Today : Feb 04, 2026
Health
04 February 2026

Dave Coulier Celebrates Remission After Cancer Battles

The Full House star credits early detection, humor, and loved ones for helping him overcome two unrelated cancer diagnoses within two years.

Dave Coulier, the beloved comedian and actor best known for his role as Joey Gladstone on the hit sitcom Full House, has shared the news that he's now in remission from two separate cancer diagnoses—a journey that has tested his resilience and showcased the power of early detection and unwavering support from loved ones. On February 4, 2026, Coulier appeared on Good Morning America to announce, with a palpable sense of relief and gratitude, "It's been a roller coaster ride for sure. I'm in remission with both cancers. And what a journey this has been."

Coulier's health odyssey began in November 2024, when he was diagnosed with Stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. After months of intensive treatment, he celebrated being cancer-free in March 2025. However, just as he was regaining his footing, another blow landed: in December 2025, doctors found p16 squamous carcinoma at the base of his tongue during a routine PET scan—a discovery made while checking up on his lymphoma recovery. As Coulier recalled on GMA, "I was going in for a checkup for the lymphoma and got a PET scan and it revealed that something was in my throat, and they said, 'Let's take a look at this.'" That fateful scan, he says, "saved my life."

The diagnosis of tongue cancer came as a shock, especially since medical professionals determined it was "totally unrelated" to his previous illness. To confirm the new diagnosis, Coulier underwent robotic surgery for a biopsy, followed by a rigorous treatment plan of 35 radiation sessions scheduled through the end of 2025. The side effects, he revealed, were tough to manage. "[Radiation has] totally different side effects. It can steal parts of your life away from you—psychologically, emotionally and certainly physically," he shared. "And I wasn't going to allow cancer to do that. I was going to laugh my way through it and keep the people that I love close to me and that helps."

Throughout this ordeal, Coulier leaned heavily on his support system. His wife, Melissa Bring, whom he married in July 2014, stood by him every step of the way. "My wife, Melissa, has been amazing through all of this. I just love her to death," Coulier said, his voice tinged with both affection and gratitude. Bring herself acknowledged the emotional toll cancer has taken on Coulier, noting, "He has had a lot of loss in his life when it comes to having to deal with cancer. He lost his mother, his sister, his niece. His other sister had it. He really pulls strength from [them]."

In addition to Melissa, Coulier’s longtime friend and Full House co-star John Stamos played a pivotal role in lifting his spirits. Stamos even flew into Michigan to visit him during treatment, donning a bald cap to make Coulier laugh. Recalling the moment, Coulier said, "He's my brother. He wore a bald cap, and when he came around the corner, dressed like that, I dropped to the floor laughing. And he got COVID while he was staying with us. [We were] like two fifth-graders sitting in the hallway, talking to each other with walkie-talkies." That kind of humor and camaraderie, Coulier insists, made the darkest days a bit brighter.

Coulier’s journey has not only been marked by personal health battles, but also by deep family losses to cancer—a reality that makes his remission all the more poignant. The memory of his mother, sister, and niece, all lost to cancer, serves as a source of strength for him, fueling his determination to persevere. Despite his remission, Coulier admits, "I will always feel like cancer is in my rearview mirror." The shadow of the disease lingers, a reminder of how quickly life can change and how precious good health truly is.

His story has resonated with fans and followers, who have rallied around him with messages of support and admiration for his bravery and resilience. Coulier, never one to shy away from humor even in the face of adversity, credits his positive attitude and the closeness of his loved ones for helping him weather the storm. As he put it, "I never wanted to be the poster boy for cancer, believe me, but now I feel like I can encourage people to get those prostate exams and mammograms and just talk to your doctors and get ahead of this. Because even though I'm in remission, I feel like cancer is always in the rear-view mirror ... so early detection really means everything."

His emphasis on early detection is more than just a personal mantra; it’s a call to action for others. The PET scan that caught his tongue cancer, Coulier says, made all the difference. "That PET scan and early detection ... saved my life." He now encourages everyone to prioritize regular health checkups, not just for themselves but for their families and communities as well. "Get those exams. Talk to your doctors. Get ahead of this," he urges.

Coulier’s approach to battling cancer—leaning into laughter, cherishing loved ones, and facing each day with courage—has inspired many. But he is quick to acknowledge that his journey is not unique. "There are so many people out there fighting their own battles. I just hope my story reminds them they’re not alone," he said. His openness about the psychological, emotional, and physical challenges of cancer treatment has helped demystify the experience for others, shining a light on the importance of support, humor, and hope.

As for what’s next, Coulier is looking forward to returning to his passions, spending time with his wife Melissa and their family—including his 35-year-old son Luc, from his previous marriage to actress Jayne Modean—and reconnecting with fans. While he acknowledges that the specter of cancer will always be part of his story, he’s determined not to let it define him. For now, he’s simply grateful to be off the "roller-coaster ride" and back on solid ground.

Dave Coulier’s story is one of perseverance, love, and the power of early intervention. Through laughter and the unwavering support of family and friends, he’s navigated two formidable diagnoses and emerged with a message of hope for others facing similar trials. As he continues to share his journey, his experience stands as a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure—and to the lifesaving impact of paying attention to one’s health.