John Stamos

John Stamos

Stamos at the PaleyFest 2013 panel for The New Normal
Born John Phillip Stamos
August 19, 1963
Cypress, California, U.S.
Occupation Actor, film producer, musician, singer-songwriter
Years active 1982–present
Spouse(s) Rebecca Romijn (1998–2005)

Musical career

Genres Pop-rock
Instruments Vocals, guitar, drums, percussion, bass guitar
Years active 1982–present
Associated acts The Beach Boys, Diamond Carter

John Phillip Stamos (/ˈsteɪmoʊs/ STAY-mohs; born August 19, 1963) is an American actor and musician. He is known for his work in television, especially in his starring role as Jesse Katsopolis on the ABC sitcom Full House. Since the show's finale in 1995, Stamos has appeared in numerous TV films and series. Since 2005, he has been the national spokesperson for Project Cuddle.[1]

From 2006 to 2009, Stamos had a starring role on the NBC medical drama ER as Dr. Tony Gates. In September 2009, he began playing the role of Albert in the Broadway revival of Bye Bye Birdie. In 2013, he assumed a recurring role in season three of the USA Network television series Necessary Roughness, which stars Callie Thorne. In 2014 he is starring in the upcoming ABC primetime soap opera Members Only.

Early life

Stamos was born in Cypress, California. He attended John F. Kennedy High School.[2] He is the oldest child and only son of Loretta (née Phillips) (1939-2014), a former swimsuit model who was raised in England and is of Irish and English ancestry,[3] and Bill Stamos, a restaurateur of Greek descent.[4] Stamos has two younger sisters, Jannen and Alaina, who are both teachers. His family's last name was originally Stamatopoulos (Greek: Σταματόπουλος) but his paternal grandparents shortened the name to Stamos when they moved to the United States from Greece. ('-poulos' [Gr. -πουλος] is a common Greek suffix in surnames, meaning "son of"; 'Stamat-' is the root, which is derived from the name Stamat-ios [Gr. Σταμάτ-ιος] --> Stamat-is [Gr. Σταμάτ-ης], with the -o- in between being an addition for easier pronunciation).[3]

Acting career

1982–86: Early career

Stamos began his acting career with the role of Blackie Parrish on the soap opera General Hospital in late January 1982, for which he was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in 1984. His stint on the show got him noticed by daytime viewers. Stamos decided to move on in April 1984, when he auditioned for and got the lead role in a short-lived CBS sitcom called Dreams, in which he played an aspiring musician in a band of the same name. Later, he played a role in the sitcom You Again? (1986) with Jack Klugman.

1987–95: Full House

Stamos in February 1990

In the late 1980s, ABC's Full House gradually became a hit, and the show solidified Stamos's career. In the first season, his character's full name was credited as Jesse Cochran. During the second season he then changed his character's last name to Katsopolis to highlight his Greek heritage, according to Jeff Franklin. He played one of the show's protagonists, Jesse, who lives with his brother in-law, whose deceased wife was Jesse's older sister. Danny's best friend, Joey, also lives in the house with them. The three help each other raise three young girls. Jesse is known to be the "bad boy" at first, until he falls in love with and marries Rebecca Donaldson and has twin boys, Nicky and Alex. In 1995, after eight seasons, the series came to an end. Stamos has since maintained close relationships with co-stars Bob Saget, Dave Coulier, Lori Loughlin, Jodie Sweetin, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and Candace Cameron Bure. In April 2015 Stamos announced on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that the streaming service Netflix would be picking the show up for a 13 episode sequel airing sometime in 2016.[5]

