The iconic TV show Full House captured the hearts of millions in the 80s and 90s, and when it was revived as Fuller House, it reignited that nostalgia. But while we’ve all watched the Tanner family grow up on-screen, there are tons of secrets about the cast and the behind-the-scenes drama that you probably don’t know. In this article, we’ll dive into 20 juicy Fuller House and Full House cast secrets, from on-set shenanigans to personal revelations that will totally surprise you.
1. Bob Saget’s Unexpected Legacy Beyond Full House
Bob Saget, the lovable Danny Tanner, was much more than a sitcom dad. He had a rich career in stand-up comedy and was known for his adult-oriented humor. Many fans were shocked when they discovered that Saget’s stand-up style was a stark contrast to his wholesome TV dad persona. His quick wit and dark humor made him a comedy legend, and he was beloved by fans not only for his role as Danny Tanner but for his comedic legacy as well.
2. John Stamos Almost Didn’t Get the Role of Uncle Jesse
Can you imagine Full House without Uncle Jesse? Well, it almost happened. John Stamos wasn’t the first choice for the role of Jesse Katsopolis. The role was originally offered to another actor, but John’s audition was so magnetic that the producers decided he was the perfect fit. And thank goodness they did—his portrayal of the charming, rebellious uncle became one of the most beloved characters on the show.
3. The Real Reason Michelle Tanner Was Written Out of Fuller House
The absence of the Tanner twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, in the Fuller House revival raised many eyebrows. The real reason they didn’t return to their famous role of Michelle Tanner was largely due to their desire to focus on their fashion empire, The Row. While both sisters had been reluctant to reprise their role, fans were left to wonder what it would’ve been like to see Michelle grow up on the new show.
4. Candace Cameron Bure’s Personal Growth Parallels DJ Tanner’s Journey
Candace Cameron Bure, who played the sweet and responsible DJ Tanner, experienced personal growth that mirrored her character’s. In fact, Bure openly admitted that her role as DJ helped shape her own sense of responsibility and personal life decisions. As a devout Christian, Candace’s beliefs influenced her portrayal of DJ, and she even became a role model for young fans during both Full House and Fuller House.
5. Dave Coulier’s Wild On-Set Antics Were Legendary
Dave Coulier, who played Joey Gladstone, was known for his wild on-set antics. He would often pull pranks on his co-stars and lighten the mood with his mischievous sense of humor. One of the most famous pranks involved him dressing up in a chicken suit and walking around the set to surprise the cast, leaving everyone in stitches.
6. The Full House Theme Song Had an Unexpected Backstory
The iconic theme song, “Everywhere You Look,” was written by Jesse Frederick and was originally intended to be just a short jingle. But as the show’s popularity grew, the producers decided to turn it into a full-length intro. What’s even crazier is that the lyrics to the song were written based on the theme of family and love, but they weren’t tailored to the characters. They just seemed to fit perfectly!
7. Lori Loughlin’s Departure from Fuller House Wasn’t Planned
Lori Loughlin, who played Aunt Becky, was initially slated to return for the Fuller House reboot. However, due to her involvement in the college admissions scandal, she was written out of the show. Loughlin’s departure was a major shake-up for the series, leaving many fans wondering how the show would have unfolded with Aunt Becky still around.
8. The Cast Was Really a Family
The bond between the Full House cast was so strong that they truly became a family off-screen. Candace Cameron Bure, Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie Tanner), and Andrea Barber (Kimmy Gibbler) have often referred to each other as sisters, and they’ve stayed close over the years. Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, and it came from years of personal connection and real-life friendship.
9. Jodie Sweetin’s Struggle with Addiction
Jodie Sweetin, who played the quirky and fun-loving Stephanie Tanner, faced a turbulent journey off-screen. After Full House ended, she struggled with addiction for several years. Her battle with substance abuse was well-documented, but she managed to turn her life around, and her story of recovery was inspiring for many fans.
10. The Tanner Family Wasn’t Always as Perfect as You Think
Behind the scenes, the cast of Full House wasn’t always the picture of perfection. Like any close-knit group, they had their disagreements, but they worked through them as a family. One of the most well-known conflicts was between Bob Saget and Dave Coulier. Though their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, the two were said to have a rocky relationship early on in the show’s run, but they eventually patched things up.
11. Full House Wasn’t Always a Ratings Success
While Full House is now a beloved classic, it didn’t always have the ratings it deserved. The show struggled in its early seasons, even though it was produced by a big-name studio. It wasn’t until season three that the show found its rhythm and gained more of a following. What a turnaround!
