The iconic sitcom Full House has been a favorite for generations, and its enduring popularity continues even decades after it first aired. The beloved show, known for its heartwarming moments, family dynamics, and unforgettable characters, was an instant hit when it premiered in 1987. But behind the scenes, there was one crucial decision that would shape the show’s success – casting.
Recently, Full House creator Jeff Franklin revealed who was the first actor to be cast for the show. This revelation might surprise fans, as the person who kicked off the Full House casting process wasn’t one of the familiar faces we immediately think of. In this article, we’ll explore the intriguing story behind the very first actor selected for the show, and what their casting meant for the show’s future.
The First Actor Cast in Full House: A Shocking Choice
According to Jeff Franklin, the creator of Full House, the first actor to join the show was none other than Bob Saget, who played the iconic role of Danny Tanner. This might come as a surprise to some, as most fans are used to thinking of Full House as a family-centric show with a focus on the children and their relationships with their parents.
However, Franklin explained that Saget was the first actor they signed on, and that decision played a significant role in setting the tone for the entire series. Saget’s casting was essential in establishing the show’s balance between humor and heart.
Why Bob Saget Was the First Actor Cast
Franklin revealed that Bob Saget was cast early on due to his perfect balance of comedy and warmth, which was exactly what the creators envisioned for the show. In fact, Saget’s experience as a stand-up comedian and his ability to play both comedic and serious roles made him a natural fit for the role of Danny Tanner, the widowed father trying to raise his three young daughters with the help of his brother-in-law and best friend.
Saget’s reputation for clean humor and relatable, heartfelt performances made him an ideal choice to anchor the family sitcom. At the time, Full House was envisioned as a lighthearted, family-friendly show, and Saget’s comedic sensibility fit seamlessly into that vision.
The Casting Process: How Bob Saget Set the Stage for the Rest of the Cast
Once Saget was officially cast as Danny Tanner, it was time for the remaining roles to be filled. According to Jeff Franklin, Saget’s casting helped to solidify the tone of the show and attracted other actors who were drawn to the concept of a feel-good, family-oriented sitcom.
The casting process for the remaining roles focused on finding actors who could create strong, believable relationships with one another, as well as provide the comedic chemistry needed for the show’s success. After Saget, other key roles were filled, including John Stamos as Jesse Katsopolis, Dave Coulier as Joey Gladstone, and the three Tanner daughters—Candace Cameron Bure (DJ Tanner), Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie Tanner), and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (Michelle Tanner), who shared the role of the youngest Tanner sister.
It was Saget’s unique ability to play both the straight man and a lovable, goofy dad that made his role so integral to the show’s success.
How Bob Saget’s Casting Shaped Full House‘s Success
The decision to cast Bob Saget as Danny Tanner turned out to be a pivotal moment for Full House. His ability to balance humor with heartfelt moments gave the show its emotional depth. Saget’s character was the glue that held the show together, and his relationship with his daughters and the other characters brought warmth to the sitcom.
Bob Saget’s comedic timing was also a key factor in the show’s charm. While the show’s premise centered around the challenges of raising children, it was Saget’s impeccable sense of humor that added an element of fun and relatability to the series. Whether he was giving fatherly advice, tackling messy family dynamics, or sharing laughs with his friends, Saget’s portrayal of Danny Tanner resonated with audiences on a deeply personal level.
The Lasting Impact of Bob Saget’s Casting on Full House
Bob Saget’s casting wasn’t just about filling a role—it was about creating a presence that would define the show for years to come. His portrayal of Danny Tanner became a cultural touchstone, and Saget’s relationship with his TV daughters felt genuine and touching. As viewers, we believed that Saget was the perfect father figure for DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle, and this trust played a big role in the show’s appeal.
The Full House cast’s chemistry, especially between Saget and his on-screen family, helped shape the show’s identity. Over time, viewers fell in love with the Tanners and their mishaps, and Saget’s portrayal of the loving, slightly neurotic dad became a symbol of what family sitcoms could accomplish in terms of both humor and emotional resonance.
The Future of Full House Without Bob Saget
Sadly, in January 2022, Bob Saget passed away, leaving a hole in the hearts of both his Full House co-stars and fans. Despite his absence, Full House’s legacy lives on. His role as Danny Tanner continues to inspire and bring comfort to fans, especially through the Netflix spinoff series Fuller House, which brought back many of the original cast members, including Saget’s character in a heartfelt tribute.
While Saget’s loss is deeply felt, his impact on Full House and its success cannot be overstated. The show would not have been the same without his contribution, and the cast continues to honor his memory.
Conclusion: Bob Saget’s Legacy Lives On Through Full House
Bob Saget’s early casting as Danny Tanner set the stage for the success of Full House. His ability to bring both humor and heart to the role made him the perfect anchor for the show. Through his performances, Saget brought a level of sincerity and charm that transformed the show into a beloved classic.
Though the Full House cast has gone on to other projects, Saget’s legacy continues to live on, both through the reruns of Full House and through the continued love of the show’s fans. As Jeff Franklin revealed, the first actor cast in Full House was truly a game-changer—setting the tone for a sitcom that would go on to become a cultural phenomenon.
FAQs
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Who was the first actor cast in Full House? The first actor cast in Full House was Bob Saget, who played Danny Tanner.
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Why was Bob Saget cast as Danny Tanner? Bob Saget was chosen because of his perfect blend of comedy and warmth, making him ideal for the role of a loving, yet humorous father figure.
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How did Bob Saget’s casting influence the rest of the Full House cast? Saget’s casting helped set the tone for the show and attracted other actors who were drawn to the family-friendly, heartfelt nature of the sitcom.
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What impact did Bob Saget have on the success of Full House? Bob Saget’s comedic timing, emotional depth, and portrayal of a loving father made him a central figure in the show’s success and helped create the strong chemistry among the cast.
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How does Bob Saget’s legacy live on today? Saget’s legacy continues through Full House reruns, the Netflix spinoff Fuller House, and the lasting impact he had on both his co-stars and fans.
