lori and Mossimo have found themselves embroiled in scandals and controversies, which have even resulted in a two-month jail term. Despite everything, their combined net worth remains impressive. Here’s a closer look at their marriage that has been under speculation for quite some time.

What Lori Laughlin’s rep said about the separation

Lori Laughlin and Mossimo Giannulli tied the knot in 1997, and after nearly 28 years of marriage, the couple is parting ways, but the official cause of the split remains under wraps. However, sources close to the couple claim they had been struggling for years after the 2019 college admissions scandal, which is believed to have significantly strained their relationship. 

The latest update about the marriage was confirmed by PEOPLE, which suggested that Laughlin and Giannulli have started living apart. Loughlin’s representative, Elizabeth Much, told the publication:

“They are living apart and taking a break from their marriage. There are no legal proceedings at this time.”

The couple’s split comes months after they put their Hidden Hills mansion on the market

Those who had been following Laughlin and Giannulli’s moves for some time had already started speculating that something was off between them. In February 2025, the couple quietly listed their sprawling 11,800-square-foot Hidden Hills mansion for a whopping USD 16.5 million. The actress didn’t mention anything about marital troubles back then, but rumour was rife that something was amiss. And now, the official confirmation has proved the couple’s estrangement. 

Was the college admission scandal the ultimate deal breaker in the marriage?

Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli were one of Hollywood’s much-talked-about celebrity couples who defied all odds to stay together. In 1997, the Fuller House actress eloped with the fashion designer on Thanksgiving Day and tied the knot a year after she divorced her first husband, Michael R. Burns.

Over the years, the couple welcomed two daughters, Isabella Rose and Olivia Jade, and Loughlin also became stepmom to Giannulli’s son, Gianni, from a previous relationship. Both had thriving careers in their respective fields, and they made a close-knit, happy family. But by 2019, things took a drastic turn.

In 2019, Loughlin and Giannulli became embroiled in a widely publicised college admissions scandal involving their daughters, Olivia Jade and Isabella Rose. The couple was accused of paying USD 500,000 to falsely present their daughters as recruits for the University of Southern California’s (USC) crew team. They admitted to the plot and were arrested, only to be later released on USD 1 million bail each.

In 2020, both Loughlin and Giannulli pleaded guilty to wire and mail fraud. Loughlin was sentenced to two months in federal prison, while Giannulli served five months. A part of their sentencing memo could be read as:

“In January 2018, Loughlin, Giannulli, and their younger daughter discussed how to avoid the possibility that a high school counsellor would disrupt their scheme. When their daughter asked whether she should list USC as her top choice school, Loughlin allegedly replied: ‘Yes . . . . But it might be a flag for the weasel to meddle… Giannulli added: ‘F— him,’ and remarked that the counsellor was a ‘nosey bastard. Loughlin thereafter instructed her daughter: ‘Don’t say too much to that man.’”

After pleading guilty to the fraud, the ordeal left Loghlin’s family fractured and their reputations in tatters. Despite completing their sentences and attempting to move forward, the fallout reportedly left lasting scars on their relationship. With their recent separation announcement, fans are left wondering if the past incident had something to do with the couple’s estrangement. 

Lori’s return to Hollywood

Lori Loughlin was released from prison in late 2020 and has since gradually returned to acting. In 2021, the actress reprised her role as ‘Abigail Stanton’ in When Hope Calls: A Country Christmas and later starred in TV movies like Fall Into Winter and A Christmas Blessing.

Loughlin made a surprising appearance on Curb Your Enthusiasm, where she poked fun at her involvement in the college admissions scheme, revealing a more self-aware side to fans. Later on, she landed roles on Blue Bloods and On Call.

It was in 2024 that the Full House alum addressed the scandal in a candid interview, reflecting on the time and discussing forgiveness. Speaking to First for Women Magazine, Loughlin opened up about moving forward with resilience. She said:

“I try to be a forgiving person. I’m not one to hold onto stuff… We’ve all been in positions to ask for forgiveness, but to ask for it, you have to learn and know how to give forgiveness, too (…) No one is perfect; we all make mistakes. So I was always told to let stuff go. And I think for your own health, you have to let things go because you can’t hang on to negativity. Life’s too short.”

Inside Loughlin and Giannulli’s combined net worth

Despite their personal struggles, the couple remains financially secure. As of 2025, their combined net worth is estimated to be around USD 80 million, with some sources placing it between USD 70 million and USD 88 million. Coming to their individual wealth, Loughlin’s net worth is estimated at USD 8 million.

As of now, Loughlin and Giannulli’s 28-year marriage appears to be on pause. Although the couple has not yet filed for divorce, their decision to live apart suggests a significant turning point in their relationship.

Read Next: Meet Eric Dane’s New GF Janell Shirtcliff: Where They Stand After Divorce Cancellation With Rebecca