Recent news reveals Full House star Dave Coulier is battling stage 3 lymphoma, drawing attention and concern from fans worldwide. Many are eager to learn what led to his diagnosis, the treatments he’s undergoing, and how he is navigating this challenging chapter in his life.
Here’s a closer look at Coulier’s journey, the medical steps he’s taking, and his inspiring message as he shares his story with the world.
What happened to Dave Coulier?
Dave Coulier, widely recognized for his role as Joey Gladstone on Full House, has revealed in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE his diagnosis of stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The 65-year-old actor disclosed that he was diagnosed in October 2024 after experiencing significant swelling in his lymph nodes. The swelling began with an upper respiratory infection. Further tests, including PET and CT scans and a biopsy, confirmed that he had B-cell lymphoma. This form of lymphoma is aggressive but treatable.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, causing abnormal white blood cells to grow and form tumors. Coulier’s specific type, B-cell lymphoma, is rare and can cause symptoms such as swelling, fever, or chest pain. Following his diagnosis, Coulier underwent immediate chemotherapy. Encouragingly, a bone marrow test revealed no cancer presence, significantly improving his prognosis to a 90% curability rate.
Coulier has remained candid about his journey, opening up on his podcast Full House Rewind. He emphasized facing the challenge directly and using his platform to raise awareness. He has already started chemotherapy treatments and shared the emotional and physical toll of his diagnosis. Despite the difficult days, he finds strength in moments of hope.
His humor and positivity have been supported by his family, including his wife Melissa and sister Karen, who is also battling cancer. Coulier has drawn inspiration from family members who faced similar cancer battles. Reflecting on their strength, he remains focused on life’s blessings, including the joy of becoming a grandfather in March 2025.
Through sharing his experience, Coulier aims to inspire others to prioritize their health and seek early medical testing. He underscores the importance of proactive care, reminding fans, “There’s a lot to live for.”