The Glitz and Glamour of Family TV’s Favorite Cast
When Full House first premiered in 1987, it quickly became a household name, providing viewers with a heartwarming portrayal of a widowed father raising three daughters, with help from his brother-in-law and best friend. The show’s portrayal of family values, humor, and love captured the hearts of millions, and the iconic Tanner family became a staple of ‘90s television.
However, as with many shows that experience such mass success, the behind-the-scenes dynamics were far more complicated. Although the characters on Full House appeared to share a close-knit, idealized family bond, the actors and actresses portraying them didn’t always share the same affection for each other.
In this article, we dive deep into the untold drama that happened behind the scenes of Full House. From on-set feuds to lasting friendships, the Full House cast had their fair share of tension, drama, and heartfelt moments. Let’s take a closer look at the relationships between the cast members that defined the show’s legacy.
The Cast: A Group of Stars with Their Own Personalities
Before we get into the drama, it’s important to understand the core of the show: the cast. The dynamic of Full House was driven by the chemistry between the main cast members.
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Bob Saget as Danny Tanner, the loving father and neat freak.
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John Stamos as Jesse Katsopolis, the cool uncle and rock-and-roll guy.
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Dave Coulier as Joey Gladstone, the goofy comedian who served as a surrogate uncle.
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Candace Cameron Bure as D.J. Tanner, the responsible eldest daughter.
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Jodie Sweetin as Stephanie Tanner, the quirky middle child.
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Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen as Michelle Tanner, the youngest and most lovable of the bunch.
Each actor brought their unique flair to the show, and their characters became iconic in the landscape of television. However, off-screen, there was much more going on than fans could have ever imagined.
The Feuds: When Full House Stars Didn’t See Eye to Eye
1. Bob Saget vs. Dave Coulier: A Love-Hate Relationship
It’s hard to imagine the goofy duo of Danny Tanner and Joey Gladstone at odds, especially given their on-screen camaraderie. However, the real-life relationship between Bob Saget and Dave Coulier wasn’t always smooth sailing. The two had a complicated friendship, marked by both moments of great closeness and tension.
Saget has openly admitted that he and Coulier didn’t always get along, especially in the early days of the show. In interviews, Saget has mentioned how Coulier’s sense of humor could sometimes clash with his own more subdued style, creating friction on set. They had disagreements over everything from comedic timing to how the show should be presented, leading to some strained moments.
However, despite their differences, both actors have admitted that their bond deepened over time. Saget, in particular, has spoken fondly of Coulier in more recent years, acknowledging that their shared experiences helped them grow as friends. Still, their dynamic was a reminder that even the closest on-screen duos don’t always see eye to eye.
2. John Stamos and Lori Loughlin: Unspoken Tension?
John Stamos, who played the charming and ladies’ man Uncle Jesse, had undeniable chemistry with his co-star Lori Loughlin, who portrayed Aunt Becky. The two were both fan favorites and played a romantic couple on-screen. However, there were rumors that their chemistry wasn’t always as warm off-screen.
While they never confirmed any serious conflict, some reports suggested that Stamos and Loughlin had an unspoken tension between them during filming. Sources claimed that Stamos, being a big star at the time, could sometimes be difficult to work with, leading to moments of friction with Loughlin. Additionally, Loughlin’s rising career as a television star brought her more attention, and some believe that this affected the working relationship between the two.
Despite the rumors, both Stamos and Loughlin have publicly stated that they respect each other and share a mutual admiration. Whether or not there was a real rift, their on-screen romance remained a highlight of the series, which fans continue to love.
Candace Cameron Bure and Jodie Sweetin: A Sisterhood Through Thick and Thin
One of the most touching aspects of Full House was the bond between the Tanner sisters, D.J. and Stephanie. Off-screen, Candace Cameron Bure and Jodie Sweetin also shared a deep friendship that mirrored the on-screen sisterly connection.
