The Multi-Million Dollar Voice: 7 Shocking Facts About The Actor Who Played Nelson On Full House

For millions of fans, the character of Nelson Burkhard from *Full House* is instantly recognizable as D.J. Tanner’s wealthy, dorky, and often over-the-top high school boyfriend. But the actor behind the character, who appeared in four episodes of the original series, has quietly built one of the most prolific and valuable careers in Hollywood—almost entirely out of the spotlight. As of this current date, December 12, 2025, the man who brought Nelson to life is not only a beloved sitcom alum but also a voice acting legend whose work spans three decades, encompassing some of the most iconic animated characters in film and television history. This deep dive reveals the complete biography of the original Nelson, the surprising reason he didn't return for *Fuller House*, and a comprehensive list of the legendary roles that have made him a voiceover superstar, proving his career is far richer than just a brief stint on a 90s sitcom.

The Original Nelson: Jason Marsden's Biography and Full Profile

The role of Nelson Burkhard on *Full House* was played by the actor and voice artist Jason Christopher Marsden.

• Full Name: Jason Christopher Marsden
• Date of Birth: January 3, 1975
• Age (as of 2025): 50 years old
• Place of Birth: Providence, Rhode Island, USA
• Occupation: Actor, Voice Actor, Director, Producer
• Known For (Live-Action): Nelson Burkhard (*Full House*), Rich Halke (*Step by Step*), Tucker (*Eerie, Indiana*), Shawn Hunter's friend Jason (*Boy Meets World*).
• Known For (Voice Acting): Max Goof, Haku, Kovu, Chester McBadbat, Richie Foley/Gear.
• Career Start: Began acting professionally in 1985 after moving to California, quickly transitioning into a highly sought-after voice artist.

Marsden’s live-action career began in the late 1980s, but it was his ability to provide a versatile range of voices that cemented his status as a Hollywood mainstay. He has consistently worked on major projects, often simultaneously balancing his on-screen roles with his booming voiceover career, including his time as Nelson Burkhard on the iconic T.G.I.F. lineup.

The Shocking Reason Nelson Was Recast in Fuller House

One of the biggest questions for fans of the Tanner family saga was why the character of Nelson Burkhard looked and sounded different in the Netflix sequel, *Fuller House*. In the original *Full House*, Nelson appeared in four episodes between 1994 and 1995, always played by Jason Marsden.

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When the character returned for *Fuller House* Season 2, he was instead played by actor and comedian Hal Sparks. This move surprised many, especially since other returning love interests, like D.J.’s other ex-boyfriend Viper (played by David Lipper), reprised their original roles.

The truth behind the recast is surprisingly simple and has nothing to do with bad blood or scheduling conflicts with a major film. Jason Marsden himself explained that he was simply unavailable due to a prior commitment to a fan convention. Specifically, Marsden was booked to appear at Dragon Con, one of the largest multi-genre conventions in North America.

He was quoted as saying that his commitment to the fans at the convention was a priority he couldn't break, especially since he had already made arrangements with them. This dedication to his fanbase, particularly in the voice acting and convention circuit, speaks volumes about the community he has cultivated outside of his sitcom fame.

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From Tanner's Boyfriend to Disney Royalty: Jason Marsden's Iconic Voice Roles

While his face is familiar to 90s sitcom enthusiasts, Jason Marsden’s voice is a multi-million dollar asset recognized by generations of animated film and television viewers. His work as a voice actor is so extensive that he has become a staple across Disney, Nickelodeon, and major video game franchises.

His deep portfolio of characters is the primary reason he is considered one of the most prolific working actors today. Here is a list of his most notable and iconic voice acting roles, demonstrating his incredible range and topical authority in the animation world:

The Disney and Animated Film Entities

• Max Goof: Marsden has been the definitive voice of Max Goof, the son of Goofy, since the character’s starring role in the 1995 animated classic, *A Goofy Movie*. He reprised the role in the sequel, *An Extremely Goofy Movie*, and various other Disney projects.
• Kovu: He voiced the adult Kovu, the main love interest and son of Zira, in the 1998 Disney direct-to-video sequel, *The Lion King II: Simba's Pride*.
• Haku: In a role that surprised many fans, Marsden provided the English voice for the mysterious and powerful Haku in the American dub of Hayao Miyazaki's Oscar-winning masterpiece, *Spirited Away*.
• Mungo: He voiced the young gorilla Mungo in Disney's 1999 animated feature, *Tarzan*.
• Chester McBadbat: The voice of the slightly dim-witted but loyal best friend of Timmy Turner in Nickelodeon’s long-running series, *The Fairly Odd Parents*.
• Peter Pan: Marsden voiced the titular character in the animated series *Peter Pan and the Pirates*.
• Nermal: He voiced the cat Nermal in the 2007 film *Garfield Gets Real*.

Video Game and Television Entities

Marsden is also an incredibly active voice in the gaming world and on television, lending his talents to franchises that require a vast array of character voices.

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• Richie Foley / Gear: He voiced the technologically gifted sidekick Gear in the DC Comics animated series *Static Shock*.
• Tino Tonitini: The star of the Disney animated series *The Weekenders*.
• Adult Kion: The son of Simba and Nala in the Disney Junior series *The Lion Guard*.
• Cavin: The young human boy and protagonist in the beloved Disney series *Adventures of the Gummi Bears*.
• Bartholomew "Bart" Allen / Impulse: The young speedster in the animated series *Young Justice*.
• Hades: Marsden has voiced the character Hades in various projects, including the video game *Kid Icarus: Uprising*.

While his on-screen role as Nelson Burkhard was a memorable part of the 90s T.G.I.F. era, Jason Marsden's true legacy lies in the countless animated characters he has brought to life. His decision to prioritize a fan convention over a live-action reunion role highlights his commitment to the voice acting community, a world where he is truly a superstar, continually working on new projects and delighting audiences around the globe.