‘Full House’ Star Opens Up About “Aggressive” Cancer Diagnosis

For fans of Full House, Dave Coulier, who played the lovable Uncle Joey, brought laughter and warmth to the Tanner family’s San Francisco home. Coulier’s character, known for his catchphrases and quirky impressions, was a beloved staple of the show. He starred in the original series, which ran from 1987 until 1995. He then returned as Uncle Joey in a guest-starring role on the Netflix reboot, Fuller House, which ran from 2016 through 2020.

Decades after the show aired, Coulier continues to entertain fans through his Full House Rewind podcast, reflecting on his memories from the hit series. However, the actor recently revealed a more serious side to his life, sharing that he’s been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.

Related: Two Years Later, Some Believe ‘Full House’ Star Bob Saget Predicted His Own Death

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Coulier opened up about his diagnosis and the whirlwind of emotions that followed. He revealed that what started as a seemingly minor health issue quickly turned into something much more significant.

A Shocking Diagnosis

Back in October, Coulier experienced what he initially thought was an upper respiratory infection. However, instead of subsiding, his symptoms escalated, leading to severe swelling in his lymph nodes. One lymph node, in particular, became noticeably enlarged, “as large as a golf ball,” according to Coulier. Concerned, he sought medical attention, and a biopsy was performed. Just three days later, Coulier received life-changing news.

“Three days later, my doctors called me back and they said, ‘We wish we had better news for you, but you have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and it’s called B cell and it’s very aggressive,’” he recalls.

“I went from, I got a little bit of a head cold to I have cancer, and it was pretty overwhelming,” he says. “This has been a really fast roller coaster ride of a journey.”

Facing the Diagnosis with Determination

After his diagnosis, Coulier and his family quickly rallied together. With the support of his wife, they reached out to friends in the medical field, determined to face the diagnosis head-on.

“We all kind of put our heads together and said, ‘Okay, where are we going?’ And they had a very specific plan for how they were going to treat this,” he says, noting that a bright spot in his diagnosis was when his bone marrow test came back negative. “At that point, my chances of curable went from something low to 90% range. And so that was a great day.” 

Coulier’s positivity and determination have been a source of strength for his loved ones. Despite the challenges ahead, he remains committed to his health and well-being, particularly for his family. His son, who is expecting his first child, has given Coulier even more reason to fight. “I have a lot to live for, and I’m not going to let this diagnosis take that away from me,” he expressed.

Related: ‘Full House’ Actor Banned from Disney World

Sharing His Journey on Full House Rewind

Through his podcast, Full House Rewind, Coulier has continued to share his journey with fans. In a particularly emotional episode, he revealed that he shaved his head in anticipation of starting chemotherapy, marking a symbolic step in his battle. “I started the podcast wearing a hat, and I said, I’ve always been a man of many hats, but this hat has special significance because a couple of weeks ago, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma,” he shared with listeners.

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Coulier’s openness about his diagnosis and treatment has resonated with fans, inspiring those who may be going through similar health challenges. “That was really a conscious decision of, I’m going to meet this head-on, and I want people to know it’s my life. I’m not going to try and hide anything. I would rather talk about it and open the discussion and inspire people,” he said.

A Family’s Strength and Resilience

Sadly, cancer is not new to Coulier’s family. Both his mother and his sister, Sharon, passed away from breast cancer, and he recently lost a niece to the disease. His older sister, Karen, is currently battling cancer as well. Seeing the resilience of the women in his family has given Coulier additional strength. He’s motivated to keep fighting, not only for himself but in honor of those who have fought before him.

Although his journey has had its ups and downs, Coulier continues to find light in the darkest moments. He admits that he has both good and bad days, but his determination to have more good days keeps him pushing forward.

Looking Ahead

Coulier’s diagnosis is a reminder of the challenges many face with health issues, but his resilience is inspiring. As he continues treatment, his positive outlook and openness provide hope to fans and fellow survivors alike. Fans have rallied behind him, sharing messages of support and encouragement on social media.

In true Uncle Joey style, Coulier is meeting this challenge with courage and heart, staying committed to his family, his health, and his fans. As he continues to navigate this journey, he’s grateful for the support and hopeful for what’s ahead.

Our thoughts are with Dave Coulier as he faces this challenge with courage and optimism. If you or someone you know experiences unusual health changes, it’s important to reach out to a healthcare professional without delay.