While Full House was a show about love, family, and laughter, there was much more going on behind the scenes than fans might have known. Over the years, several interesting, surprising, and even dramatic stories have surfaced about the making of the show. From casting changes to behind-the-scenes drama, here are some untold secrets of Full House that might surprise even the most devoted fans.
The Recasting of Danny Tanner
Did you know that Bob Saget wasn’t originally cast as Danny Tanner? In fact, the role of Danny was first played by actor John Posey in the unaired pilot. However, producers weren’t completely satisfied with the chemistry between Posey and the other cast members, so they recast the role with Bob Saget. The decision to reshoot the pilot with Saget ultimately paid off, as his portrayal of the neurotic yet loving father became one of the show’s most beloved elements.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s Dual Role as Michelle Tanner
The Olsen twins—Mary-Kate and Ashley—were only nine months old when they were cast as Michelle Tanner. Because child labor laws limited the number of hours infants could work, the twins were cast to play the same character, taking turns to film the scenes. This innovative approach allowed the producers to meet the demanding schedule without breaking any child labor laws.
The Show’s First Season Struggled to Find Its Footing
When Full House first premiered, it wasn’t an instant success. In fact, the show’s first season had relatively low ratings and was on the verge of cancellation. It wasn’t until the second season that the show started gaining momentum, and the network began to recognize its potential. Part of the show’s success in later seasons came from the strong relationships between the cast, which became more evident as the series progressed.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama Between Cast Members
Like many long-running shows, Full House wasn’t free from behind-the-scenes drama. One of the most notable stories is the reported tension between Candace Cameron Bure (D.J.) and Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie) during the early seasons. As the show became more popular, Sweetin, who was younger, had a harder time dealing with the attention, while Bure began to flourish in her role. Despite these early struggles, the cast grew close, and by the time the show ended, they had all become like family.
The Emotional Final Day of Filming
The final day of filming for Full House was an emotional one for the cast. John Stamos, in particular, was known to have broken down in tears during the last scene, which wasn’t scripted. Stamos later explained that he realized the show’s end marked the end of an era, and the emotional weight of it hit him hard. It was a bittersweet moment that showed just how much the cast had come to care for each other.
Conclusion
Behind the scenes of Full House, there were plenty of surprises and untold stories that fans never knew about. From the recasting of Danny Tanner to the behind-the-scenes drama, Full House was a show full of unexpected twists. Despite these challenges, the cast’s chemistry and love for one another translated into the unforgettable show we all know and love today.
FAQs
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Why was Danny Tanner recast? John Posey, who originally played Danny in the pilot, was recast with Bob Saget after producers felt that Saget’s chemistry with the other cast members was a better fit for the show.
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How did the Olsen twins play Michelle Tanner? The Olsen twins alternated playing Michelle Tanner due to child labor laws that limited the number of hours infants could work.
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Was Full House a hit right from the start? No, the first season struggled with ratings, but it gained popularity in the second season.
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What was the behind-the-scenes tension on Full House? There were reports of early tension between Candace Cameron Bure and Jodie Sweetin, but the cast eventually became very close over the years
