When it comes to iconic sitcom characters, John Stamos’ Uncle Jesse from “Full House” undoubtedly tops the list. However, what many don’t know is that Stamos almost left this beloved character behind after the show’s first table read.
A Rough Start
In Thursday’s episode of “Hot Ones,” Stamos confessed his initial hatred towards filming “Full House”. Pitched originally as an adult comedy centered around Stamos, Dave Coulier, and the late Bob Saget, the series pivoted to include children, thus transforming into the cherished sitcom of the late ’80s and early ’90s.
During the inaugural table read, Stamos grew anxious that his character would be overshadowed by the younger cast. Jodie Sweetin, who played Stephanie, received roaring laughter from the audience, overpowering even Stamos’ lines. Feeling eclipsed, Stamos called his agent and demanded, “Get me the (expletive) off this show!”
Embracing Uncle Jesse
Despite the rough beginning, Stamos eventually warmed to the role. “There was no central character on that show, I realized. The central character was love,” he reflected. “Full House,” chronicling the life of single father Danny Tanner (Saget) and his daughters D.J. (Candance Cameron), Stephanie (Sweetin), and Michelle (Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen), with assistance from his brother-in-law Jesse Katsopolis (Stamos) and best friend Joey Gladstone (Coulier), ran from 1987 to 1995 and spawned a Netflix spinoff, “Fuller House,” that aired from 2016 to 2020.
Stamos: The Show Stealer
On Coulier’s debut “Full House Rewind” podcast episode, writer-producer-director Jeff Franklin revealed that Sweetin was the first cast member chosen for “Full House”. Recalling the first table read with nearly 100 attendees, Franklin noted that Sweetin’s sense of humor stole the show, leaving even Stamos in her shadow. While Stamos was initially upset about playing “second fiddle” to the younger actors, he eventually “made his peace with the fact that he’s working with the kids and animals and being upstaged constantly.”
