The Forgotten Cameo: 5 Shocking Details About Danielle Fishel’s Time On Full House Before Boy Meets World

Danielle Fishel is universally recognized as the iconic Topanga Lawrence-Matthews from the beloved 90s sitcom Boy Meets World. However, a surprising piece of trivia that often escapes even the most dedicated fans is her brief but significant guest-starring role on another major TGIF staple: Full House. This appearance, which occurred in the early 1990s, serves as a fascinating footnote in her career, predating her breakout role and offering a glimpse of the child star she would become. As of December 2025, Fishel continues to make headlines with new projects, including a major podcast deal, proving her enduring relevance in pop culture.

The connection between the two sitcom universes—the Tanner family and the Matthews family—is a source of great curiosity for fans of 90s television. Fishel’s appearance on Full House was a stepping stone, a professional debut for the then-young actress that paved the way for her long-running, career-defining role as Topanga.

Danielle Fishel: Biography and Professional Profile

Danielle Fishel’s career spans over three decades, transitioning from a beloved child actress to a respected director, author, and podcast host. Her professional journey is a testament to her versatility and enduring appeal in the entertainment industry.

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• Full Name: Danielle Christine Fishel
• Date of Birth: May 5, 1981
• Place of Birth: Mesa, Arizona, U.S.
• Occupation: Actress, Director, Author, Podcast Host
• Breakout Role: Topanga Lawrence on Boy Meets World (1993–2000)
• Early Career Debut: Guest roles on Full House (191992–1993) and Harry and the Hendersons.
• Sequel Series: Reprised her role as Topanga in Girl Meets World (2014–2017) and also directed multiple episodes of the series.
• Directing Credits: Has directed episodes for major Disney shows, including Girl Meets World and Raven's Home.
• Podcast Ventures: Co-hosts the rewatch podcast Pod Meets World with former co-stars Rider Strong and Will Friedle.
• Recent Projects (2025/2026): Announced a new show with iHeartPodcasts, titled Danielle with the Stars or Teen Beat, set to premiere in early 2026.

The Little-Known Full House Cameo: Who Did Danielle Fishel Play?

The most shocking detail about Danielle Fishel’s time on Full House is that she wasn't just an extra; she played a named character, appearing in two separate episodes. Her appearances happened just months before she was cast in the role that would change her life.

1. The Character: Jennifer P.

Fishel guest-starred as a character named Jennifer P.. She was one of the many friends of Stephanie Tanner (played by Jodie Sweetin). This role was a small, pre-fame part that is often forgotten by fans who only associate her with Cory Matthews’ love interest, Topanga Lawrence.

2. The Episodes: Seasons 6 and 7

Danielle Fishel appeared in two episodes of the classic sitcom.

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• Season 6, Episode 8: "I'm Not D.J." (1992): This was her first appearance. The episode focuses on Stephanie trying to find her own identity outside of her older sister, D.J.
• Season 7, Episode 12: "The Test" (1993): Her second appearance was in this episode, which aired a year later. It's a common practice for child actors to be used in recurring, non-main roles across different episodes of a series.

The timing is critical: her second Full House appearance in 1993 was the same year she was cast as Topanga Lawrence for Boy Meets World. This overlap highlights the busy period of her early career, auditioning for and landing roles on the popular TGIF lineup.

From Tanner’s Friend to Matthews’ True Love: The Topanga Transition

The transition from a minor guest role as a friend of Stephanie Tanner to a leading role as Topanga Lawrence is a monumental leap. It’s a classic example of a child actor’s journey in Hollywood, moving from small, uncredited or minor roles to a breakout star.

The 'Boy Meets World' Casting Story

Fishel’s casting as Topanga is an iconic piece of TV history. She was originally cast as a guest star for the first season, but her unique, quirky performance quickly won over the producers and audience. Her character, initially intended to be a recurring hippie-type, evolved into the intelligent, outspoken, and ultimately central love interest for Cory Matthews (Ben Savage). The character's popularity cemented her status as a 90s icon, completely overshadowing her previous work on Full House.

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Did She Appear on Fuller House?

Given her connection to the original series, many fans wonder if Danielle Fishel made a cameo on the Netflix sequel series, Fuller House. While many TGIF stars, including her Boy Meets World co-stars like Will Friedle (Eric Matthews), have made appearances on other shows, Fishel did not reprise her role as Jennifer P. or appear as herself on Fuller House. Her focus during that time was largely on her own Disney Channel revival, Girl Meets World, where she also stepped behind the camera as a director.

Danielle Fishel's Latest Endeavors and Future Projects (2025/2026 Update)

Danielle Fishel has successfully leveraged her 90s nostalgia and deep industry experience into a thriving career in new media and directing. Her current projects ensure she remains a relevant and influential figure in the entertainment landscape.

1. The iHeartPodcasts Expansion

Fishel is expanding her already successful podcasting career. Following the huge popularity of the Boy Meets World rewatch podcast, Pod Meets World, she is launching a new venture with iHeartPodcasts. Her new show, potentially titled Danielle with the Stars or Teen Beat, is slated to premiere in early 2026. The show is described as a spin on celebrity interviews, aiming to delve into the "untelevised stuff" and focus on the personal side of fame.

2. Directing and Behind-the-Scenes Work

Beyond acting, Fishel has established herself as a competent director, having helmed episodes for both Girl Meets World and the Disney Channel hit Raven's Home. This shift to behind-the-scenes work demonstrates her commitment to a long-term career in television production, moving beyond her famous on-screen persona.

3. The Potential for a New 'Boy Meets World' Project

In recent interviews, Fishel and her Boy Meets World co-stars have openly discussed the possibility of a new project together. While no official announcement has been made, the collective desire of the cast to work together again, fueled by the success of their podcast, keeps the hope alive for a new chapter in the Matthews family saga. This ongoing dialogue ensures that the legacy of Topanga Lawrence continues to evolve for a new generation of fans.