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).

During an interview with Howard Stern in 2016 (via People), John Stamos opened up about his experience with excessive alcohol use — particularly after the death of his mother in 2014. "I could stop [drinking] on a dime. I could stop," he explained. "In the times that I went back, it just sort of deteriorated my life, and who I was, and my morals and my values. I lost myself, I lost my sense of discipline." This all came to a head in 2015, though, when Stamos was arrested on a DUI charge (via NBC News). He was sentenced to three years of probation, and the Los Angeles County Superior Court ordered Stamos to undertake a series of alcohol recovery programs, including counseling.

As the "Full House" actor completed these programs, his co-star, Jodie Sweetin, was there to support him every step of the way. In 2019, Stamos shared what his on-screen niece did for him while presenting Sweetin the Writers in Treatment's Experiences, Strength and Hope Award following the release of her memoir, per Variety. Sweetin also received the award due to her work as an advocate following her experiences with drug use.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

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).

As John Stamos presented the Writers in Treatment's Experiences, Strength, and Hope Award to Jodie Sweetin, he spoke about how she saved him from himself and emotionally discussed how instrumental she was to his overall well-being. Stamos stated during his speech, "Thank god, my wife and my new son will only know me as a sober husband and father, (via Variety). He added, "This is Jodie's legacy in my life." According to Variety, Sweetin was the one who "organized 12-step meetings" for her on-screen uncle while they were filming "Fuller House."

Sweetin's support helped Stamos achieve sobriety, for which he continues to credit her. In response to his praise, Sweetin shared how proud she was of what Stamos had overcome in his journey to sobriety. "It's been the greatest thing to watch someone that you love have the light come back on again," the actress said. Sweetin then went on to thank her parents for the role they similarly played in her life when it came to achieving her own sobriety. "To say that I am grateful to them is a word and a feeling far too small for what they gave me and the patience and the understanding and the unconditional love that it took to get me on this journey," she said (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.

So, when rumors started to circulate that John Stamos and Jodie Sweetin had allegedly slept together in the past (via Us Weekly), Sweetin's response was unsurprising. In 2018, Sweetin had posted an adorable throwback of the pair to Instagram with a nostalgic comment to go with it. "My, my ... we've made quite the memories these last 30+ years! I can't believe you're about 10 years younger than I am currently in this photo," she wrote. "We were babies! (Well, I actually was ... haha)."

Among the good wishes, one user decided to respond by asking how Sweetin could "still say uncle to him when it's been reported that you slept with him." The actress, who usually doesn't respond to comments on social media, quickly reacted to the allegation. "Hahahah ... um ... what?!" she wrote. "Yeah ... that's def not true." Thankfully, that rumor died out quickly after Sweetin's candid response. Neither Sweetin nor Stamos have reacted any further to the speculation, which has since fizzled into oblivion.

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.

There's nothing more exciting than taking your skills to the next level, and in 2016, Jodie Sweetin took to the floor as a contestant on "Dancing With the Stars." Partnered with Keo Motsepe, Sweetin proved that she was no longer the little girl that we saw growing up on-screen, performing dances like the tango, paso doble, and foxtrot to the cameras. Of course, Sweetin's "Full House" family was right beside her as she was living life to the fullest on the dance floor, including everyone's favorite uncle, John Stamos.

As noted by Yahoo! Entertainment, members of the cast came to see Sweetin perform periodically, and Stamos even took to Twitter – and his 1.6 million followers — to urge people to vote for his on-screen niece.

"1-800-868-3405 is the toll free number to vote for #TeamMoSweet !!! #dwts #season22 @dancingabc," Stamos wrote, as noted by People. His sentiment was echoed by castmate Lori Loughlin, who tweeted, "#DWTS off to a good start! Can't wait for my girl @JodieSweetin to dance!! #TeamMoSweet."

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.

Sadly, nothing brings people together like tragedy, and to say that Bob Saget's sudden death was a devastating blow to the people who loved him is an understatement. As noted by Rolling Stone, Saget was found unresponsive on January 9, 2022, in his Orlando, Florida hotel room. It was later discovered that he had suffered "accidental blunt head trauma," but further details of his last moments are unknown to the public. In the immediate aftermath, the cast of "Full House" released a statement along with a photo of the gang together, John Stamos and Jodie Sweetin smiling side by side.

"Thirty-five years ago, we came together as a TV family, but we became a real family. And now we grieve as a family," the cast's statement read. "Bob made us laugh until we cried. Now our tears flow in sadness, but also with gratitude for all the beautiful memories of our sweet, kind, hilarious, cherished Bob."

Calling Saget a "brother" to the guys on-set, a "father" to the young actresses who played his daughters, and a "friend" to everyone, the cast urged followers to "hug the people you love."

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.

The college admissions scandal truly rocked the academic world — and the entertainment world, at that. Lori Loughlin, a "Full House" darling, was charged in addition to 50 other individuals for bribing her daughter's way into college. The news ripped through Hollywood and the "Full House" cast at that, with the bulk of them remaining silent in the immediate aftermath, per The Washington Post.

TMZ caught John Stamos and Jodie Sweetin shortly after Loughlin's news broke headlines — Stamos offered "no comment" and Sweetin looked visibly upset. But then in a more surprising move, some of the cast members of "Fuller House" took to the stage at the Kids' Choice Awards and danced around the topic, thanking fans for sticking with them through the good and bad times. "You have stuck with us for 30 years and we love you all," Sweetin said. "We promise the fifth and final season is going to be amazing," while alluding to Loughlin — not by name — earlier in the speech (via The Washington Post).

But as for Stamos, he was less willing to put a band-aid over the Loughlin-size bullet hole. "I'll tell you one thing that has been strange is: Honestly I can't figure it out. It doesn't make sense," the actor told GQ months later. "I talked to her the morning everything hit. I just can't process it still."