In a surprising turn amid Hollywood's quiet undercurrents, Lori Loughlin and her husband of nearly 28 years, Mossimo Giannulli, have announced their separation. The news, confirmed by Loughlin's representative, comes just days after the actress was photographed sharing a seemingly affectionate dinner with actor James Tupper, the former partner of the late Anne Heche. Indeed, the timing has sparked whispers in entertainment circles, though sources close to Loughlin insist it's nothing more than a friendly catch-up between colleagues.
The couple, married since 1997, first drew national scrutiny during the 2019 college admissions scandal that led to prison time for both. Yet, they appeared to weather that storm together—until now. Loughlin's rep stated that the pair have been living apart for some time, with no plans for a messy legal battle. After 28 years and two daughters, Olivia and Isabella, this split marks a poignant end to a long chapter. Mossimo, the fashion designer behind the Mossimo brand, was spotted shortly after with a mystery brunette in Los Angeles, adding fuel to the post-separation buzz.
However, it's the Loughlin-Tupper sighting that's really turning heads. On October 1, the two were seen hugging outside The Bird Streets Club in West Hollywood, laughing over what looked like a casual meal. Tupper, 59, dated Heche from 2007 to 2018; they share a son, Atlas, now 16. Heche tragically died in August 2022 following a devastating car crash in Los Angeles. Loughlin and Tupper, moreover, share a professional history—they co-starred in two 2023 Great American Family holiday films, A Christmas Blessing and Fall Into Winter. Her team emphasized they're "old friends" from those sets, downplaying any romantic implications.
Still, the optics are intriguing, especially so soon after the split news broke. Loughlin, 61, has been rebuilding her career on the Hallmark-style network since the scandal, while Tupper has kept a lower profile post-Heche's passing. One can't help but ponder how these intertwined lives reflect the fragile nature of fame's personal entanglements.