Most people see Scott Weinger and immediately think of a refrigerator. Specifically, the Tanner family's refrigerator. As Steve Hale, the perpetually hungry high school wrestler on Full House, Weinger became the blueprint for the "boy next door" in the early 90s.
But honestly? That’s only about ten percent of the story.
If you grew up watching him raid Danny Tanner’s kitchen, you might have missed the fact that he was simultaneously leading a double life as a Disney prince and a future Ivy League scholar. He didn't just fade away into child-star obscurity like so many of his peers. Instead, he pulled off one of the most successful pivots in Hollywood history.
The Steve Hale Effect: More Than Just D.J.’s Boyfriend
When Scott Weinger joined the cast of Full House in 1991, he wasn't actually a stranger to the set. He’d guest-starred once before as a character named Steve Peters, but the producers liked him so much they brought him back as the "real" Steve. Steve Hale.
He was supposed to be a recurring character. A simple love interest for D.J. Tanner. But the chemistry was undeniable. He eventually became a series regular, staying through season seven.
Weinger’s Steve was unique for the time. He wasn't the "bad boy" or the "nerd." He was just a nice guy with a letterman jacket and a bottomless pit for a stomach. Fans were devastated when Steve and D.J. broke up in season seven. It felt like the end of an era. Interestingly, the reason for that breakup was purely practical. Weinger was leaving to go to college.
That "Whole New World" You Didn't Realize Was Him
While he was filming Full House, Scott Weinger was secretly (or not so secretly) becoming the voice of a generation. Literally.
In 1992, right in the middle of his Full House run, Disney released Aladdin.
Most kids watching the show didn't immediately connect that the guy eating leftovers on D.J.'s couch was the same guy flying on a magic carpet. To get the part, Weinger sent in a homemade audition tape. His mom played the Genie. It sounds like something out of a sitcom itself, but it worked.
He didn't do the singing, though. That was Brad Kane. Weinger has joked in interviews that he tried to sing, but the Disney team quickly realized his talents lay elsewhere.
"To get to work with Alan Menken on Galavant later in my career was a dream, because we didn't work together on Aladdin since I didn't do the singing," Weinger told Brite and Bubbly.
The Full House writers even leaned into the connection. Remember the episode where the Tanners go to Disney World? There's a moment where D.J. sees Aladdin in the park and thinks he looks familiar. That was Weinger in the suit. A meta-joke before meta-jokes were cool.
The Harvard Pivot and the Move Behind the Camera
At the height of his fame, Scott Weinger did something most actors are terrified to do. He walked away.
He moved to Massachusetts to attend Harvard University. He didn't just "attend"—he graduated magna cum laude in 1998 with a degree in English and American Literature. During those years, he wasn't just hitting the books. He worked as a youth correspondent for Good Morning America, traveling the world and reporting on global issues.
When he came back to L.A., he wasn't looking for acting gigs. He wanted to write.
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This is the part of his career most people overlook. He started from the bottom in writers' rooms. He wrote for Like Family and What I Like About You. Eventually, he became a powerhouse producer. Look at the credits for Black-ish, 90210, or The Muppets. You'll see his name.
He’s currently a co-executive producer on the Hulu drama Paradise. In 2025, he even picked up an Emmy nomination for his work on the series. It’s a far cry from the laugh tracks of the 90s.
The Fuller House Reunion: Coming Full Circle
When Netflix announced Fuller House in 2016, fans had one question: Is Steve coming back?
He did. Initially, it was just a guest spot, but the nostalgia was too strong. Steve Hale became a series regular again. This time, he was Dr. Steve Hale, a successful podiatrist.
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The show finally gave fans what they wanted for twenty years. Steve and D.J. got their "happily ever after" in the series finale. For Weinger, it was a weird, beautiful loop. He was acting again, but he was also still writing and selling pilots to HBO Max and Disney+ at the same time.
What Scott Weinger’s Journey Teaches Us
Honestly, Scott Weinger is a bit of an anomaly. He survived the child-star curse by being smarter than the industry. He realized early on that if you want longevity in Hollywood, you have to be able to create the stories, not just tell them.
Actionable Takeaways from Weinger’s Career:
- Don't be afraid to pivot. You aren't defined by your first big success. Weinger went from teen heartthrob to Harvard grad to Emmy-nominated producer.
- Diversify your skills. He stayed in the industry but changed his "how." Learning the business side (writing/producing) kept him relevant when he outgrew the "teen boyfriend" roles.
- Embrace your history. He never looked down on Full House or Aladdin. He leaned into the reunions while building a separate, serious career.
If you want to follow his current work, skip the reruns and check out Paradise on Hulu. It’s the best evidence of how far the guy from the Tanner kitchen has really come.
Next Steps for You
If you're a fan of 90s television history, you might want to check out the Full House Rewind podcast. Weinger recently appeared on it to discuss his "hazing" on the original set and his close relationship with the late Bob Saget. It's a great look at the reality behind the sitcom cameras.