‘We’re Going To…’: David Lipper Reveals He Was Cast In Full House As A Consolation For Unaired Pilot

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As a dedicated follower of David Lipper‘s career, it’s fascinating to delve into his remarkable journey through the world of 90s sitcoms. His story is not just about the roles he played, but also about the opportunities that slipped away – only to be replaced by even greater ones.

David Lipper, famously known for his role as rocker Vicker on Full House, recently revealed an intriguing tale about how he got the part. Before joining the cherished sitcom, Lipper was all set to star in a different show. Indeed, the actor had been chosen for another series, but when that project didn’t materialize, Warner Bros. opted to cast him on Full House instead.

I found that this unforeseen shift in my professional journey not only redefined Lipper’s career path but also left an indelible mark on Full House history. It’s fascinating to delve into the wisdom he has generously shared about his experiences, as it serves as a testament to the transformative power of unexpected changes and their potential impact on one’s life trajectory.

A missed opportunity turned into a major role

Previously, Lipper had been chosen for another series that initially seemed like a perfect fit. Originally known as The Secret Life of Harry Greene, the production later changed its name to Reality Check. This production boasted a talented ensemble, including Hilary Swank, Giovanni Ribisi, and Kaley Cuoco. Regrettably, despite high expectations and an impressive cast, Reality Check failed to make it onto our screens.

He shared this during his conversation with former Full House co-stars Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber on their podcast How Rude, Tanneritos!

Reality Check was going to be a bigger show than Friends?

Lipper mentioned that Reality Check was eagerly awaited and even surpassed Friends in preliminary ratings. He expressed, “People were really excited about this – some even believed it would do better than Friends, considering we had exceptional test results.” Regrettably, the show was eventually taken off the air due to a shift in the broadcast schedule.

As an ardent admirer, let me share this tale: Over the sun-kissed summer, Fox snagged the rights to football, a move that had us fans buzzing! With the network choosing gridiron action over a fresh new series, it seemed like our favorite cast of characters were about to face an uncertain future. In jest, Lipper referred to the group as a collection of “small-statured individuals who had managed somewhat impressive careers.”

Viper and DJ’s short-lived romance

In the final season of Full House, a character named Viper, portrayed by Lipper, made his debut. He joined Uncle Jesse’s group and was introduced as a potential love interest for DJ Tanner (played by Candace Cameron Bure). Originally, the plan was for Viper to be DJ’s boyfriend for the rest of the series. However, the show’s sudden termination after its eighth season prematurely ended their blossoming relationship.

Initially, it was intended that DJ would decide between her two options: Viper or her former partner Nelson (Jason Marsden). However, the show’s unexpected ending resulted in DJ making no choice instead. This marked the conclusion of Viper’s storyline. Remarkably, Liper shared his thoughts on the squandered chance, stating, “I was set to become her next boyfriend throughout the series. But they discovered the show would be canceled.”

The impact of Full House’s cancellation

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but feel the sting of the Full House cancellation, which abruptly cut short Viper’s storyline and left an indelible mark on the entire series. The show’s creators, it seems, were well aware of the escalating production costs – a factor that unfortunately played a significant role in their decision to call it quits, despite the show’s enduring popularity.

Regardless of its sudden conclusion, Lipper cherishes the moments spent on the show. In fact, he resurfaced as Viper in the revived series Fuller House on Netflix. To this day, after many years have passed, it’s his role in Full House that people most often recall, rather than any other projects he has worked on.

A missed opportunity on step by step

During the podcast discussion, Lipper mentioned another instance where things might have turned out differently in his career. Specifically, he was a strong contender for the part of Cody on the 1990s sitcom “Step by Step.” However, producers informed him that he was nearly cast but ultimately, Shasha Mitchell got the role. It so happened that Mitchell arrived exactly at the time of Lipper’s audition.

Despite Mitchell’s tardiness, Lipper managed to land the role, yet he was left astounded by the unfolding events. His exclusion from the role wasn’t due to his performance but a strategic marketing choice. The casting director clarified that the marketing team believed Sasha would generate more sales for lunch boxes, which led to their decision.

The 90s TV era

In addition, Lipper paused for a moment of recollection, looking back at the television environment of the early 1990s. That era saw scripted broadcast TV thriving, with only a handful of significant networks monopolizing the airwaves. As he put it, that period offered a far more lucrative and straightforward business climate compared to today.

Lipper stated, “Initially, there were just four primary channels that most people watched TV on, and now their attention hasn’t been significantly diverted to platforms like social media or others.”

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2024-08-19 12:27