- Faith: Christian
- Career: Actor
- Birthday: September 21, 1959
Dave Coulier is an actor, stand-up comedian, impressionist, podcaster, and television host. He is best known for his portrayal of Joey Gladstone on the ABC sitcom "Full House." Additionally, he lent his voice to Peter Venkman in "The Real Ghostbusters" and brought characters like Animal and Bunsen to life in "Muppet Babies."
Born on September 21, 1959, in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, David Alan Coulier grew up in a close-knit family. His father, Dave Sr., worked as a foreman at General Motors, while his mother, Arlen, managed the household. Coulier was the third of four children and often used humor to stand out. Even as a child, his knack for impressions and impersonations was evident—he famously got into trouble at school for imitating his teachers.
Coulier attended Notre Dame High School in Harper Woods, Michigan, where he continued honing his comedic talents. A class clown with a gift for voices, Coulier initially dreamed of becoming a pilot, inspired by his father’s service in the Air Force. However, his comedic aspirations took flight instead. After graduating high school, he enrolled at the University of Michigan but dropped out to pursue stand-up comedy full-time.
Coulier's career began in Detroit comedy clubs, where his spot-on impressions of celebrities like Scooby-Doo and Pee-wee Herman caught the attention of industry professionals. In the early 1980s, he moved to Los Angeles, where his big break came when he was cast as a voice actor on animated series like "The Real Ghostbusters" and "Muppet Babies."
However, it was his role on "Full House" (1987–1995) that skyrocketed him to fame. As Joey Gladstone, Coulier brought warmth and hilarity to the Tanner family with his iconic catchphrases like "Cut it out!" and his penchant for ventriloquism and animal impressions. The show became a cultural phenomenon, and Coulier’s chemistry with co-stars Bob Saget and John Stamos was pivotal to its success.
Post-"Full House," Coulier remained active in the entertainment industry, appearing in "America’s Funniest People" and guest-starring in various sitcoms. In 2016, he reprised his role as Joey in the Netflix revival "Fuller House" reuniting with the cast and delighting fans with nostalgic callbacks to the original series.
In 1990, he married Jayne Modean, an actress with whom he shares a son, Luc. The marriage, however, ended in divorce after two years.
In the years that followed, Coulier focused on raising his son while navigating the complexities of dating in the public eye. He famously dated singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette in the early 1990s, an experience that reportedly inspired her hit song "You Oughta Know."
In 2014, Coulier found lasting love with photographer Melissa Bring. The couple married in a picturesque ceremony in Montana, surrounded by family, friends, and "Full House" co-stars. Coulier often credits Melissa for her unwavering support and encouragement, particularly during some of his toughest battles.
In October 2024, Coulier was diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and began chemotherapy.
Dave Coulier's Religious Beliefs
Raised in a Catholic household, Coulier drifted from his faith during his early years in Hollywood. However, life’s challenges—combined with the influence of close friends and family—led him to rediscover his relationship with God.
In recent years, Coulier has become more vocal about his Christian faith, often sharing how it has guided him through difficulties, including his cancer diagnosis. He credits his faith for providing clarity, purpose, and the ability to forgive himself and others. “Faith has been my anchor,” he said in an interview. “It reminds me that I’m part of something much bigger than myself.”
Coulier frequently participates in church events and has even performed comedy routines at Christian gatherings, blending his humor with messages of hope and resilience. His faith not only shapes his personal life but also informs his creative projects, as he seeks to create content that uplifts and inspires.
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