The 1990s brought an impressive lineup of sitcoms that captivated audiences, with shows like *Friends*, *Seinfeld*, and *The Simpsons* becoming household favorites.
Among these was *Full House*, a series that is sometimes overshadowed despite being a huge hit during its time. From its second season onwards, the show consistently secured a spot among the 30 most-watched programs in the United States.
*Full House* was beloved for its wholesome narratives and family-friendly humor, centering around widower Danny Tanner’s efforts to raise his daughters DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle, with the help of his brother-in-law Jesse and friend Joey.
Since the show’s conclusion after a successful eight-year run with 192 episodes, several cast members have faced significant health challenges. Dave Coulier, who portrayed Joey, is among those dealing with serious health issues.
Recently, Coulier shared the unfortunate news of a new cancer diagnosis, following a previous battle with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma in November 2024.
Tragically, several actors from the show have passed away in the years since *Full House* aired, including Bob Saget, who was known as “America’s Dad” for his role as Danny Tanner. Saget died accidentally in 2022 after suffering a head injury.
Other cast members who have passed include Alice Herson, Doris Roberts, John Aprea, Jack Kruschen, and Yvonne Wilder.
Below are some of the main cast members who have faced significant health challenges since their time on *Full House*.
Dave Coulier recently disclosed his second cancer diagnosis on December 2, just nine months after being declared cancer-free from his previous lymphoma diagnosis in November 2024.
Doctors identified a head and neck cancer following a PET scan, revealing p16 squamous carcinoma at the base of his tongue.
Coulier explained to NBC, “Something flared on the PET scan, and it turned out that I have p16 squamous carcinoma at the base of my tongue.”
This new diagnosis is unrelated to his prior lymphoma and is linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), which affects approximately 40% of the population.
At 66, Coulier is undergoing intensive radiation treatment, noting the positive prognosis associated with his condition.
“I’m currently going through 35 radiation treatments,” he shared, noting that he expects to complete the treatment by the end of the year, December 31.
Jodie Sweetin, who played Stephanie Tanner, often portrayed the character grappling with tough topics, such as grief and smoking, on *Full House*.
Sweetin has faced her own challenges off-screen, particularly with substance abuse after the show’s end.
She began experimenting with drugs and eventually struggled with a meth addiction, which prompted an intervention from her co-stars.
Discussing her challenges, Sweetin told *Good Morning America*, “There is a certain sense of loss when a series ends. It is kind of hard to figure out who you are when you’ve lost your job at age 13, when that was basically how you identified yourself.”
These struggles persisted through her teenage years, with Sweetin, now 43, sharing her long battle with addiction.
“I had gone to treatment in my 20s, and then I had kids, and then I got sober, and then I drank again, and then I got sober,” she said on the *Barely Famous Podcast.*
Despite her battles, Sweetin has used her experiences to advocate for substance abuse recovery, receiving an award in 2019 from John Stamos, who credits her for his own sobriety.
John Stamos, who played Jesse, has also faced addiction problems, with alcohol becoming an issue after *Full House* ended.
In his 2024 autobiography, *If You Would Have Told Me*, Stamos reflects on his 2015 DUI arrest, writing, “I had that DUI and I was like, ‘I can’t do this. I’ve got to straighten up.'”
He recounted that his life took a dark turn, leading him to attend rehab. Recovery came just in time for him to begin filming *Fuller House* on Netflix.
The 62-year-old credited Sweetin with helping him, stating, “Jodie [Sweetin] lovingly allowed me to walk my own path and when I finally humbled myself to ask for your help, I realized that the perky little blabbermouth had become the master of wisdom and was right by my side during some of the most difficult days of my life.”
Andrea Barber, who played Kimmy Gibbler, struggled with serious postpartum depression after her second child’s birth.
Barber detailed her experience to *Today Parents*, saying, “I knew something was significantly wrong because it started spiraling.”
Her condition led to severe weight loss and an inability to care for her children until her parents intervened.
With support from her family, medication, and therapy, Barber, now 49, regained her health. She also revealed that she dealt with anxiety while on the *Full House* set.
Mary-Kate Olsen, who along with her twin sister Ashley, portrayed Michelle Tanner, entered the spotlight as an infant. Despite their fame, the twins have remained private.
In 2004, it was revealed that Mary-Kate was receiving treatment for an eating disorder. Ashley supported her sister during this time, with a spokesperson stating, “She is thankful for the encouragement and support of her friends and family who are with her every step of the way.”
Ashley further expressed her support later that year, saying, “The support’s been really amazing. She’s taking the time she needs for herself … I’m here for her whenever she needs me.”
After recovery, Mary-Kate pursued a career in fashion alongside her sister.
Candace Cameron Bure, who played DJ Tanner, faced her own health challenges after *Full House*, developing bulimia at age 18.
Reflecting on her experience, Bure shared, “I sat lonely so many nights, not knowing what to do with myself. But there was always one friend that was always there, that was so readily available anytime I wanted, and that for me was food.”
She described her struggle with binge eating and subsequent guilt that led to purging.