Lori Loughlin in First Major Role Since College Scandal: ‘Whole New Appreciation for Law Enforcement’

Actress Lori Loughlin and her husband, clothing designer Mossimo Giannulli (L), depart federal court in Boston after facing charges in a nationwide college admissions bribery scandal on April 3, 2019. Steven Senne/AP

Five years after her own run-in with the law, actress Lori Loughlin has a newfound outlook on law enforcement after playing a police officer on screen.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight on Dec. 20, the 60-year-old described the effect her role as Lt. Bishop in the upcoming Prime Video drama “On Call” had on her.

“It was really exciting and gave me a whole new appreciation for law enforcement,” she said.

The television series, which is set to premiere Jan. 9, follows the story of a rookie and a veteran officer patrol duo in Long Beach, California, who face the challenge of protecting and serving a community.

It also marks the first major acting role Loughlin has played since being convicted and serving two months in prison for her role in the nationwide college admissions scandal.

The “Full House” alum expressed her excitement and dedication for the role, noting she underwent physical transformations and preparations that involved ride-alongs with police officers.

“I was game for anything. Like when I first showed up, they were like, ‘Your highlights are going to go,’ and I was like, ‘Fine.’ No makeup, dark hair pulled back, uniform and just [a] very raw [look] and I jumped at the chance. I was so excited,” she said.

In 2019, Loughlin and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, were arrested and charged with paying $500,000 to William “Rick” Singer, to influence the University of Southern California’s decision to admit their two daughters to the school.

They pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, paid a $150,000 fine, and completed 150 hours of community service on top of prison time.

The FBI investigation dubbed “Operation Varsity Blues,” charged more than 50 individuals including parents, athletic coaches, and administrators.

In one of her first interviews post-conviction, Loughlin spoke with “First For Women” earlier this year, on the power of forgiveness and moving forward, alluding to the scandal.

“Every day we’re met with different obstacles, but it’s all in how you approach things,” she said. “I just have to be myself and persevere and try not to let in negativity. ... Everyone has good times and bad times. That’s life. I think you just have to pick yourself up. Nobody said life was going to be a breeze.

“Actually, I try to be a forgiving person. I’m not one to hold onto stuff. Stuff happens to everyone. 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,” she added.

Best known for playing “Rebecca ‘Aunt Becky’ Katsopolis” on the hit ‘90s sitcom “Full House” and later reprising the role in its Netflix sequel, “Fuller House,” Loughlin held only small acting roles over the last couple of years.

She appeared on an episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” in its final season earlier this year, where she made light of her arrest playing a character parody of herself.

In 2021, Loughlin played Abigail Stanton for two episodes in a reprisal role for “When Hope Calls: A Country Christmas.” She was cut from the original Hallmark Channel series, “When Calls the Heart,” after six seasons, following the scandal.