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

Following her prison sentence for her role in the 2019 scandal, the actress has been quietly working her way back into the public eye, determined to rebuild her life and career.

Lori Loughlin and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, made headlines after being accused of paying $500,000 in bribes to secure university spots for their daughters, Bella and Olivia Jade Giannulli. 

Loughlin is stepping into a new chapter, with friends noting that she has completely transformed her life, rebuilding it with gratitude and a fresh sense of purpose.

A source shared that “Lori did a lot of soul searching after the whole college admissions scandal,” emphasizing that while it was a “hellish time,” she now views it primarily as a profound “learning experience more than anything.”

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

The insider told In Touch that instead, Loughlin has found a new outlook on life, taking nothing for granted and appreciating her second chance.

Part of her newfound appreciation stems from the opportunity to revive her career. The mother-of-two is proving that life after scandal is possible as she makes her triumphant return to television with a starring role in the police drama “On Call.”

After she and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, pled 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 significant departure from her past work. “Playing a cop isn’t something that’s really in her wheelhouse, so it’s been a fun new challenge,” a source shares. For Loughlin, “On Call” represents more than just a job—it is a fresh start.

Before making a return to the screen, Loughlin made a dazzling one on the red carpet at the 30th annual Movieguide Awards on February 10, 2023. 

This marked her first major public appearance after completing her two-year supervised release. The event symbolized a turning point for the 60-year-old as she reintroduced herself to Hollywood with grace and style.

The Blast reported that Loughlin ensured her look would make an impression, opting for a striking pink two-piece ensemble with flared pants and a darker inner shirt. 

She completed the outfit with matching pink heels and a chic box purse while her blonde hair was swept into a high bun, leaving soft tendrils to frame her face.

Though she enjoyed reconnecting with “Full House” co-star Candace Cameron Bure and sharing a hug with a photographer, the 30th annual Movieguide Awards was not her first red carpet appearance.

The Blast highlighted her earlier attendance at the DesignCare 2022 Gala in Los Angeles. It was an event supporting the HollyRod Foundation, a charity founded by Holly Robinson and Rodney Peete to aid families impacted by Parkinson’s disease and autism.

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

Loughlin’s public life came to an abrupt halt in 2019 when she attended the Women’s Cancer Research Fund gala, her last major appearance before the college admissions scandal broke.

Just weeks after that event, Loughlin and her husband, Giannulli, were arrested for their involvement in a bribery scheme reportedly orchestrated by admissions corrector 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’s rowing team.

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

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