Full House became one of the most beloved sitcoms of the ’80s and ’90s, captivating audiences with its blend of heart, humor, and family values. But what many fans might not know is the intriguing behind-the-scenes stories that led to the creation of the show. One of the most fascinating aspects? The first actor cast in the iconic series.
In a recent interview, Full House creator Jeff Franklin opened up about the casting process and revealed which actor was the very first to join the show. This revelation is not only surprising but also sheds light on how the series started coming together. Let’s dive into this interesting piece of Full House history.
1. Jeff Franklin’s Insight Into the Early Days of Full House
As the creator and executive producer of Full House, Jeff Franklin played a crucial role in shaping the series. In a recent interview, he shared some behind-the-scenes details about the early days of the show, including the casting process. For many sitcoms, casting the right actors is one of the most important steps, and Full House was no exception.
Franklin’s reveal about the first actor cast sheds new light on how the show came together and highlights just how much thought went into choosing the right people to fill the roles of the Tanner family.
2. The Big Reveal: Who Was the First Actor Cast in Full House?
The first actor cast in Full House was none other than Bob Saget, who played the role of Danny Tanner. Saget’s casting was a pivotal moment for the show, as it set the tone for the entire series. According to Jeff Franklin, Bob was the first actor to sign on and played a significant role in getting the rest of the cast involved.
Franklin explained that casting Bob as the beloved dad Danny Tanner was an easy decision because of his comedic timing and warmth, qualities that would become synonymous with the character. Saget’s genuine portrayal of the loving, slightly neurotic father set the foundation for the family dynamic that would become Full House’s signature.
3. Why Bob Saget Was Perfect for Danny Tanner
Bob Saget’s role as Danny Tanner was more than just a job—it was a defining moment in his career. His casting in Full House was a game-changer, not only for him but for the show’s success as a whole.
Saget’s background in comedy made him the perfect choice for the role. While Danny Tanner wasn’t the “funny guy” in the traditional sense, Saget’s ability to bring both humor and sincerity to the character was key to the show’s success. His role as the loving but sometimes overwhelmed father figure resonated deeply with audiences, creating an iconic TV dad.
4. The Importance of Casting the Right Actor for Danny Tanner
The role of Danny Tanner required someone who could bring humor and warmth, but also handle the emotional depth needed for the character. In many ways, Bob Saget’s casting was a stroke of genius. His ability to balance comedy with heartfelt moments made Danny Tanner one of the most memorable TV fathers of all time.
Casting Bob Saget as Danny helped set the stage for the show’s eventual success. As the first actor on board, Saget’s involvement gave the production team the confidence they needed to move forward with casting the other key roles, including the beloved uncles Jesse and Joey, and the adorable Tanner children.
5. How Bob Saget’s Casting Changed the Direction of the Show
Once Bob Saget was cast, the pieces started falling into place for the show’s unique family dynamic. Jeff Franklin noted that the decision to cast Saget first helped to shape the direction of the show, as it set the tone for what the Full House family would represent.
The combination of Bob Saget’s sincerity and comedic timing was pivotal in establishing the heartfelt yet humorous nature of Full House. Saget’s portrayal of Danny Tanner was crucial in making the show a relatable and lovable hit.
6. The Cast That Followed: Assembling the Tanner Family
After Bob Saget came on board, the casting team began to fill in the other roles for Full House. John Stamos was cast as the cool and charming Uncle Jesse, and Dave Coulier was brought in to play the goofy but lovable Uncle Joey. These two characters became essential parts of the show, adding comedic flavor and family support to the series.
The casting of the Tanner children, played by Candace Cameron Bure (DJ), Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie), and twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (Michelle), rounded out the family. With Bob Saget leading the way, the chemistry between the cast members became one of the main reasons for the show’s massive success.
7. The Role of the Creator in Casting Decisions
Jeff Franklin’s involvement in the casting process was critical to the show’s early development. As the creator, Franklin worked closely with producers and casting directors to choose actors who not only fit the roles but also had the right chemistry. While Bob Saget was the first to be cast, the selection of the rest of the cast came after careful consideration to ensure they could work well together.
Franklin’s keen sense of the show’s vision was crucial in bringing together the perfect cast. The dynamic between Saget’s Danny Tanner and the other characters—especially the children—was what made Full House stand out from other family sitcoms of the time.
8. How the First Casting Decision Led to Full House’s Success
Casting Bob Saget as Danny Tanner was the first step in creating the beloved family sitcom that would go on to capture the hearts of millions. As the show’s cornerstone, Saget’s performance became the heart of Full House, anchoring the humor, love, and life lessons that fans grew to cherish.
By securing such a strong actor for the lead role early on, Full House was able to build the rest of the cast around that central figure, ensuring that the ensemble of characters would support and complement each other both on-screen and behind the scenes. This early casting decision was one of the key factors that led to the show’s massive success.
9. The Legacy of Bob Saget’s Role as Danny Tanner
Bob Saget’s portrayal of Danny Tanner became one of the most iconic roles in television history. His combination of humor, fatherly love, and vulnerability made him a standout character, and his performance resonated deeply with fans. Saget’s role on Full House not only made him a household name but also solidified his place in TV history.
Even after the show’s end, Bob Saget continued to be associated with the beloved Danny Tanner, a character who represented the ideal father figure to many viewers. Saget’s legacy lives on in the hearts of Full House fans, who continue to celebrate his contribution to the show.
Conclusion: Bob Saget’s Impact on Full House and Television
The revelation that Bob Saget was the first actor cast in Full House sheds light on how important his role was in the creation of the show. As the anchor of the series, Saget’s portrayal of Danny Tanner was crucial in setting the tone for the show’s success. His comedic brilliance and heartfelt moments shaped the Full House legacy, which continues to live on today.
Thanks to Bob Saget’s early casting, Full House became a timeless sitcom that resonated with viewers and created lasting memories. The success of the show is a testament to the incredible chemistry between the cast and the smart, thoughtful decisions made during its creation.
FAQs
1. Why was Bob Saget the first actor cast in Full House? Bob Saget’s comedic timing, warmth, and ability to balance humor with emotional depth made him the ideal choice for the role of Danny Tanner, setting the tone for the entire series.
2. How did Bob Saget’s casting influence the rest of the show? His casting helped define the family dynamic of Full House, allowing the show to center around the loving yet humorous father figure and set the stage for the rest of the cast to be brought in.
3. How did Jeff Franklin contribute to the casting process? As the creator of the show, Jeff Franklin played a key role in selecting the cast, ensuring that the actors had the right chemistry and fit the vision of the show.
4. What made Bob Saget’s portrayal of Danny Tanner so memorable? Saget’s blend of sincerity and humor created a perfect TV dad who was both relatable and lovable, making his role in Full House one of the most iconic father figures in television history.
5. How did Bob Saget’s role in Full House impact his career? Saget’s role as Danny Tanner became a defining part of his career, turning him into a beloved TV icon and a household name for generations of fans.
