Full House star Dave Coulier tells the story of his surprise audition as Danny Tanner after he did a great job reading for Joey Gladstone.
Dave Coulier recalls having to read for Danny Tanner after auditioning for Full House’s Joey Gladstone. As one of the original adult cast members of the cult ’80s family sitcom, Coulier knows the beginnings of Full House. Following his latest return as the lovable Joey in Fuller House, he now takes on a brand-new endeavor with a Full House podcast..
Just a few years since Fuller House ended with season 5, Coulier keeps Full House alive via Full House Rewind — a podcast that looks back on the franchise.
In its first episode, he sits down with show creator Jeff Franklin, who recalls stories from the time they were still developing the show, including when Coulier had to unexpectedly read for Danny Tanner despite already doing a great job auditioning for Joey. In the conversation, Coulier and Franklin refer to Thomas Miller — one of the executive producers of Full House. Ultimately, the role of Danny ended up landing on Bob Saget’s lap.
Coulier: Tom Miller stopped me and he said “wait a second, I’d like you to read for the father” and I said “okay, “give me the sides” and I went out and studied the sides for the dad and I came back in and read that.
Franklin: You are Joey Gladstone… and suddenly Tom is like saying, “yeah, go read for the dad” and we’re all looking around like eyes are rolling, “what is this about,” and you were a good sport about it, went out and learned a whole other character, came back and got no laughs at all as the dad and walked back out.
Why Bob Saget Was Perfect As Full House’s Danny Tanner
At the beginning of the series, there was an increased focus on the adult characters, but as it went on, it started to shift its storytelling to be more about DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle’s lives, and how their parental figures guide them through life. That being said, Full House wouldn’t have been the smash hit that it was had it not been for the equally great performances of its adult cast. While John Stamos’ Uncle Jesse has often been praised, Saget’s Danny shouldn’t be overlooked.
As the family patriarch, Danny brought his clan together in Full House. He made sure that his daughters got along with each other while helping Jesse and Joey become more responsible and sensible adults. He was the devoted father, and Saget perfected his performance, striking the delicate balance between being his kids’ disciplinarian and their biggest supporter. What made Saget’s take on the role more impressive was the fact that he was known for his career as a stand-up comedian telling dirty jokes, and yet, he was the most proper out of the Tanner children’s parental figures.
With Saget gone, it’s curious if the Tanners will ever return on the small screen for another Full House spin-off. Stamos has stated he will not return to Full House following Saget’s death. However, Coulier is willing to do it, saying that his good friend would have wanted to bring the cast again together.
