Dave Coulier, known for his role as Uncle Joey on Full House, recently opened up about his fight with stage 3 Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
In an interview with Today’s Hoda Kotb, Coulier shared that he received the diagnosis just five weeks ago and has since undergone three surgeries and begun chemotherapy, which has led to some hair loss. “I kind of look like a little baby bird now,” he joked, adding that the journey has been a whirlwind.
The 65-year-old actor revealed that his specific diagnosis is B-cell lymphoma, a particularly aggressive form of the disease.
Coulier explained how quickly the symptoms appeared, noting, “The onset of this growing lymphoma in my groin area was very quick. So I said, ‘Ah, something’s not right. I have a golf ball down here.’” After doctors confirmed the news, they recommended immediate chemotherapy.
Coulier also shared the emotional impact of breaking the news to his wife, Melissa Bring. “I got the news, I was home by myself,” he said. When she arrived, he told her, “Yeah, I have cancer.” Initially, Melissa thought he was joking, but when the reality set in, she understood the weight of his diagnosis. Coulier described the moment as a “gut punch” for both of them.
Despite the challenges, Coulier remains optimistic and committed to staying active as he navigates treatment. “I’m still really, really busy with life stuff,” he said. He balances moments of rest with bursts of activity, listening to his body for cues. Doctors have shared encouraging news as well, saying that if everything goes as planned, Coulier could be in remission by February.
The actor also took a moment to encourage others to prioritize early detection. “If I can help someone who’s watching today get an early screening, a breast exam, a colonoscopy, a prostate exam, go do it,” he advised. For Coulier, early detection was crucial, as tests showed the cancer hadn’t spread, increasing the curability rate to over 90 percent.
Through his health battle, Coulier is treating the experience as a journey, remaining hopeful and eager to use his story to inspire others to prioritize their health.