John Phillip Stamos was born in Cypress, California, to Loretta Phillips, a model, and William Stamos, a restaurateur, whose paternal ancestry dates back to Greece, with the family surname originally being "Stamotopoulos". He has two younger sisters, Janeen and Alaina, both school teachers, who share a strong educational background.
John's professional journey began with his role as Blackie Parrish on the daytime soap General Hospital, where he made a significant impact from 1982-1984, earning two Soap Opera Digest Awards in the process. This early success paved the way for his iconic role as Jesse on Full House, which spanned an impressive eight years, starting in 1987.
In a notable gesture, John requested that the writers of Full House give his character the last name Katsopolis, a nod to his Greek heritage, rather than the original character name Cochran. This not only highlighted his cultural roots but also showcased his ability to connect with his character's identity.
Beyond his acting career, John has also demonstrated his musical talents by occasionally playing drums with The Beach Boys since 1985. He even directed their music video for "Hot Fun in the Summertime". His versatility extends to the stage as well, where he took on the role of J. Pierrepont Finch in the Broadway production of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying!" in 1995, showcasing his impressive dancing abilities.
In his personal life, John tied the knot with model Rebecca Romijn, of MTV's House of Style, on September 19, 1998. The couple's marriage lasted for six years, until their divorce on March 1, 2005.
