Actor Dave Coulier, best known for his role as Joey Gladstone on the beloved TV show Full House, has revealed he’s been diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 65-year-old actor shared his emotional journey, including how he received the shocking diagnosis and how he’s facing it with courage and strength.
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A Shocking Diagnosis After a Simple Cold
It all began in October when Coulier experienced a severe upper respiratory infection that led to significant swelling in his lymph nodes. What initially seemed like a regular cold quickly turned into something much more serious.
“I went from, I got a little bit of a head cold to I have cancer, and it was pretty overwhelming,” Coulier said. The swelling in his lymph nodes, one area growing to the size of a golf ball, prompted his doctors to recommend a series of scans, including CT, PET scans, and a biopsy. Just a few days later, Coulier received the devastating news: He had non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer where abnormal white blood cells grow and form tumors throughout the body.
Adding to the complexity, Coulier was diagnosed with B cell lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of the disease that often affects the skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, non-Hodgkin lymphoma can lead to symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, chest pain, and fever — all of which Coulier experienced.
A Plan of Action: Facing Cancer Head-On
Upon hearing the news, Coulier said he was determined to face his diagnosis with a positive attitude. He and his wife, Melissa Bring, along with close friends in the medical field, immediately worked together to come up with a treatment plan.
“We all kind of put our heads together and said, ‘Okay, where are we going?’” Coulier recalls. “They had a very specific plan for how they were going to treat this.”
A positive turning point came when a bone marrow test returned negative, significantly improving his odds of a cure. “At that point, my chances of being curable went from something low to 90%. And that was a great day,” he shared.
Chemotherapy: The First Step Toward Recovery
Two weeks into his diagnosis, Coulier began his chemotherapy treatment. As part of the process, he decided to shave his head as a “preemptive strike” against hair loss. On his podcast, Full House Rewind, Coulier opened up about his experience, choosing to be open about his cancer battle right from the start.
“I started the podcast wearing a hat and said, ‘I’ve always been a man of many hats, but this hat has special significance,’” he explained. “This hat represents my diagnosis, and I want to be honest with everyone. I would rather talk about it, open up the discussion, and hopefully inspire others.”
Staying Strong for His Family: A New Source of Motivation
Throughout his journey, Coulier has focused on staying strong, especially for his wife, Melissa, and their son, Luc, who is expecting his first child in March. “I’m going to be strong for her. I looked at how those words affected her, and I thought, I’m going to be strong throughout this, not just for me,” Coulier said.
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Coulier’s battle with cancer also resonates deeply with his family. He lost his mother and sister to breast cancer and has seen firsthand how cancer affects those who battle it. “I lost my sister Sharon to breast cancer when she was only 36, and I lost my niece, Shannon, at 29,” Coulier shared. “But they were incredible warriors, and I thought, if I can be just a fraction of their strength, I’ll be just fine.”
His older sister Karen, who is also battling cancer, has been a source of support. “She’s been so supportive and funny. We’re making jokes about it,” he said, laughing. “In four short weeks, I went from being a Virgo to a Cancer. I finally made it to the NHL!”
The Power of Humor and Positivity
Amidst the intense treatments, Coulier has leaned on humor to help get through the tough moments. “My sister is a registered nurse, so she’s seen it from a different perspective,” he explained. “But we’re making jokes, and that’s been so helpful to keep my spirits up.”
Reflecting on the shock of his diagnosis, Coulier shared that he felt an unexpected sense of calm. “When I first got the news, I was stunned, but then I found myself remarkably calm with whatever the outcome was going to be,” he said. “I’ve had an incredible life, and whatever happens, happens. I’m okay with it.”
Coulier’s Journey: Taking it Day by Day
As Coulier moves through his chemotherapy treatments, he’s taking each day as it comes. “Some days are rough. Some days I’m nauseous, others I feel great, like I have all this energy thanks to the steroids,” he said. He recently skated with friends in Detroit, something he enjoys as a hockey fan. “It was just wonderful to be out there doing something I love,” he said.
Throughout it all, Coulier remains focused on the positive. With his son Luc’s baby on the way, he’s excited about becoming a grandfather and has big plans to teach his grandchild how to play hockey.
“I’ve got to teach him how to play hockey,” Coulier laughed. “There’s a lot to look forward to.”
Inspiring Others: The Importance of Early Testing
By sharing his story, Coulier hopes to inspire others to take control of their health and get tested early. “Take great care of yourself, because there’s a lot to live for,” he advises. “And if that means talking to your doctor, getting a mammogram, or having a colonoscopy, it can really make a huge difference in your life.”