Veteran actor John Posey originally portrayed Danny Tanner in the unaired pilot episode of the beloved sitcom “Full House,” according to series star Jodie Sweetin. Sweetin shared this detail in a recent appearance on Taboo’s “Taboo’s Comics & Kicks” podcast.
“We shot an entire pilot, actually, with a different dad, with John Posey, who was a lovely human being and very sweet and wonderful,” Sweetin said. However, Bob Saget “was the first choice” for the role, she added.
When Saget's schedule conflicts cleared up, allowing him to commit to “Full House,” the pilot was reshot with him as Danny Tanner. Sweetin explained that creator Jeff Franklin advocated strongly for the reshoot, recognizing Saget as the ideal fit for the widowed father of three. Saget went on to play the role for all eight seasons of the show.
Posey, who is also known for his role in “Teen Wolf” alongside his son Tyler Posey, has had a notable television career with credits including “Cheers,” “ER,” “Boston Legal,” and “Criminal Minds.”
In a 2014 interview, Posey recalled being told that the show’s creators had searched extensively for an actor to play Danny Tanner. He understood that Saget and Paul Reiser were initially sought but were unavailable due to other commitments. "How you go from those guys to me is kind of a mystery, because we couldn’t be more different,” Posey commented at the time.
After filming the pilot, Posey learned that ABC had tested Saget for the part and ultimately selected him. Posey stated in the 2014 interview that he had never spoken to Saget. He also noted that the recasting was difficult for the young actresses, including Candace Cameron Bure, who reportedly had developed a good relationship with Posey during the initial filming.
Saget passed away on January 9, 2022, at the age of 65. His autopsy report indicated that his death was a result of blunt head trauma. The cast of “Full House” remained close over the years, and many attended Saget’s funeral in 2022.