1996–2009: Later career

Stamos has appeared in numerous made-for-television films, stage productions, television series and commercials. He had starring roles in the television series Thieves (2001) and Jake in Progress (2005). Both shows ran for several episodes before cancellation.[6][7] In 2003, Stamos guest-starred in Friends, appearing in the episode The One with the Donor, playing a man who went to Chandler and Monica's apartment for dinner, not knowing he was actually being interviewed to be a sperm donor. Stamos was a guest star in a first-season episode of MTV's, The Andy Milonakis Show (2005), playing himself. He took part in only one skit, which featured him in a tree, having rabies, and being put down by another character. In the A&E television movie Wedding Wars (2006), he starred as Shel, a gay wedding planner. He stated that his performance reflected his support for same-sex marriages.[8]

He has made several voice acting appearances such as in the MTV animated series Clone High in the episode, "Changes: The Big Prom: The Sex Romp: The Season Finale", where he played himself, and as the What's Global Warming Penguin in Bob Saget's parody film Farce of the Penguins. In 2005, Stamos guest-starred in two episodes in season 12 of ER as paramedic-turned-intern Tony Gates. In 2006, at the start of ER's thirteenth season, he joined the cast of ER as a series regular. Executive producer John Wells said that he wanted him earlier the season before but Stamos was contracted with Jake in Progress. Shortly after that show was canceled, Stamos was brought aboard as a series regular. In February 2008, Stamos appeared in the television adaptation of A Raisin in the Sun. In August 2008, Stamos was the roast master for Comedy Central Roast Of Bob Saget.[9]

2010–present

On June 8, 2010, it was announced that Stamos would portray Carl Howell, a new love interest for Emma Pillsbury (Jayma Mays), in season two of the popular television show Glee.[10][11] In 2011, Stamos guest starred on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.[12] and was featured in a CollegeHumor video with Bob Saget.[13] Stamos also guest-starred as himself on Two and a Half Men as Charlie's old friend, who was interested in buying the house until he found out that the place was Charlie's.

Since 2011, Stamos has appeared in a series of commercials for Dannon's Greek yogurt brand Oikos; including his first Super Bowl commercial which was aired during Super Bowl 2012.[14] In February 2012, it was reported that Stamos would take on one of the lead roles on the new Fox drama Little Brother. The series was created by Everybody Loves Raymond writer Mike Royce, and centers around a man who finds out that he has a long-lost half brother.[15]

In March 2013, Stamos signed on in a recurring role on the USA Network drama Necessary Roughness, during season three. He played Connor McClane, the head of a sports and entertainment management company that is interested in hiring Dani.[16] Stamos is set to play the lead role in ABC's upcoming soap opera Members Only.[17]

Music and theatre

Stamos started learning drums when he was four, and started his own band called Destiny. They had paying concerts at some amusement parks and parties.[18]

Independently

Stamos performed on an independently released 1994 album entitled Shades of Blue along with Lanny Cordola, Gary Griffin, Sandra Stephens, Tony Guerrero, and David Enos. Shades of Blue was re-released digitally through iTunes and other channels in 2010 after being long out-of-print. Stamos appeared on Broadway as the emcee in Cabaret, and also in Nine and How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. Stamos performed the Billy Joel song "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)" on the 2006 charity album Unexpected Dreams – Songs From the Stars.

On March 30, 2009, he announced that he would participate in the Broadway revival of Bye Bye Birdie.[19] Stamos won the 2009–10 Golden Icon Award for best actor in a musical for his performance in that production.[20] Stamos was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 16, 2009.[21] The star is located at 7021 Hollywood Blvd.

Stamos performed with John Fogerty on April 24, 2010 during one of the Tampa Bay Rays post-game concerts. Stamos rotated between the tambourine, drums, & bass guitar throughout the concert. In August 2011, Stamos performed in Hairspray at the Hollywood Bowl as Corny Collins, alongside an all-star cast.[22]

On July 10, 2012, Stamos began performances on Broadway in Gore Vidal's The Best Man as Senator Joseph Cantwell.[23] Stamos reprised his role as Jesse Katsopolis for a "Jesse and the Rippers" reunion on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on July 19, 2013. Played straight by host Fallon (who introduced the band as being from San Francisco and having a number one song in Japan), Stamos performed a medley of songs featured on Full House including Forever and the series' theme song Everywhere You Look. Bob Saget and Lori Loughlin also made cameos.[24]

