Julia Montgomery Recalls Nailing Stephanie Tanner’s Iconic ‘How Rude’ While Portraying an Older Version of Her on “Full House”

Julia Montgomery Reflects on Embodying Stephanie Tanner’s Iconic Catchphrase on Full House

Julia Montgomery, known for her role as an older version of Stephanie Tanner on Full House, recently reminisced about bringing the character to life in a nostalgic episode titled “Those Better Not Be the Days.” At 64 years old, Montgomery shared her experience of embodying Stephanie Tanner’s sass and wit during a guest appearance on the rewatch podcast How Rude, Tanneritos. In a candid conversation with hosts Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber, the actress delved into the process of studying and portraying the beloved character.

Taking a trip down memory lane, Montgomery revealed that she meticulously recreated Stephanie’s persona, right from her ’90s-style ringlet curls to her famous catchphrase, “How rude.” She attributed much of Stephanie’s essence to her iconic hairstyle, recalling, “The hair did make it. Absolutely. I had that much hair back then.” Additionally, Montgomery mentioned meeting the show’s creator, Jeff Franklin, before filming, emphasising the dedication she put into understanding and embodying Stephanie’s character.

Drawing parallels from her previous role in the sitcom Cheers where she imitated Shelley Long’s character Diane Chambers, Montgomery utilised her experience in impersonation to prepare for playing the future iteration of Stephanie Tanner. Despite the lack of resources like YouTube during her preparation for the role, Montgomery navigated through Steph’s distinct mannerisms with meticulous observation from the episodes. She noted how rewatching the show without the dialogue helped her capture Stephanie’s unique traits.

During her podcast appearance, Montgomery candidly confessed to having some regrets about her portrayal, particularly about not fully embracing Stephanie’s hand gestures. Recalling the journey to perfecting Stephanie’s signature catchphrase, “How rude,” she disclosed her method of deconstructing the line and practising it meticulously to ensure an authentic delivery. Montgomery’s dedication paid off when she finally nailed the iconic line, which significantly boosted her confidence in portraying the character convincingly.

Reflecting on the filming experience, Montgomery shared a moment of personal satisfaction when she felt she embodied Stephanie Tanner while shooting a scene at the mall. Her attention to detail and commitment to capturing Stephanie’s essence resonated with fans of the show as she brought the older version of the character to life on screen. Through her portrayal, Montgomery honoured the legacy of Stephanie Tanner, enchanting viewers with her rendition of the beloved character.

In conclusion, Julia Montgomery’s reflections on embodying Stephanie Tanner’s iconic catchphrase on Full House offer a glimpse into the dedication and passion she poured into portraying the character. Her attention to detail, from mimicking Stephanie’s hairstyle to perfecting her famous line, showcases her commitment to delivering an authentic performance. As fans continue to cherish the memories of Full House, Montgomery’s portrayal of an older Stephanie Tanner remains a nostalgic and endearing tribute to the beloved sitcom.