Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber Say “Full House”’s Mr. Woodchuck Came with a Shocking $25k Price Tag

Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber recently shared some surprising insights into the iconic TV show “Full House” during an episode of their podcast. This dynamic duo, known for their roles as Stephanie Tanner and Kimmy Gibbler, respectively, reminisced about the introduction of one of the show’s beloved characters, Mr. Woodchuck. The puppet sidekick of Joey Gladstone, played by Dave Coulier, came with a hefty price tag of $25,000.

During the episode of their rewatch podcast “How Rude, Tanneritos!”, Sweetin and Barber delved into the 100th episode of the sitcom titled “The Legend of Ranger Joe.” This milestone episode marked Joey’s transition into a children’s TV show host known as “Ranger Joe,” alongside his puppet companion, Mr. Woodchuck. Barber revealed that the puppet’s cost was a staggering $25,000, a fact she learned from reading Jeff’s book.

Sweetin added a humorous anecdote, recalling the aftermath of Dave Coulier’s dog chewing on the puppet’s face. She shared, “I remember hearing that after Dave’s dog ate the face off of it. Twenty years later, he was like, ‘You have no idea. You don’t even know how expensive that was. You don’t even know.'” It seems the behind-the-scenes stories of “Full House” continue to surprise fans even years after the show ended.

The puppet itself was no ordinary creation; Sweetin, a fan of Jim Henson’s work, mentioned that Mr. Woodchuck was built by the renowned Henson Muppet Monster Workshop. Using a special Muppet fleecing technique, the puppet had a unique and high-quality design. Despite its hefty price tag, Mr. Woodchuck became an integral part of Joey’s character and provided comedic relief in many episodes of the show.

In a Reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA) session in 2016, Coulier shared that he had kept the original Mr. Woodchuck but sadly, his dog Ranger ended up destroying it. However, the legacy of Mr. Woodchuck lived on, with a new version of the puppet appearing alongside Coulier in a Fuller House episode. This version was a gift from Jimmy Fallon and made a cameo in a reunion sketch on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon with other “Full House” cast members.

The revelation of Mr. Woodchuck’s expensive price tag sheds light on the dedication and craftsmanship that went into creating memorable characters for “Full House.” The behind-the-scenes anecdotes shared by Sweetin and Barber offer fans a peek into the rich history and fond memories associated with the beloved sitcom. It’s fascinating to learn about the intricate details and challenges faced by the cast and crew while bringing iconic characters like Mr. Woodchuck to life on screen.

As fans continue to cherish the nostalgia of “Full House” and its lovable characters, this new insight into the cost of Mr. Woodchuck serves as a reminder of the show’s lasting impact on popular culture. The enduring popularity of the series and the enduring affection for characters like Mr. Woodchuck highlight the timeless appeal of wholesome family sitcoms that continue to captivate audiences across generations.