In 2014, Stamos directed the music video "Let Yourself be Loved" for Nashville-based band Diamond Carter, featuring the band's front man Tyler Tuohy alongside actress Nicky Whelan. Stamos was also noted as a cowriter for the song, along with Michael Gigante, and the video was released on Yahoo Music on May 21, 2014.[25]

The Beach Boys

Stamos playing with The Beach Boys at Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, January 2014

Stamos has occasionally performed in concert with The Beach Boys, dating back to 1985, typically playing drums and various other percussion instruments. In 1988, he appeared in their video for "Kokomo", in which he played both the conga drums and the steel drums. In 1990, he played drums for them on the title track of the comedy Problem Child.

In 1992, he sang lead vocals on a new version of "Forever" for their album Summer in Paradise. The song was originally written and sung by Beach Boy Dennis Wilson and released in 1970. The song was also featured twice on Full House. The first was a recording sung at his character's wedding, while the second was a recording sung for his character's twin sons. The 1992 music video, titled "Forever by Jesse and the Rippers", featured Stamos predominantly. Three of The Beach Boys members are however briefly shown singing harmonies with Stamos: Carl Wilson, Bruce Johnston, and Mike Love.

Since the 1990s, Stamos has regularly performed with The Beach Boys, such as during their summer tours, playing drums and guitar, and singing along on some of their hit songs, like "Forever", including:

Personal life

In 1994, he met Rebecca Romijn at a Victoria's Secret fashion show, where she was modeling. Two months later, the pair began dating.[30] On September 19, 1998, the couple married. They separated in April 2004, and divorced on March 1, 2005.

In 2000, he purchased an entrance sign of Disneyland on eBay for $30,700.[31]

Charity

Stamos has been involved with numerous charities over the years, many of which help children and families in need. He has supported Hillsides,[32] Believe in Dreams, the Kindred Foundation for Adoption, and mothers2mothers,[33] all of which give aid to families in difficult situations. He has also supported GLAAD,[34] the New York Restoration Project,[35] and the Vanguard Cancer Foundation,[36] and has provided entertainment in support of the Special Olympics. Stamos is also the national spokesperson for Project Cuddle.[37][38]

Filmography

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1982–84 General Hospital Blackie Parish Soap opera
1984 Dreams Gino Minnelli 12 episodes
1985 Alice in Wonderland Messenger Movie
1986–87 You Again? Matt Willows Main role
1987–95 Full House Jesse Katsopolis Lead role
1989 New Mickey Mouse Club, TheThe New Mickey Mouse Club Jesse Episode: "Guest Day"
1990 Daughter of the Streets Joey Movie
1991 Captive Robert Knott Movie
1992 Hangin' with Mr. Cooper Jesse Katsopolis (uncredited) Episode: "Hangin' with Michelle"
1993 Disappearance of Christina, TheThe Disappearance of Christina Joe Seldon Movie
1993 Tales from the Crypt Johnny Canaparo Episode: "Till Death Do We Part"
1994 Fatal Vows: The Alexandra O'Hara Story Nick Pagan Movie
1995/97 Larry Sanders Show, TheThe Larry Sanders Show Himself 2 episodes
1997 Tracey Takes On... Rob Trasca Episode: "Movies"
1997 Match Made in Heaven, AA Match Made in Heaven Tom Rosner Movie
1998 Marriage Fool, TheThe Marriage Fool Robert Walsh Movie
1999 Sealed with a Kiss Bennett Blake Movie
2000 Beach Boys: An American Family, TheThe Beach Boys: An American Family Drummer (uncredited) Movie
2000 How to Marry a Billionaire: A Christmas Tale Tom Nathan Movie
2001 Thieves Johnny Lead rule (10 episodes)
2003 Clone High Himself (voice) Episode: "Changes: The Big Prom: The Sex Romp: The Season Finale"
2003 Friends Zak Episode: The One with the Donor
2003 Reagans, TheThe Reagans John Sears Movie
2005–06 Jake in Progress Jake Phillips Lead role (21 episodes)
2005–09 ER Dr. Tony Gates Main role
2006 Wedding Wars Shel Grandy Movie
2008 Comedy Central Roast Of Bob Saget Himself/roastmaster Special
2008 Raisin in the Sun, AA Raisin in the Sun Carl Lindner Movie
2008 Two Mr. Kissels, TheThe Two Mr. Kissels Andrew Kissel Movie
2010/11 Glee Dr. Carl Howell 4 episodes
2011 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Ken Turner Episode: "Bang"
2011
2015		 Two and a Half Men Himself
Prospective House Buyer		 "Nice to Meet You, Walden Schmidt"
"Of Course He's Dead"
2012 Secrets of Eden Pastor Drew Movie
2013 The New Normal Brice 5 episodes
2013 Necessary Roughness Connor McClane Recurring (10 episodes in season 3)[39]
2013 Losing It with John Stamos Himself 10 episodes
2015 Members Only Randy Movie
2015 Galavant Sir Jean Hamm Episode: "Joust Friends"
2016 Fuller House Jesse Katsopolis

