Actor Dave Coulier, best known for his role as Uncle Joey on the television sitcom “Full House,” is now in remission from tongue cancer, just months after successfully battling non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He announced the positive development on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, describing his cancer journey as “a roller coaster.”
Coulier, 66, shared the news during an appearance on Good Morning America, stating, “I am in remission from both cancers. What a journey.”
The diagnosis of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, a type of tongue cancer, came in October 2025, according to reports from December 2025. Doctors determined it was unrelated to his previous battle with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. “After going through chemo and feeling good, you think you’re in the clear,” Coulier said in December 2025. “Then you get a test back that says, ‘Well, now you have another type of cancer.’ It’s a shock to the system.”
The tongue cancer was potentially linked to a previous human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, with doctors suggesting the virus may have been present up to 30 years prior to the diagnosis and subsequently activated into a carcinoma. This type of cancer affects the oropharynx, the middle part of the throat, and is relatively rare, with approximately 53,000 people diagnosed annually in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society.
Coulier initially announced his non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis in November 2024. Following six rounds of chemotherapy, he was declared cancer-free in March 2025, coinciding with the birth of his grandchild. He described the period as “an amazing day.”
The actor described the experience of undergoing treatment for both cancers as challenging, both physically and emotionally. “It’s been a really tough year, and chemo is rough,” he stated in December 2025. He underwent 35 radiation treatments for the tongue cancer, describing it as “a whole different animal” than chemotherapy, with its own set of side effects. He noted the pain associated with radiation, stating, “It feels like you’re cutting your tongue, but the pain is there every day.”
Despite the difficulties, Coulier maintained a positive outlook throughout his treatment. He acknowledged the emotional toll the experience took on both himself and his wife, Melissa Bring. “It’s emotionally and psychologically draining,” he shared. He also expressed gratitude that his cancer diagnosis ultimately led to the detection of the second cancer, stating, “It sounds crazy to say that, but it’s true.”
Bring spoke about Coulier’s cancer journey in a January 2025 interview, highlighting his resilience and positive attitude. “He has really tough days, and with the chemo accumulating, it gets a little harder and harder,” she said. “His attitude is so positive, which is really what you need to fight through this.” She also described a daily ritual of playing music and having a small dance party with their dogs to boost his spirits.
Coulier’s experience highlights the potential for multiple cancer diagnoses and the importance of ongoing monitoring, even after achieving remission from one cancer. His case also underscores the link between HPV and certain types of cancer, particularly oropharyngeal cancers. While the prognosis for his tongue cancer was reported as good, with a 90 percent curability rate, the journey underscores the physical and emotional challenges faced by cancer patients and their families.
The actor launched a digital wellness platform, AwearMarket, during his cancer journey, demonstrating his commitment to advocacy and support for others facing similar challenges. He has spoken about drawing strength from the resilience of his family members who have also battled cancer, including his sister, Karen, who is currently in remission, and his sister Sharon and niece Shannon, who both passed away from the disease, as well as his mother, Arlen.
