Bill Maher Reveals Why He Turned Down Bob Saget’s Role in Full House

Comedian and television host Bill Maher has revealed that he once passed on the opportunity to star in one of television’s most beloved family sitcoms. In a recent conversation with John Stamos, Maher shared why he turned down the role that ultimately made Bob Saget a household name on Full House. The revelation came during the December 29 episode of Maher’s Club Random podcast, where the two entertainers reflected on career crossroads and missed opportunities.

A Surprising Offer Early in Maher’s Career

During the podcast, Stamos recalled how his mentor, Garry Marshall, helped recommend him to producers Thomas L. Miller and Robert L. Boyett for the role of Uncle Jesse Katsopolis. That discussion prompted Maher to share his own connection to the series. “I may be misremembering this,” Maher said, “but I think I was offered the part on Full House.” Stamos quickly clarified that Maher was likely referring to the role of Danny Tanner, the widowed father later portrayed by Saget.

Why Maher Said No to Danny Tanner

Maher explained that the decision was not taken lightly. At the time, the role represented financial security and the lead position on a network sitcom—an appealing prospect for any actor.

“We really debated it because it was money, and it was the lead on a show,” Maher said. “But we just thought it wasn’t right for me. Kids? Me, kids?”

Ultimately, Maher felt the wholesome, family-oriented tone of Full House did not align with his comedic voice or personal brand.

Choosing a Different Path

Instead of joining Full House, Maher opted to star in a Showtime series titled Hard Knocks. He described the show as a mismatched buddy-cop drama in which he played Gower Rhodes, a long-haired hippie detective, opposite a more traditional, redneck-style partner. Looking back, Maher acknowledged that the decision worked out well for everyone involved. “Of course, Bob—that was a good decision on both parts,” he said, referring to Saget’s eventual casting and success on the show.

How Bob Saget Landed the Role

Stamos also shared some behind-the-scenes trivia about Full House. He revealed that Saget was not initially available to play Danny Tanner. Actor John Posey originally portrayed the character in the pilot episode before Saget later stepped into the role when his schedule opened up. Saget went on to star in Full House for all eight seasons, from 1987 to 1995, becoming synonymous with the character.

A Legacy That Endures

Full House later spawned the Netflix spinoff Fuller House in 2016, which reunited much of the original cast and introduced a new generation of Tanner-family stories. Maher, meanwhile, went on to build a successful career as the outspoken host of Real Time with Bill Maher, now entering its 24th season on HBO. In hindsight, Maher’s candid admission offers a rare glimpse into how close one major TV role came to altering multiple careers—and how sometimes saying no can be just as defining as saying yes.