Lori Loughlin Embraces Hallmark Return Amidst Marriage Separation From Mossimo Giannulli
Lori Loughlin recently attended a public event, marking a rare appearance to discuss her impending return to the series When Calls the Heart.
A video of Loughlin, 61, addressing the audience during the When Calls the Heart panel at the Hallmark Christmas Experience on Friday, December 12, was posted on the show's official Instagram account. Her return as Abigail Stanton was officially announced by Hallmark on December 2, seven years after she departed from the program.
Addressing the fans, she remarked, “It’s wonderful [to come back], and [Erin Krakow] has been a strong advocate for this for quite some time.” She continued, “I learned about it perhaps a month or two ago, and I want to express my gratitude to everyone at Hallmark for their immense kindness and hospitality … this truly feels extraordinary.”
In remarks cited by People magazine, Loughlin expressed delight at reuniting with the “exceptional cast” of When Calls the Heart.
She further commented, “[We share] a truly strong connection, and it's simply lovely to be back among my family.”
Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli: The History of Their Partnership
The show's fanbase was undoubtedly ecstatic when Hallmark recently verified Loughlin’s return for half of season 14's 12 episodes. (The upcoming season of When Calls the Heart is slated for filming next year and broadcast in 2027.)
Michelle Vicary, Hallmark Media’s head of programming, issued a statement on December 2 noting, “Since its premiere in 2014, Abigail Stanton has been a character adored by fans and cherished by the Hearties community.” She added, “The essence of the Hallmark brand revolves around hope, optimism, and human connection, themes central to When Calls the Heart. We determined that season 14 presented the appropriate moment to resume Abigail’s narrative through her reappearance on this popular show.”
This television return coincides with recent turmoil in Loughlin's private affairs. A representative for the former Full House actress confirmed to Us Weekly on October 2 that Loughlin and her spouse, Mossimo Giannulli, had ended their marriage of almost 28 years. (The 62-year-old Giannulli and Loughlin are parents to two daughters, Olivia Jade and Isabella Rose.)
Loughlin’s spokesperson informed Us at the time, “They are currently residing separately.” The representative also specified, “There have been no formal legal actions initiated.”
Following the initial report, Us received information suggesting the couple chose to part ways after recognizing a fundamental disagreement in their goals and perspectives.
In October, an insider told Us that “Individuals close to Lori and Mossimo were aware they had been facing significant difficulties during the past year.” The source added, “Their separation did not come as a surprise to those close to them. It has been a trying period for Lori, who is heartbroken over the situation.”
The insider further stated, “Reconciliation is not on the table; there is zero likelihood, and they will eventually proceed with a divorce.”
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Subsequently, the former couple sold their residence for approximately $15 million, a sum less than the original listing price of $16.5 million. The 11,800-square-foot Hidden Hills estate boasted a modern farmhouse style, complete with six bedrooms, a gymnasium, a wine cellar, and a private theater.
Separately, John Stamos publicly defended his former Full House colleague following news of her separation. Appearing on the “Good Guys” podcast, Stamos, 62, criticized Giannulli, labeling him as “a terrible narcissist” and asserting that Loughlin “endured significant difficulties over the years with this individual.”
In the October podcast episode, Stamos stated, “I have known her for 40 years.” He added, “You eventually understand people's true nature after several years. This woman is truly admirable. I am simply devastated for her at this moment.”
