You may remember Kirk and Candace Cameron from two of the most popular sitcoms of the late 80s and early 90s. Kirk was an instant teen-idol who starred on Growing Pains and his younger sister Candace played DJ Tanner on the hit show Full House. While both young actors were starring on wholesome, family-centric shows, their parents Robert and Barbara were working hard to make sure that their lives off screen were just as stable and supportive.

In her book appropriately named "A Full House of Growing Pains," Barbara recounts her life as a typical Christian mother raising two not-so-typical children. It wasn’t an easy task attempting to guide her children through the pressures and insecurities of a Hollywood lifestyle, nor was it easy balancing a normal home (the Cameron’s have other siblings as well) with life in the limelight.

By the age of eighteen, Kirk was making $50k a week and had gained the admiration of thousands of young teens. His sister Candace, after her role on Full House, drew significant critical acclaim for taking on challenging dramatic roles in films like No One Would Tell.

In 1990, Kirk reaffirmed his faith after struggling internally to find himself for many years – a personal revelation that had a profound effect on him. While it initially caused some friction on the Growing Pains set, Kirk had the strength to remain true to himself. In 1991 he married costar Chelsea Noble. Today Kirk and Chelsea have six children and Kirk has partnered with Way of the Master Ministries. In addition, he has stared in the Left Behind movies and continues to take on acting roles.

Candace Cameron was introduced to NHL hockey player Valeri Bure by former co-star Dave Coulier and the two were married in 1996. They have three children and currently reside in Florida. Candace speaks at various churches, colleges and outreach events in addition to being involved in organizations like the Starlight Foundation, Make-A-Wish, Compassion International, Children’s Hunger Fund and Sheridan House Family Ministries.

Kirk and Candace will never forget their Hollywood roots, but their well-adjusted, successful and fulfilling adult lives are a true testament to the family-based upbringing their parents valued years ago. They continue to be walking examples of how a supportive upbringing and the development of personal esteem is invaluable in the lives of children growing up in the industry.

INTERVIEW WITH BARBARA CAMERON

On Getting Started in Entertainment

CIF: What were the early signs that your child was meant to be in the limelight? BC: There were no early "signs" that our children were meant for this business. It was something that just happened. Another showbiz mother, and friend of mine, encouraged me for years to get the kids involved.

CIF: How did you find your first agent? BC: We lived in the same apartment building as Adam Rich’s ("Eight Is Enough") family. For years, Adam’s mother Fran encouraged me to get my children in the business saying that I should really take my kids in to see her agent, Iris Burton. I trusted Fran and her opinion. Finally, I agreed not thinking that anything would ever become of it. A few days later Iris Burton was our agent. Today, however, I would encourage parents to interview the agent just as much as the agent is interviewing them and their child. Find the one that you feel good about representing your child.

Page 1 of 2 :: First | Last :: Prev | 1 2 | Next