Since the sequel to the 1987–1995 television series Full House hit our screens in 2016, the world’s love affair with John Stamos has been reignited. Not that it ever really went away. The actor has delighted audiences with roles in long-running medical drama ER and Fox sitcom Grandfathered in the interim, but his new role as Jesse Katsopolis in Fuller House has brought with it an added bonus: a resurgence of the special bond between Stamos and one of his co-stars.
The Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles was the scene of a very emotional revelation as Stamos presented co-star Jodie Sweetin with a “Writers in Treatment’s Experience, Strength and Hope Award.” Sweetin’s revealing 2009 autobiography Unsweetined along with her sterling advocacy work for people in recovery from addiction were honored by the community at large.
But Stamos had a personal message to add: Sweetin helped him achieve his own sobriety.
Sweetin has been sober for almost eight years, and four years ago, when Stamos found himself at his lowest point, he reached out to his friend for help. “I lost my sense of discipline,” the actor shared back in 2016, discussing life before recovery. “I was just dipping into that dark place.“ Skip forward to 2019 and the LA crowd listened intently as Stamos honored his dear friend for her life-saving love and support. ”It took me a long time,“ he opened up, ”a long time disappointing everyone who cared about me,” as reported by Variety. “I hit rock bottom.”
Stamos intimated that without Sweetin’s commitment and faith in his recovery, he might not have become the man he is today: healthy, happy, and proudly sober. “Jodie lovingly allowed me to walk my own path,” the actor continued. Affectionately referring to Sweetin as a “perky little blabbermouth,” but also a “master of wisdom,” Stamos shared that Sweetin had been “right by my side during some of the most difficult days of my life.”
Stamos’s recovery was aided by the 12-Step program. Sweetin, not only acting as a friend but also as a sponsor, ensured that her co-star attended. Even while filming, and even at home. Having, by his own admission, hit “rock bottom,” Stamos had no choice but to comply wholeheartedly. The only way was up.
“Thank God, my wife and my new son will only know me as a sober husband and father,” Stamos addressed the enraptured audience of the Skirball Cultural Center. Actions speak louder than words, and Stamos’s continued sobriety is the only proof that anybody really needs of his triumph over addiction and Sweetin’s invaluable role in helping him get there. Nonetheless, Stamos had a heartfelt statement to share: “This is Jodie’s legacy in my life.” The actor even posted an adorable throwback photo and a message of love to Sweetin on his Instagram page after the event.
The co-stars, whose relationship has deepened through thick and thin over many years on set together, now share an unbreakable bond. Sweetin, herself emotional, had words for Stamos after his speech. “John, I’m so proud of you,” she shared. “It’s been the greatest thing to watch someone that you love have the light come back on again.”
Sweetin, accepting her award, thanked her parents, saying that “grateful ... is a word and a feeling far too small for what they gave me.” She added, sincerely: “You guys never gave up and you never told me I was bad.”
Sweetin certainly paid it forward. The love that she received from her family during her own recovery became the love that restored Stamos to his former sobriety, and a bigger, brighter future with a beautiful new family.