12. The Cast Had an Off-Set Basketball Team
It may come as a surprise, but the Full House cast had a basketball team! The actors would often play pick-up games on breaks and form lasting friendships. Bob Saget was especially fond of these games and enjoyed bonding with his co-stars in a more casual setting.
13. Andrea Barber’s Role as Kimmy Gibbler Was Almost Cut
Andrea Barber’s character, Kimmy Gibbler, was one of the most memorable in Full House. However, her role almost got cut during the first season. Kimmy wasn’t initially well-received, but Andrea fought hard for her place on the show. Over time, the character became a fan favorite, and Andrea’s portrayal of the lovable, quirky friend to the Tanner family is now iconic.
14. The Set Was Modeled After a Real House
The Full House set, specifically the Tanner family’s home, was actually modeled after a real house in San Francisco. The producers took inspiration from a home that was located on Broderick Street. While the exterior shots were filmed on location, the interior of the Tanner house was all shot on a soundstage.
15. Bob Saget’s Relationship with His Full House Family
Although Bob Saget was known for being a bit of a prankster on set, his relationship with his on-screen daughters was always very real. He often described his co-stars as his “second family,” and he was especially close to Candace Cameron Bure, whom he considered like a daughter. He even walked her down the aisle at her wedding in 1996.
16. The Show’s Diverse Cast Was a Deliberate Choice
The inclusion of different characters from various backgrounds on Full House wasn’t just a coincidence—it was a deliberate choice to reflect the changing dynamics of American families. Producers wanted to make sure the show was relatable to as many people as possible, and they succeeded in capturing the essence of family with a wide range of perspectives.
17. Full House Was Originally Supposed to Be a Drama
It’s hard to imagine, but Full House was initially pitched as a drama, not a comedy. The premise was about a widower raising his daughters with the help of his brother-in-law and best friend. However, once producers saw the chemistry between the cast, they reworked it into a family-friendly sitcom, which turned out to be a perfect fit.
18. Bob Saget Didn’t Love the Full House Jokes About His Character
While fans loved the wholesome jokes about Danny Tanner’s obsession with cleanliness, Bob Saget himself wasn’t a huge fan of the ongoing gags. He often found them a bit repetitive but understood their place in the show’s formula. His portrayal of the over-the-top, overly neat dad was definitely a highlight, even if it wasn’t his personal favorite.
19. The Full House Cast Shared Heartwarming Messages After Bob Saget’s Passing
After the tragic passing of Bob Saget in 2022, his co-stars from Full House took to social media to share heartfelt messages of love and grief. Candace Cameron Bure, John Stamos, and others expressed how much Bob meant to them both on and off the screen. The cast’s unity and affection for Bob were undeniable, and his absence left a permanent mark on the Full House family.
20. Fuller House Almost Had a Different Ending
The ending of Fuller House was the culmination of a storyline that spanned several seasons, but it almost ended very differently. The producers considered several alternate storylines, including one where the family moved away from San Francisco. Fans were glad to see the show conclude with the Tanners staying together in the iconic house, but who knows how things could’ve turned out?
Conclusion
The cast of Full House and Fuller House has given us some unforgettable memories, but behind the scenes, there’s so much more than we ever imagined. From on-screen chemistry to personal struggles, the real stories of the cast members will forever be a part of TV history. Their connection, both professionally and personally, created magic for millions of fans, and it’s clear that these cast secrets are what make Full House and Fuller House so memorable.
FAQs
1. Why did Michelle Tanner leave Fuller House?
Michelle Tanner, played by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, didn’t return to Fuller House because the twins were focused on their fashion business, The Row, and didn’t want to return to acting.
2. Was John Stamos always cast as Uncle Jesse?
No, John Stamos wasn’t the first choice for Uncle Jesse. However, after a fantastic audition, he became the perfect fit for the role.
3. Did the Full House cast get along?
Yes! The cast of Full House became very close off-screen, and they often referred to each other as family.
4. Why did Lori Loughlin leave Fuller House?
Lori Loughlin was written out of Fuller House due to her involvement in the college admissions scandal, which led to her departure from the show.
5. Did Bob Saget enjoy his role as Danny Tanner?
Yes, Bob Saget loved playing Danny Tanner, though he didn’t always enjoy the jokes about his character’s cleanliness. Still, he cherished the family atmosphere on set.
