John Phillip Stamos (born on August 19, 1963) is an Emmy-nominated American actor. He is probably best known for his role as the character of Jesse Katsopolis, a rocker and motorcycle afficionado, on the TV show Full House, which ran from 1987-1995. Stamos was born in Cypress, California, to William John Stamos (a restaurant owner of Greek descent) and Loretta Phillips (an Irish immigrant); his paternal grandfather, Hermes Stamatopoulos, shortened the surname to "Stamos" upon emigrating from Greece to the USA. John has two sisters, Janeen and Alaina (both of whom are school teachers). He was raised in the Disciples of Christ church, which he still attends. Stamos began his acting career with a role on the television show General Hospital as Blackie Parrish. Then General Hospital casting director Gary Price noted that Stamos did not read for any particular parts. Later he joined Full House as Adam Cochran, but he then changed the first name to Jesse before taping the premiere. During the second season he then changed his character's last name to Katsopolis to highlight his Greek heritage, which Stamos is very proud of. Stamos also played the role of Jesse's cousin Stavros in episode 18 of season 7. After the eighth season of Full House, ABC decided to drop the show from their lineup. The ninth season was to be shown on the WB Network. Because of this, Stamos announced his departure from the show. Because his influence on the show was critical, the eighth season on ABC ended up being the last one. He has subsequently appeared in numerous made-for-television films, stage productions and commercials (including advertisements for the long-distance phone call carrier 10-10-987 in 2004). Stamos also has an active music career, having occasionally toured as a drummer with The Beach Boys, and having appeared on Broadway as the Master of Ceremonies in Cabaret. In 2003, he lampooned himself in the award winning short film, I AM STAMOS, which played in more than 50 film festivals around the world. He recently starred in the television series, Jake in Progress, which debuted in 2005 and ran one season, then was canceled early into its second season. In 2006, it was announced he'd be joining the cast of ER. The producers originally wanted him earlier, but it was postponed when ABC renewed Jake in Progress. He was also a guest star on Friends. John will also be playing in the new tv movie Wedding Wars or Wedding March. John plays the best wedding planner in the state of Maine, Shel, who happens to be gay. Also John Stamos has been contacted about starring in a new action film that he could possibly be playing a Martial Art Movie star who will defend the earthrealm once more. Many have hinted that this movie is Mortal Kombat. Is in talks with hair care company Tresemmé to star in a series of commercials. Stamos married supermodel/actress Rebecca Romijn on September 19, 1998. The couple officially divorced in March 2005. Stamos has also dated numerous celebrities, including former Full House costar and TV wife Lori Loughlin (who also starred in Summerland), Chelsea Noble, Demi Moore, Denise Richards,and current American Idol judge and former pop star Paula Abdul. Stamos is a huge fan of Disneyland and holds a lifetime pass to the park. He once paid $30,000 for an entrance sign to the park. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.