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1986 Never Too Young to Die Lance Stargrove
1991 Born To Ride Cpl. Grady Westfall
2000 Dropping Out Ronny
2001 My Best Friend's Wife Steve Richards
2002 Femme Fatale Cheesy Agent (uncredited)
2003 Party Monster Talk Show Host
2004 I Am Stamos Himself Short film
2004 Knots Cal Scoppa
2006 Farce of the Penguins What's global warming Penguin Voice role
2010 Father of Invention Steven Leslie
2014 My Man Is a Loser Mike
2014 They Came Together Assistant Engineer Cameo

Awards and nominations

Year Association Category Nominated work Result
1982 Soapy Awards Most Exciting New Actor General Hospital Won
1983 Daytime Emmy Awards Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series General Hospital Nominated
1983 Young Artist Awards Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series General Hospital Nominated
1984 Young Artist Awards Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (tie) General Hospital Won
1985 Young Artist Awards Best Young Actor in a Television Comedy Series Dreams Nominated
2007 TV Land Awards Favorite Elvis Impersonation Full House Won

References

  1. ↑ "She Finds Homes for Abandoned Babies - 564 and Counting". People. Retrieved August 6, 2012.
  2. ↑ "John Stamos Bio ~ Information ~ Facts". pop-culture.net. Archived from the original on March 11, 2011. Retrieved December 24, 2013.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "John Stamos — EthniCelebs - Celebrity Ethnicity |What Nationality Background Ancestry Race". ethnicelebs.com. Retrieved December 24, 2013.
  4. ↑ "John Stamos Biography (1963–)". Filmreference.com. Retrieved February 25, 2011.
  5. ↑ http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/full-house-reunion-on-netflix-a-done-deal-says-john-stamos-1201476347/
  6. ↑ "ABC Cans 'Thieves'". Zap2it. November 27, 2001. Archived from the original on November 28, 2001. Retrieved October 31, 2013.
  7. ↑ Sullivan, Brian Ford (January 24, 2006). "Cancellation Trifecta: NBC's 'Daniel,' ABC's 'Jake' and TNT's 'Wanted'". The Futon Critic. Retrieved October 31, 2013.
  8. ↑ Mackie, Drew. "John Stamos Plays Gay On 'Wedding Wars'", After Elton, December 11, 2006. Retrieved June 10, 2008.
  9. ↑ "Meet the Roast Master | The Comedy Central Roast of Bob Saget". Comedy Central. Retrieved February 25, 2011.
  10. ↑ Ausiello, Michael (February 21, 2011). "'Glee' exclusive: John Stamos sinks his teeth into plum part". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved February 25, 2011.
  11. ↑ John Stamos. "It's Official! John Stamos Will Come to Glee Next Season". Eonline.com. Archived from the original on January 5, 2012. Retrieved February 25, 2011.
  12. ↑ "Exclusive: John Stamos to Guest-Star on Law & Order: SVU". TVGuide.com. Retrieved March 9, 2011.
  13. ↑ http://www.collegehumor.com/video/6582695/john-stamos-guide-to-cuddling
  14. ↑ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y59VUQxX3Dk
