John Stamos Was 'Terrified' Filming Iconic Full House Chimp Scene

Uncle Jesse actor John Stamos recently shared his scary experience filming with Ginger the chimp on Full House, and his co-stars Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber are backing him up with wild behind-the-scenes details.

TL;DR

• John Stamos was "terrified" of Ginger the chimp during the "Too Much Monkey Business" episode of Full House.
• Producers warned him not to look Ginger in the eye or smile, as chimps are "dangerous," "aggressive, and strong."
• Stamos recalled getting "welts on my butt" and "bruises" from the chimp's playful (but forceful) smacks, leading him to vow never to work with animals again.

Remembering the Wildest Guest Star on Full House

If you're a long-time fan of Full House, you probably remember some of the show's more… unique guest stars. We're talking about the time Danny Tanner's younger sister, Wendy, brought a chimpanzee named Ginger home from an Africa research trip. That's right, we're diving deep into the unforgettable Season 5 episode, "Too Much Monkey Business," which originally aired way back on February 11, 1992.

This isn't just a trip down memory lane for us; it's a topic that's resurfaced thanks to the fantastic rewatch podcast, "How Rude, Tanneritos!", hosted by none other than Stephanie Tanner (Jodie Sweetin) and Kimmy Gibbler (Andrea Barber). In a recent October 28 episode, these two spilled some fresh tea about how terrified their co-star, John Stamos, truly was during those infamous chimp scenes.

The Terrifying Warnings Behind the Scenes of "Too Much Monkey Business"

John Stamos, who charmingly played everyone's favorite rock-and-roll uncle, Jesse Katsopolis, might have looked cool as a cucumber on screen, but he was apparently anything but. According to his co-stars and his own past admissions, being in close quarters with Ginger the chimp was a genuinely frightening experience for the then-younger actor.

"Do you remember when we interviewed John and he talked about being terrified because they were like, 'Don't look it in the eye because chimps are dangerous.'", Andrea Barber, now 49, recounted on the podcast. She elaborated on the strict warnings given by producers and animal handlers:

"They were like 'Don't. If you have to interact with it, it has to get to know you a little bit. But like, don't look at it in the eye. Don't smile at it because it's a form of regret.' Wild."

— Andrea Barber on the "How Rude, Tanneritos!" podcast

Imagine being an actor, trying to deliver your lines and hit your marks, all while being told not to make eye contact with your co-star because it might interpret your gaze as a threat. That's some serious pressure, especially when your scene partner is a primate known for its strength and aggression.

That Infamous Spanking Scene and the Physical Toll

One of the most memorable — and now, hilariously uncomfortable — moments from "Too Much Monkey Business" features Ginger getting into bed with a sleeping Uncle Jesse. Jesse, thinking it's his wife, Rebecca (played by Lori Loughlin), is initially charmed by the taps and caresses. But things take a turn when Ginger decides to get a little too familiar, rubbing his shoulders, playing with his hair, and then, most famously, smacking him on the bum.

Andrea Barber vividly recalled the scene: "There was a lot of physical interaction, too. Like the chimp is smacking him at one point. I'm like, 'That had to hurt. Chimps are very, very aggressive and strong.' And yeah, props to John for getting through this." Jodie Sweetin, now 43, chimed in, noting Stamos's struggle to maintain his composure: "John is laughing so hard, too. It's like he's trying to keep it together, and he cannot, which I get. Like, if there were a chimp spanking me, I also would not be able to keep a straight face."

And it wasn't just acting! Stamos himself confirmed the physical impact in a 2017 interview with People, joking that he was left with "welts on my butt" from Ginger's enthusiastic smacks. He even reiterated this in a 2024 Buzzfeed interview while playing with puppies, mentioning "bruises" and swearing off animal co-stars.

John Stamos's Enduring Sentiment on Animal Co-Stars

It seems Ginger the chimp made quite the impression on John Stamos, who is now 62 years old. Beyond the physical discomfort and fear, he's often quipped about the reasons behind these animal-centric episodes. In that same 2017 People interview, he theorized with classic Stamos humor:

"I think when they ran out of ideas, they would say, 'Let's put Stamos with monkey. Bring a ferret. Do you have a ferret?' It was a different animal every week."

— John Stamos on filming with animals

While that might be a slight exaggeration – Full House had plenty of great plots! – it certainly speaks to his memorable experiences. In fact, he was pretty clear in his 2024 Buzzfeed chat: he "vowed to never work with an animal again" after that Full House episode. That's a strong statement from someone who also returned to reprise his role as Uncle Jesse in the Netflix reboot, Fuller House, which wrapped up in 2020. Clearly, some memories from the Tanner household stick with you!

For fans, these behind-the-scenes revelations add another layer of appreciation for the actors' dedication. It's easy to forget the challenges faced on set, especially when the final product is a beloved sitcom known for its heartwarming moments. But sometimes, even the sweetest family comedies have a wild side!

The Legacy of "Too Much Monkey Business" and Beyond

The "Too Much Monkey Business" episode remains a quirky standout in the Full House canon. It showcases the show's willingness to embrace a bit of silliness, even if it meant putting its lead actors in slightly terrifying situations. The ongoing discussions by Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber on their "How Rude, Tanneritos!" podcast serve as a fantastic reminder of the show's enduring legacy and the many hilarious — and sometimes harrowing — stories its cast has to tell.

It’s a testament to the cast's professionalism and comedic timing that such a high-stakes scene played out so humorously on screen. From the initial confusion in bed to the eventual realization that it’s not Becky but a powerful chimp, Stamos managed to maintain enough composure to make the scene iconic, despite his inner turmoil and the very real danger. His ability to blend fear with comedy is what made Uncle Jesse such a beloved character, after all.

The podcast isn't just about fun anecdotes; it's about reconnecting with the show's past, and bringing those experiences to a new generation of fans, as well as those who grew up watching the Tanners. It offers a fresh perspective on the challenges and joys of filming a hit sitcom, making the actors feel even more relatable. And who knew a chimp named Ginger would still be making headlines decades later?

So, the next time you rewatch "Too Much Monkey Business," spare a thought for John Stamos. He really was putting his butt on the line for our entertainment. And hey, at least he got a funny story (and maybe a few bruises) out of it!

Frequently Asked Questions About John Stamos and Full House's Chimp Episode

Which Full House episode featured a chimpanzee? The chimpanzee Ginger appeared in Season 5, Episode 18, titled "Too Much Monkey Business." When did "Too Much Monkey Business" originally air? This memorable episode of Full House first aired on February 11, 1992. Who played Uncle Jesse in Full House? The iconic role of Uncle Jesse Katsopolis was played by John Stamos. Where can I watch "Too Much Monkey Business" now? Full House episodes, including "Too Much Monkey Business," are typically available for streaming on platforms like Max (formerly HBO Max) and through various digital rental or purchase services. Sources

• Bang Showbiz: "John Stamos was 'terrified' of acting opposite a 'dangerous' chimpanzee in a Full House episode." (Fri, October 31, 2025)
• Parade: "John Stamos Was 'Terrified' Of Full House Chimp Scene" (Nicole Moore, October 30, 2025)
• "How Rude, Tanneritos!" Podcast: October 28 episode commentary on "Too Much Monkey Business."
• People: (2017 interview with John Stamos)
• Buzzfeed: (2024 interview with John Stamos)