Full House, the beloved ’90s family sitcom that captured the hearts of millions, has left a lasting impression on fans even three decades after its original run. With its warm humor, heartwarming moments, and memorable catchphrases, the show continues to be a cultural icon. But did you know that behind the scenes, there were numerous surprises and secrets that shaped the show’s journey? Let’s peel back the curtain and explore 25 fascinating behind-the-scenes facts about Full House.
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1. From House of Comics to Family Ties: Full House creator Jeff Franklin originally envisioned the show as “House of Comics,” a comedy centered around three stand-up comedians living together. However, after ABC sought a family-oriented series, the concept evolved into the cherished family sitcom we know today.
2. Bob Saget’s Road to Danny Tanner: While comedian Bob Saget was the original choice for widowed father Danny Tanner, he was initially stuck in a contract with CBS’ “The Morning Program.” As a result, actor John Posey played the role in the original pilot. Fortunately, when Saget was released from his contract, he took up the iconic role.
3. Jesse Cochran to Katsopolis: John Stamos, who portrayed Uncle Jesse, wanted to bring his Greek heritage to the character. As a result, the character’s last name was changed from Cochran to Katsopolis after season one.
4. The Olsen Twins: A Crying Start: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who played Michelle Tanner, were chosen for their role due to their unique audition. Among dozens of twin babies, they stood out because they were the only ones who didn’t cry during the audition. However, they cried a lot in the early days of filming.
5. Double Trouble: In an effort to conceal the presence of two babies playing Michelle Tanner, the credits in seasons two through seven listed them as “Mary-Kate Ashley Olsen.” It wasn’t until the eighth season that they were credited as “Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen.”
6. Stamos and the Olsens’ Close Bond: John Stamos, who initially had reservations about the Olsen twins, grew close to them as the series progressed. Their bond extended beyond the show, as Stamos became a father figure to the twins, and they remained close throughout the years.
7. Joey’s Mannequin Gag: Keen-eyed viewers might have noticed that Joey’s room featured a mannequin that wore the same shirt as Joey in every scene. This clever gag only lasted for one season.
8. Cut. It. Out: Joey’s famous catchphrase, “Cut. It. Out,” was not an original creation. Comedian Mark Cendrowski, a friend of Coulier’s from their comedy duo days, used the phrase during their performances. Coulier adopted it for “Out of Control” on Nickelodeon before bringing it to Full House.
9. Real-Life Romance and Heartbreak: In a case of life imitating art, Bob Saget met his first wife, actress Jayne Modean, while filming Full House. They married in 1990 but divorced in 1992. Lori Loughlin, known as Aunt Becky, almost missed the chance to be a recurring character as she was initially cast for only six episodes. However, her on-screen chemistry with Stamos led to an expanded role.
11. Jodie Sweetin: The Only Non-Auditioned Cast Member: Jodie Sweetin, who portrayed Stephanie Tanner, didn’t have to audition for the role. She impressed the producers with a guest spot on another sitcom and was offered the part.
12. The Real-Life Joey and Danny: Dave Coulier and Bob Saget’s friendship extended beyond the show. In the late ’70s, Coulier stayed with Saget for three weeks, mirroring Joey moving in with Danny in the show.
13. Blue Antics on Set: The show’s three male leads, Saget, Stamos, and Coulier, often got into trouble on set with their antics, leading to some parental intervention.
14. Bonding over Road Trips: During the show’s first season, the producers arranged a road trip to Las Vegas to strengthen the chemistry between the male leads. Unfortunately, Bob Saget couldn’t make it, leaving Stamos and Coulier to embark on the adventure.
15. Full Attendance for Stamos, Coulier, and Sweetin: John Stamos, Dave Coulier, and Jodie Sweetin are the only actors to appear in every single one of the show’s 193 episodes. Bob Saget only misses this record due to his absence in the original pilot.
16. Full House Takes a Trip to San Francisco: Despite being set in the Bay Area, Full House only filmed one episode on location in San Francisco. The rest of the series was filmed on a Burbank stage.
17. Aladdin’s Cameo in Full House: When the show visited Walt Disney World, Scott Weinger appeared as Aladdin in a dream sequence.
18. Danny Tanner’s Clean Freak Trait: While Danny Tanner’s obsession with cleanliness became a defining trait, it wasn’t established until season two. Season one depicted all three guys seeking help from their mothers to get their lives together.
19. Real Prom Date for Candace Cameron Bure: In a delightful coincidence, Candace Cameron Bure took Scott Weinger as her real-life prom date, just like D.J. and Steve on the show.
20. Not the Real Air Bud: While Air Bud appeared in one episode, the dog that portrayed Comet, the Tanner family dog, was different from the famous basketball-playing pooch.
21. Full House Spin-Off Book Series: The popularity of the show led to spin-off book series for Stephanie and Michelle Tanner, as well as a series focused on their sisterly relationship.
22. Full House Goes Russian: Full House was adapted for Russian audiences as “Topsy-Turvy House,” following the American story while accommodating cultural differences.
23. WB’s Attempt at Revival: After ABC canceled Full House, a deal to continue the show on the WB network fell apart when John Stamos and Candace Cameron Bure opted not to participate.
Full House remains a timeless classic, cherished by generations. As fans continue to rewatch and rediscover the beloved sitcom, these behind-the-scenes secrets add new layers of appreciation for the show’s enduring legacy. With Fuller House bringing nostalgia to a new generation and the magic of Full House continuing to captivate viewers, the Tanner family’s heartwarming journey lives on.
