Lori Loughlin sees casting scandal as 'learning experience'

Lori Loughlin takes her second act with optimism, leaving behind the challenges of a college admissions scandal that once threatened to derail her career.

After a prison sentence for her role in the 2019 scandal, the actress is quietly returning to the public eye, determined to rebuild her life and career.

Lori Laughlin and her husband Mossimo Giannulli made headlines after being accused of paying $500,000 in bribes to put their daughters Bella and Olivia Jade Giannulli through university.

Loughlin begins a new chapter, noting with friends that she has completely transformed her life, renewing it with gratitude and a new sense of purpose.

The source shared that “Lori did a lot of soul-searching after the whole college admissions scandal,” stressing that while it was a “hell time,” she now mostly sees it as a profound “learning experience more than anything.”

Although the actress deeply regrets her involvement and “would take it all back if I could”, Laughlin has accepted that she can't undo the past.

The insider told When communicating that instead, Loughlin has found a new perspective on life, taking nothing for granted and appreciating her second chance.

Part of her new recognition comes from the opportunity to revive her career. The mother-of-two is proving life after scandal is possible as she makes a triumphant return to TV with a starring role in police drama On Call.

After she and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, pleaded guilty to fraud charges in 2019, Loughlin served two months in prison, while Mossimo completed a five-month sentence.

The actress is reportedly excited about her latest role, which marks a major departure from her previous work. “Playing a cop isn't something that's really in her wheelhouse, so it's been a fun new challenge,” says the source. For Loughlin, “On Call” is more than just a job — it's a new beginning.

Before returning to the screen, Loughlin made a red carpet appearance at the 30th Annual Movieguide Awards on February 10, 2023.

It marked her first major public appearance after two years of supervised release. The event marked a turning point for the 60-year-old as she re-introduced herself to Hollywood with grace and style.

An explosion reported that Loughlin ensured her look made an impact by opting for a striking pink two-piece ensemble with flared pants and a darker undershirt.

She completed the outfit with matching pink heels and a chic bag, while her blonde hair was pulled back into a high bun, leaving soft strands to frame her face.

Although she enjoyed rekindling her relationship with Full House co-star Candice Cameron Bure and hugging a photographer, the 30th annual Movieguide Awards wasn't her first appearance on the red carpet.

The Blast highlighted her earlier appearance at the DesignCare 2022 Gala in Los Angeles. It was an event in support of the HollyRod Foundation, a charity founded by Holly Robinson and Rodney Peet to help families affected by Parkinson's disease and autism.

Loughlin looked radiant at the event in a long-sleeved blue dress teamed with silver heels and a sleek clutch. Her loose curls flowed elegantly over her shoulders, completing the timeless look.

Laughlin's public life came to an abrupt halt in 2019 when she attended a gala for the Women's Cancer Research Foundation, her last major appearance before the college admissions scandal broke.

Just weeks after the incident, Loughlin and her husband, Giannulli, were arrested for their involvement in a bribery scheme allegedly orchestrated by admissions adjuster Rick Singer.

The couple allegedly paid $500,000 to have their daughters Olivia Jade and Isabella Rose falsely recruited to the University of Southern California rowing team.

The consequences were swift: Loughlin was sentenced to two months in prison, fined $150,000 and 150 hours of community service. Giannulli faced five months in prison, a $250,000 fine and 250 hours of community service.

Despite the tumultuous chapter in her life, Lori Laughlin is determined to use it as a springboard for her second act.