  15. ↑ "Glee's John Stamos to star in Fox's Little Brother". Unreality TV. February 6, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2012.
  16. ↑ Kondology, Amanda (March 13, 2013). "John Stamos Joins USA Network's Provocative Drama 'Necessary Roughness' as a Guest Star in Multi-Episode Arc". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 15, 2013.
  17. ↑ "John Stamos to star in ABC drama 'Members Only,' Netflix reportedly interested in 'Full House' reboot". Daily News. October 20, 2014.
  18. ↑ http://www.starpulse.com/Actors/Stamos,_John/Biography/
  19. ↑ Stamos Set to Bye Bye Birdie Broadway World, March 31, 2009
  20. ↑ Broadway World, January 22, 2010
  21. ↑ "BIRDIE's John Stamos to be Honored with Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame, 11/16". Broadwayworld.com. Retrieved February 25, 2011.
  22. ↑ Wada, Karen (May 24, 2011). "Original Broadway stars plus John Stamos set for Bowl's 'Hairspray'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 3 July 2012.
  23. ↑ Kennedy, Mark (June 12, 2012). "'The Best Man' Cast: Cybill Shepherd, John Stamos, Kristin Davis Step Into Gore Vidal Play". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 3 July 2012.
  24. ↑ Monde, Chiderah. "'John Stamos, ‘Full House’ band Jesse & The Rippers reunite on ‘Late Night with Jimmy Fallon'". Daily News (New York).
  25. ↑ https://music.yahoo.com/blogs/music-news/john-stamos--actor--musician--songwriter--hear-his-new-composition---let-yourself-be-loved--150642174.html
  26. ↑ Bob Greene, CNN Contributor (May 2, 2010). "Beach Boys' good vibrations = summer". CNN. Retrieved February 25, 2011.
  27. ↑ Actor John Stamos To Perform With The Beach Boys
  28. ↑ Theo Spielberg (January 13, 2012). "John Stamos to Perform With the Beach Boys During 50th Anniversary Tour". spinner.com. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  29. ↑ John Stamos added to The Beach Boys postgame concert on May 26 at GABP
  30. ↑ Silverman, Stephen M. Divorce for John, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, People, August 23, 2004. Retrieved June 10, 2008.
  31. ↑ http://collectibles.about.com/cs/disneyana/a/blprdisnsign703.htm
  32. ↑ https://www.looktothestars.org/news/10262-stars-donate-to-hillsides-foster-soles-auction
  33. ↑ https://www.looktothestars.org/news/7336-john-stamos-drums-for-america-at-charity-event
  34. ↑ https://www.looktothestars.org/news/8084-stars-come-out-for-glaad-media-awards
  35. ↑ https://www.looktothestars.org/news/4437-bette-midler-asks-celebrity-friends-to-donate-to-charity-auction
  36. ↑ https://www.looktothestars.org/news/7053-john-stamos-attends-cancer-charity-event
  37. ↑ http://build.projectcuddle.org/events/dinner-by-the-bay/
  38. ↑ https://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/john-stamos
  39. ↑ Kondology, Amanda (March 13, 2013). "John Stamos Joins USA Network's Provacative Drama 'Necessary Roughness' as a Guest Star in Multi-Episode Arc". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 15, 2013.

External links