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In a surprising twist of Hollywood history, “Full House” star Dave Coulier revealed that he was the voice behind Richard Pryor in the TV versions of some of the iconic comedian’s films. In a viral clip on social media, Coulier appears on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” sharing this little-known fact. Read more inside.
During this throwback interview with Oprah, Coulier shared that he was the one who dubbed Pryor’s lines for television, a task that required him to clean up the notoriously raunchy comedian’s language for a broader audience.
Coulier, best known for his role as Joey Gladstone on the family-friendly sitcom “Full House,” is also a talented voice actor, a skill he showcased during his time on the show with his character’s penchant for impressions. However, few fans knew that his voice work extended beyond the walls of the Tanner household to the edgier world of Richard Pryor’s comedy.
In the video, Coulier humorously recalls how he had to take Pryor’s famously explicit dialogue and tone it down for TV audiences, replacing swear words with more acceptable alternatives. He mimicked Pryor’s distinctive voice and delivery, all while maintaining the comedic timing that made the original material so powerful. The result was a version of Pryor’s films that could be aired on television without losing their humor, even if they had to lose some of their edge.
This behind-the-scenes revelation has sparked a wave of nostalgia and amusement among fans of both Coulier and Pryor. It’s a fascinating example of the unexpected connections in the entertainment industry and the lengths to which studios would go to make content accessible to wider audiences.
Coulier’s story also highlights the unique challenges voice actors face when adapting content for different platforms. It’s not just about matching the voice; it’s about capturing the spirit of the original performance, even when the words themselves must change.