From childhood to adulthood, Candace and Jodie have remained close. Both actresses have gone on record about how they supported each other during difficult times in their personal lives, including Sweetin’s struggles with addiction. Sweetin has spoken openly about how Bure was there for her through her darkest moments, offering a steady hand when she needed it most.
In recent years, their bond has only grown stronger. Both actresses have starred together on Fuller House, and their off-screen friendship continues to shine through. Fans often marvel at the genuine connection between the two, and it’s a rare case of a Hollywood relationship that has remained strong for decades.
The Olsen Twins: A Different Kind of Drama
Arguably, one of the most notable aspects of Full House was the dual portrayal of Michelle Tanner by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. As the youngest member of the Tanner family, Michelle captured viewers’ hearts with her adorable antics and sweet personality.
However, behind the scenes, things were different. Mary-Kate and Ashley, although playing the same role, didn’t always get along. As child stars, the twins had to balance their acting careers with their schooling and personal lives, which caused some tension. They were also known for being very private and independent, which led to some occasional friction with the rest of the cast.
Despite the challenges, the Olsens remained professional throughout the show’s run, although their decision to step away from acting after the show ended was a telling sign of their desire for a different lifestyle. Both Mary-Kate and Ashley transitioned into successful business ventures and have since distanced themselves from the Hollywood spotlight.
The Cast That Stuck Together: Enduring Friendships
While there were certainly some challenges and conflicts, it’s clear that Full House also fostered long-lasting friendships that have endured to this day. The bond between Bob Saget, John Stamos, and Dave Coulier, for example, became stronger as the years went on.
The trio’s bond became a key part of Fuller House, the reboot of Full House that aired on Netflix in 2016. The cast reunited to reprise their beloved roles, with the trio of Danny, Jesse, and Joey picking up where they left off. Behind the scenes, they maintained a sense of camaraderie and a strong friendship, even after more than two decades apart.
The Influence of Full House on Cast Relationships
The success of Full House meant that the cast members were thrust into the limelight at a young age. With the pressure of being part of a massive TV phenomenon, it’s no wonder that the relationships between the cast members were sometimes strained. However, the unique environment of Full House also created opportunities for deep bonds, especially among the core group.
From shared experiences on set to personal struggles outside of work, the cast members of Full House navigated the challenges of fame together. Over time, these experiences transformed the cast from co-workers into friends—many of whom stayed in touch even after the show ended.
Conclusion: From Drama to Legacy
While Full House may have had its share of drama behind the scenes, what truly stands out is the lasting impact the show had on its cast members and fans. For every feud, there was a moment of laughter, and for every conflict, there was a friendship that endured. The show’s blend of humor and heartfelt moments left a mark on television history, and the cast members, despite their differences, continue to be beloved by fans.
Today, as we reflect on the legacy of Full House, it’s clear that while some drama may have unfolded behind the scenes, the most important thing was the family-like bond that the cast shared—not just on-screen, but off-screen as well. Their journey, filled with ups and downs, continues to inspire both fans and those who worked on the show.
FAQs
1. Did Bob Saget and Dave Coulier have a rivalry?
While they had disagreements and a complicated relationship, Bob Saget and Dave Coulier eventually became good friends, with Saget expressing admiration for Coulier in later years.
2. Were John Stamos and Lori Loughlin in a romantic relationship?
There were rumors of tension between Stamos and Loughlin, but neither confirmed any serious issues. They did, however, share a strong on-screen and off-screen friendship.
3. Did Candace Cameron Bure and Jodie Sweetin remain friends after Full House?
Yes! Candace and Jodie have remained close friends over the years, even supporting each other through personal struggles.
4. Why did Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen leave acting?
The Olsen twins decided to step away from acting in order to focus on business ventures, becoming successful entrepreneurs in the fashion industry.
5. Was the Full House cast close after the show ended?
Yes, many of the cast members stayed close and reunited for the Netflix reboot Fuller House, where they reprised their beloved roles.
