In a recent episode of The Friars Club Podcast, John Stamos, known for his role in the hit series “Full House,” recounted a significant moment early in his career. This moment occurred when the actor met the legendary entertainer Dean Martin, an encounter that had a lasting impression on him.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/John-Stamos-Dean-Martin-060926-3cb21e247f924a5692181a393a28665c.jpg)
Stamos began his television journey on the long-running soap opera “General Hospital,” where he portrayed the character Blackie Parrish from 1982 to 1984. As he approached the end of his time on the show, the 62-year-old actor felt a strong desire to pursue a different path, particularly focusing on comedic roles in sitcoms, something he expressed to the series’ producer, Gloria Monty.
During the podcast interview, Stamos explained that Monty was reluctant to let him go. Her aim was to convince him to stay on “General Hospital.” “I wanted to be funny,” he stated. The desire to transition into comedy was clear, as he dreamed of being involved in projects like those produced by Garry Marshall. This ambition pushed Stamos to seek new opportunities and move away from the soap opera format.
While discussing his intentions with Monty at the iconic Hollywood restaurant Le Dome, an unexpected opportunity presented itself. Monty noticed Martin dining alone and saw a chance to seek his advice. Stamos recounted the moment, saying, “She said, ‘Oh, there’s Dean Martin there. Let me go introduce you.’”
Monty believed that the renowned singer and actor might sway Stamos into staying with “General Hospital.” She approached Martin, framing Stamos as a rising star who was eager to leave the show to pursue his comedic aspirations. “She said, ‘Mr. Martin, this is the star of my show, General Hospital. And he wants to leave the show. He wants to be funny. Now, will you tell him about loyalty and about sticking where you’re at?'” