Is Uncle Jesse Really Related to DJ, Stephanie, Michelle, and Danny Tanner on ‘Full House’?
He loves his hair, his motorcycle, and Elvis. He might not seem like the best fit for the Tanner family at first glance. Over time, though, this character becomes a favorite among fans, even forming a special bond with his youngest niece, Michelle Tanner. Here’s what we know about this rock ‘n roll musician on Full House and Fuller House.
Danny Tanner invited Joey and Jesse to move into his house
Fans first met Uncle Jesse during the very first episode of Full House. With Danny Tanner’s wife passing away, he needs a little help raising his three daughters. He enlists in the help of his two friends, Joey and Jesse, both of whom move into the house to lend a hand. This was an especially big decision for Jesse, as he’s not as much of a “hugger” as Danny Tanner.
“Okay. Danny, listen. Pam was my big sister. And I loved her very much. And I love your kids. And I’m happy to do what I can,” Jesse said before receiving another hug of appreciation from Danny. “Aah, you’re hugging me again. Now listen; you and me, we’ll sit down. We’ll set aside a special time for hugging. But not now.”
Is Jesse related to DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle Tanner?
Although Joey is just Danny’s best friend, Jesse is officially related to DJ, Stephanie, and the rest of the Tanners. Jesse’s sister, Pam, married Danny Tanner, making the two of them brother-in-laws.
Danny and Pam Tanner had three daughters together, DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle. That makes Jesse Katsopolis a biological uncle of the three girls, even becoming somewhat of a father-figure throughout the comedy series.
Why does this character change his last name during season 2 of ‘Full House’?
Although “Uncle Jesse” is an honorary Tanner, and a brother-in-law to Danny, this character’s last name actually changed after the first season of this sitcom. The girls referred to him as Jesse Cochran at first.
However, the actor behind the character wanted to better reflect his Greek-American heritage. As a result, Jesse Cochran became Jesse Katsopolis. This name change doesn’t really impact the Tanner sisters, as they took their father’s last name.
For Danny’s late wife, though, they do address her with the new last name, making references to Pam’s full name, Pamela Katsopolis Tanner, following Uncle Jesse’s switch to Katsopolis. When Uncle Jesse and Aunt Becky adopt a daughter in the Netflix spinoff series, they even name her after Pamela Katsopolis Tanner.
To watch John Stamos in Full House, fans can head to Hulu, which every episode of the sitcom is available for binge-watching. Episodes of this Netflix original spinoff series, Fuller House, are available on the streaming platform.
