Why Lori Loughlin's indictment hit a nerve: She had built a lucrative brand playing wholesome characters

The Washington Post

Loughlin's role in the alleged college bribery scam contrasted with her wholesome roles on Full House, Fuller House and on Hallmark Channel. It took two days for Hallmark Channel to drop Loughlin, who had become the face of the cable channel with roles on When Calls the Heart, the Garage Sale Mysteries movies and "Countdown to Christmas" films. "For fans of Full House, Loughlin’s indictment was an especially shocking reveal, as it was another example of a celebrity’s real life apparently being very different from their TV character and public persona," says Emily Yahr. "While we all know, in theory, that we actually have no clue how our favorite actors live, sometimes what we see on-screen has a deeper effect on our psyche than we realize." There was similar, but lesser shock over Felicity Huffman's involvement because of her Desperate Housewives role. The Los Angeles Times' Mary McNamara wrote a piece titled, “We’re used to celebrity scandals, but oh my God, Felicity Huffman?” As Yahr notes: "While the thinkpieces and memes continue, the apparent downfall of Loughlin and Huffman is a stark reminder of the cliche-but-true-lesson: Now matter how rich, famous or successful a person seems, we never really know what may be going on behind closed doors."

ALSO:

• Report: Lori Loughlin "not expected back" for Fuller House's final season
• Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman should've learned from Billions inspiration Steven A. Cohen
• Check out courtroom sketches of Loughlin and Huffman