When we think of Danny Tanner, the lovable, goofy yet caring father of three girls in Full House, one name instantly comes to mind: Bob Saget. His portrayal of the widowed father figure made him a household name and an integral part of the show’s success. However, what many people don’t realize is that Bob Saget wasn’t the original choice for the role of Danny Tanner. In fact, the casting process behind one of TV’s most iconic dads is full of surprising twists and turns that you may not have known about.
In this article, we’ll dive into the untold story of how Bob Saget landed the role, who else was considered for the role of Danny Tanner, and why the final decision turned out to be a perfect fit.
The Early Days of Full House Casting: A Look Behind the Scenes
Before Full House became a smash hit, the show’s creators had a vision for what they wanted their cast to look like. Danny Tanner, as portrayed by Bob Saget, was meant to be a loving, comedic, yet flawed father figure. However, when it came to casting, there was much debate about who could best bring this iconic role to life. Let’s take a closer look at the casting process.
Who Was Originally Considered for Danny Tanner?
Before Bob Saget was offered the role of Danny Tanner, several other well-known actors were considered for the part. It’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role now, but there was a time when casting directors had different ideas.
John Posey: The Original Choice for Danny Tanner
Initially, John Posey, a talented actor known for his roles in television, was the first choice to play Danny Tanner. In fact, Posey filmed the pilot episode of Full House before Saget was cast. While Posey did a great job portraying the character, the producers felt that his portrayal of Danny didn’t quite hit the mark. Posey’s performance was ultimately deemed too serious and didn’t have the right balance of warmth and humor that the show needed.
However, Posey’s time on the show wasn’t entirely wasted. His brief stint on the Full House pilot episode still serves as an interesting glimpse into what the show could have looked like with a different actor at the helm of the Tanner family.
Bob Saget’s Audition: A Perfect Fit for Danny Tanner
After John Posey’s departure, the search for the perfect Danny Tanner continued, and that’s when Bob Saget entered the picture. Saget’s audition was a game-changer. While he was initially known for his stand-up comedy, his ability to balance humor with heart and warmth stood out to the show’s producers.
Why Bob Saget Was Chosen Over Other Candidates
While many people associate Bob Saget with his role as the dad on Full House, his comedic style was an essential factor in his casting. Saget’s humor was family-friendly, which was key for a show like Full House. However, it was his ability to play the dramatic and emotional aspects of the character that sealed the deal. The show needed a father figure who could show vulnerability while still maintaining a sense of comedy.
Saget’s comedic timing and relatable portrayal of a father navigating life’s ups and downs resonated deeply with the audience. His natural charisma helped him stand out in a crowded field of actors vying for the role.
The Chemistry with the Cast: Why Bob Saget and the Tanners Worked So Well Together
One of the key reasons Bob Saget became such an iconic part of Full House is the amazing chemistry he had with the rest of the cast, especially with John Stamos (Uncle Jesse) and Dave Coulier (Uncle Joey). The dynamic between the three men was essential to the show’s success and helped bring a sense of camaraderie to the family-oriented sitcom.
The Importance of a Strong Cast Dynamic
It wasn’t just Bob Saget’s relationship with the kids that made him the perfect Danny Tanner – it was also his bond with the other adult characters. The show often relied on comedic moments involving Danny, Jesse, and Joey, and Saget’s playful but loving interactions with his co-stars made these moments truly unforgettable.
Saget’s Performance: The Balancing Act Between Comedy and Heart
Bob Saget’s portrayal of Danny Tanner is the perfect example of the balancing act between humor and heart that made Full House so beloved. As a widower raising three daughters, Danny was often put in situations that called for comedic relief, but also required emotional depth.
Saget’s Ability to Play Both Comedic and Serious Moments
Saget’s background as a stand-up comedian helped him bring a natural, comedic touch to Danny Tanner’s character, while his empathetic nature allowed him to portray the struggles and challenges of fatherhood with genuine emotion. Whether it was navigating the challenges of parenting or delivering one of the show’s heartfelt moments, Saget’s ability to blend comedy with sincerity was one of the keys to the show’s success.
What If John Posey Stayed as Danny Tanner?
It’s always interesting to imagine what might have been. If John Posey had remained in the role of Danny Tanner, would the show have been as successful as it was? While Posey was a talented actor, many believe that Bob Saget’s unique combination of comedy and sincerity made him the perfect fit for the role.
The Importance of Casting the Right Actor
The casting of the right actor is often one of the most important decisions in the success of a TV show, and Full House was no exception. Saget’s charisma, comedic chops, and relatable portrayal of a father dealing with real-life challenges made him an ideal fit for the role of Danny Tanner. Had the show gone in a different direction with a different actor, it’s hard to say if it would have captured the hearts of audiences the way it did.
The Legacy of Bob Saget’s Danny Tanner: A Role That Endured for Generations
Bob Saget’s portrayal of Danny Tanner continues to have a lasting impact. Even after the show ended in 1995, the character remained a beloved figure, and Saget’s role in the series is still celebrated today.
Danny Tanner: A TV Dad for the Ages
Danny Tanner became an iconic figure in television history, representing the ideal TV father who was kind, patient, and always willing to put his family first. Saget’s portrayal of the character resonated with audiences, and his role remains one of the most cherished TV dads of all time.
The Influence of Full House on Modern Sitcoms
The influence of Full House on modern family sitcoms cannot be overstated. The show’s balance of humor, heart, and family values set the blueprint for many sitcoms that followed.
The Continued Impact of Danny Tanner on Pop Culture
Even decades after Full House wrapped up, the character of Danny Tanner and the show itself continue to influence popular culture. From reruns on television to the success of Fuller House, Bob Saget’s portrayal of Danny Tanner remains a beloved and integral part of TV history.
Conclusion: The Right Choice for an Iconic Role
In the end, Bob Saget proved to be the perfect choice for the role of Danny Tanner on Full House, despite the initial casting decisions that could have gone in a different direction. While John Posey may have been the original pick, Saget’s ability to blend comedy and emotion made him the father figure audiences loved and still remember today.
As we look back on the legacy of Full House and Bob Saget’s iconic portrayal of Danny Tanner, it’s clear that the right casting choice can make all the difference. Bob Saget’s role remains a highlight of television history and will continue to be cherished for generations to come.
FAQs
1. Who was originally cast as Danny Tanner on Full House?
John Posey was initially cast as Danny Tanner, and he filmed the pilot episode before Bob Saget took over the role.
2. Why did John Posey not continue as Danny Tanner?
After filming the pilot episode, the producers felt that Posey’s portrayal of Danny was too serious and lacked the right balance of humor and warmth that the show needed.
3. What made Bob Saget the perfect choice for Danny Tanner?
Bob Saget’s ability to balance comedy and emotional depth made him an ideal fit for the role of Danny Tanner. His comedic timing, combined with his ability to portray vulnerability, made the character unforgettable.
4. Did Bob Saget ever regret taking the role of Danny Tanner?
No, Bob Saget never expressed regret over taking the role of Danny Tanner. In fact, he often spoke fondly of his time on Full House and cherished his role as a TV dad.
5. How did Bob Saget’s portrayal of Danny Tanner influence other TV shows?
Bob Saget’s portrayal of Danny Tanner became a blueprint for modern sitcom dads. His ability to blend humor with heartfelt moments influenced many family-oriented shows that followed Full House.
