Full House star David Lipper landed the role of goofball rocker Viper as a consolation for a dropped pilot, revealing this to his former costars Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber on the How Rude, Tanneritos! podcast.
Lost Pilot and Full House Role
Lipper shared that the president of Warner Bros. Television promised him another show after NBC dropped the pilot last minute. This led to his appearance on the final season of Full House as Viper.
Originally titled The Secret Life of Harry Greene, the unaired pilot was renamed Reality Check, Lipper revealed.
Star-Studded Cast of Reality Check
Lipper humorously described the cast of Reality Check, which included future stars like Giovanni Ribisi, Hilary Swank, and Tiffani Thiessen. Kaley Cuoco, who played his sister, later found success but was initially perceived differently by Lipper.
Viewers can watch the unaired pilot of Reality Check on YouTube, showcasing ’90s humor and talent that would later rise to fame. Despite positive reception, the show faced unexpected challenges.
The Rise of Friends and the Fall of Reality Check
Reality Check was overshadowed by the success of Friends, both creations of the same producing team. Lipper highlighted the potential of Reality Check, which received high test scores but faced scheduling issues.
Despite being the highest-ranked pilot at Warner Bros., Reality Check was pulled due to Sunday Night Football. This move impacted the show’s fate and potential impact on the actors’ careers.
The Missed Opportunity
Lipper acknowledged the transformative impact Reality Check could have had on his career and that of his costars like Cuoco, Swank, and Ribisi. Ironically, Ribisi appeared on Friends in a different role later on.
Lipper’s fate took a turn when he landed the role of Viper on Full House. Without the setback of Reality Check, he might never have portrayed the fan-favorite character on the iconic family sitcom.
Missed Roles and Industry Revelations
Lipper also shared insights on missing out on roles like Cody in Step By Step, reflecting on the competitive nature of the industry.
Lipper reminisced about the television landscape of the 1990s, emphasizing the simplicity and profitability compared to today’s media-saturated world.
Conclusion
Lipper’s journey through the highs and lows of the entertainment industry showcases the unpredictable nature of success and the impact of external factors on career trajectories.
FAQs
Q: Why was Reality Check pulled despite positive reception?
A: Due to scheduling conflicts with Sunday Night Football, Reality Check was removed from the lineup despite being highly rated.
Q: How did Lipper’s role on Full House come about?
A: Lipper landed the role of Viper as a consolation for a dropped pilot, leading him to join the cast of Full House.
Credit: ew.com