Full House, the family sitcom that became a cornerstone of ’90s television, is known for its heartwarming moments, hilarious family dynamics, and unforgettable characters. But what many fans don’t know is that Bob Saget’s character, Danny Tanner, was almost married in a major storyline – until one actress’s unexpected decision completely changed the course of the show.
This marriage plot was set to shake up the series, but when one key player refused to go through with it, the show had to pivot, leaving us with a “what could have been” scenario. Let’s dive into the fascinating behind-the-scenes drama that led to Danny Tanner’s never-happening wedding and the actress who exited the show in the process.
The Love Interest: Danny Tanner’s Future Wife
For much of Full House, Danny Tanner, played by Bob Saget, is a widowed father raising three daughters on his own. The show frequently explored his relationships with other characters, and as the series progressed, Danny’s potential romantic future was teased more and more. After all, he deserved some happiness, right?
In Season 8, the writers introduced a romantic interest for Danny in the form of a character named Vicky Larson, portrayed by actress Gail Edwards. Vicky was a news anchor who became Danny’s girlfriend. Fans saw them get closer throughout the season, with Danny eventually considering marriage.
The Wedding Plotline: A Major Shift in the Show
The storyline seemed to be heading toward a big wedding, with Danny potentially marrying Vicky and blending their families together. This plotline was meant to show a new chapter in Danny’s life. After years of being a single parent, it was time for him to find love again. The show was setting up a beautiful wedding that could have added another emotional layer to the series.
The marriage wasn’t just about Danny—Vicky’s presence also provided some new dynamics for the other characters, particularly the children, as they would adjust to having a new stepmother. The wedding would have symbolized growth, change, and the continuation of the Tanner family’s journey.
What Went Wrong: The Actress Who Refused to Get Married on the Show
But then, something unexpected happened. Gail Edwards, the actress portraying Vicky Larson, chose not to continue her role. According to reports, Edwards was unhappy with the direction the show was taking and ultimately decided to leave. She didn’t want to proceed with the storyline where her character marries Danny.
This left the writers and producers in a difficult spot. They had built up this major storyline and had already set the stage for Danny’s wedding. But with Edwards exiting the show, they were forced to rewrite the plot.
Why Did Gail Edwards Leave Full House?
The exact reason for Edwards’ departure remains somewhat unclear. However, it is believed that the actress had disagreements with the show’s producers about the direction her character was taking, particularly the forced marriage storyline. Some sources have speculated that Edwards felt her character’s development was being rushed and that she wasn’t happy with the lack of substance in the storyline.
Additionally, Edwards had already appeared in several seasons of Full House, and by Season 8, the show was beginning to wrap up. The exit of an important character like Vicky meant that the show would need to retool its approach, especially given how much screen time and focus had been placed on the blossoming romance between Danny and Vicky.
The Aftermath: Danny’s Storyline Post-Vicky
With Vicky’s exit, the writers had to abandon the wedding plot, leaving Danny’s romantic future uncertain. The storyline was eventually replaced with the introduction of a more fleeting romantic interest for Danny, but by that point, the show had started focusing more on Steve Urkel and family-friendly antics than romantic plotlines.
Danny’s future relationship prospects were explored less in later seasons, as Full House continued to prioritize the comedic aspects and the family’s growing dynamics. Although the idea of Danny getting married was abandoned, the show’s focus on his growth as a father remained a central theme.
The Impact on Full House’s Final Seasons
Gail Edwards’ exit didn’t just impact the wedding storyline—it also affected the show’s direction in the final seasons. By the time Full House wrapped up its run, the characters, particularly the children, had grown up. Danny, who had initially been the anchor of the show, became less central as the series moved towards the end.
Although Vicky’s departure could have led to a shift in Danny’s character arc, the show didn’t replace her with another long-term love interest. Instead, the focus shifted more toward the family as a whole, with the growth and maturation of the Tanner children taking center stage.
The Legacy of Vicky Larson and Danny Tanner’s ‘Almost’ Marriage
Vicky Larson’s character was a significant part of Danny Tanner’s romantic life on Full House, and her departure was a major turning point in the show’s later years. It’s interesting to think about what could have been if Vicky had stayed and Danny had gotten married.
The idea of Danny marrying Vicky would have added more closure to his storyline as a widowed father, completing his journey from grieving husband to someone who found love again. It also would have given viewers a sense of continuity, as it would have shown the family truly moving forward from the past.
Could Danny Have Had a Happy Ending?
One of the reasons Danny’s marriage to Vicky would have been so impactful was that it would have completed his character arc. For years, Danny was seen as the perfect father—loving, responsible, and dependable—but he was also a widower who never fully dealt with the loss of his wife. A marriage to Vicky could have signaled Danny’s healing and his ability to open up to love again.
However, in some ways, Danny’s journey as a single father and his role as a provider and protector for his three daughters was so integral to the show that the idea of him marrying again might have felt like a major shift in the show’s tone. This could explain why the producers chose to downplay the marriage plot and instead keep the focus on the family dynamics.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity in Full House’s Legacy
In the end, the potential wedding between Danny Tanner and Vicky Larson is one of Full House’s “what could have been” moments. While the show ultimately didn’t go through with the marriage, it’s interesting to speculate on how it would have impacted the series and Danny’s character development.
Despite the departure of Vicky and the abandonment of the wedding storyline, Danny’s role as the loving father remained central to the show. Full House went on to remain a beloved classic, and the Tanners’ journey—married or not—remains etched in the hearts of fans everywhere.
FAQs About Bob Saget’s Character Almost Getting Married on Full House
1. Why did Bob Saget’s character, Danny Tanner, almost get married? Danny’s character was developing a serious relationship with Vicky Larson, leading to a potential wedding that would represent a new chapter in his life as a widowed father.
2. What caused Vicky Larson’s exit from Full House? Gail Edwards, who played Vicky, reportedly left due to disagreements with the show’s direction, particularly the rushed marriage storyline.
3. Was Danny’s marriage plotline a major part of the show? Yes, the storyline of Danny potentially marrying Vicky was a significant part of the later seasons of Full House.
4. How did the show handle the plot after Vicky’s departure? The writers abandoned the marriage plot, and Danny’s romantic life was explored less in the later seasons, with the focus shifting more to the family dynamic.
5. Would a marriage between Danny and Vicky have changed Full House? A marriage would have completed Danny’s emotional journey and brought closure to his character arc as a widower, adding a new layer of growth for both him and the family.
