The Truth About Jodie Sweetin's Relationship With John Stamos

Jodie Sweetin didn't have the most typical childhood. From the age of five, she appeared as the middle Tanner sister, Stephanie, as part of the cast of the hit television show "Full House." By the time the sitcom ended, Sweetin had just turned 13 — essentially growing up in the limelight with her co-stars Candace Cameron Bure, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and Andrea Barber. As an only child, "Full House" gave Sweetin the opportunity to experience life with siblings. "Coming to set every day and having Candace, and then Ashely and Mary-Kate, and then Andrea, and all those people ... I felt like I had all of these soul sisters and a bigger family," the actress told Romper in 2018.

Not only did she feel like she had a family on set with her on-screen sisters and friends, but Sweetin had the wisdom of Bob Saget, Dave Coulier, and John Stamos to guide her, too. Even when they weren't acting as Sweetin's father and uncles, the three actors took the young "Full House" cast members under their wing, and that bond has remained ever since. This is especially true of Sweetin's relationship with Stamos, who she grew even closer to after helping him get sober following a personal incident that deeply affected the actor (via Daily Mail).

When "Full House" came to an end in 1995, Jodie Sweetin began a cycle of excessively using alcohol and drugs. During her teens and into her early 20s, Sweetin experimented with a variety of drugs, though she said that she eventually became addicted to methamphetamine (via The Sun). "Everything revolved around my addiction," Sweetin recalled during an interview with People (via E! News). "On a typical day I'd wake up and feel terrible because I hadn't done any. You don't even realize that it's taken over so quickly," the actress recalled.

By 2008, the former child star had achieved sobriety after going to rehab (per the International Association of Professional Recovery Coaches). She later went on to become a certified alcohol and drug counselor. Ultimately, it was this journey that led Sweetin to receive the Writers in Treatment's Experiences, Strength, and Hope Award from her friend and co-star, John Stamos, in 2019. According to Writers in Treatment, "The award recognizes individuals in the entertainment industry who share their honest journey from addiction to recovery." 

During Stamos' speech, he detailed how Sweetin helped him on his own journey toward sobriety. He revealed, "I hit rock bottom. Jodie lovingly allowed me to walk my own path and when I finally humbled myself to ask for your help, I realized that the perky little blabbermouth had become the master of wisdom and was right by my side during some of the most difficult days of my life," (per Variety).

John Stamos continued to share his admiration of Jodie Sweetin on Instagram following the Writers in Treatment Awards ceremony. In the post, Stamos wrote about his astonishment at how "this little blonde scene-stealer in a side pony-tale [sic] would grow up and change so many lives." Stamos added: "Her sobriety is inspirational to say the least [...] you give so many people HOPE."

Speaking of that "little blonde scene-stealer," Sweetin shared an adorable anecdote about her relationship with Stamos a few years later — including whether she had a crush on him. During an interview with Allison Kugel for her podcast, "Allison Interviews," Sweetin said, "I've known John since I was 5. I've seen him roll into work in old T-shirts and sweatpants with holes in them, not looking all that cute," (via ET Canada). The actress went on to say, "He was always just John to me. I know him too well to think he's hot. He's a big dork and I love him."

Sweetin added that, because she knows John a little too well, she would never have developed a crush on him. "You get to know people so well that you're like, 'Oh my God! No, no, no,' when it comes to that stuff. I know he's good-looking, but I've seen some things, and that would be like having a weird crush on your uncle," she concluded.

Nothing is more important than having the approval of your friends and family when it comes to your new love interest — given that Jodie Sweetin and John Stamos are the definition of family-friends, it's no wonder her approval meant a great deal to him. Back in 2016, Stamos' path crossed with actress and model Caitlin McHugh, per Entertainment Tonight, and sparks flew between them. But what did Sweetin think of Stamos' new leading lady? In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, she sweetly gushed about Uncle Jesse's love, telling the outlet that she — along with the "Full House" gang — were inviting her into the fold with open arms.

"I actually met her a couple days ago. She is delightful," Sweetin said of McHugh. "She's really sweet and we are welcoming her into the family. They're adorable, and we really like her."

So was Sweetin's praise a sign of good times? Clearly, because Stamos and McHugh tied the knot two years later in a beautiful California ceremony. Pregnant with their first child, McHugh looked radiant and Stamos beamed on the big day, as noted by Us Weekly. After getting legally married at the Little Brown Church located in Studio City, the newlyweds celebrated with their friends and families at Stamos' home.

When we were five years old, we were most likely running around a playground covered in mud and contributing to the plethora of bruises that littered our shins. But Jodie Sweetin was in a whole other world, bringing little Stephanie Tanner to life in "Full House." Yes, she was just five at the time the show got rolling, so to say that she grew up on-set is an understatement. And while most of us swoon as photos of young John Stamos — who brought the ever-beloved Uncle Jesse to the screen — Sweetin remembers a far different actor who used to show up to set looking rather disheveled.

"I've known John since I was five and I've seen him roll into work in old t-shirts and sweatpants with holes in them, not looking all that cute," Sweetin told Allison Kugel during an interview on her YouTube channel. "He's a big dork and I love him ... that's the funny thing [when] you get to know people so well."

As for those early days of "Full House," Sweetin and Stamos shared a unique bond — they were the only two stars of the show that didn't audition for their parts. Creator Jeff Franklin told Variety that Sweetin's performance in "Valerie" scored her the role of Stephanie without a second thought, and Stamos was the only person he had in mind for Jesse.

Shortly after John Stamos and Caitlin McHugh tied the knot, the couple welcomed their son, Billy. In a cover interview with People, Stamos shared that he initially didn't think he was "deserving" of such happiness and a family. After getting sober, he soon realized that he wanted to step up to the plate. Cue Billy, the couple's "mischievous" 3-year-old son, who clearly keeps them on their toes.

While Stamos is 58 to Jodie Sweetin's 40, the actress welcomed kids earlier in life — which was good news for Stamos, as he turned to his on-screen niece for advice. During an appearance on Sweetin's podcast, "Never Thought I'd Say This," Stamos and McHugh clearly needed a helping hand with their rambunctious kiddo, and asked Sweetin point blank: How do we do this?

"Can we ask you one quick question ... about parenting, how do you keep them alive?" Stamos said to Sweetin's amusement. "[Billy is] trying to kill himself and kill us," he continued. McHugh added, "[We're on] murder-suicide watch." Sweetin told them that parenthood is a combo of "luck," "magic" and "oh s*** moments," to which every parent can attest to.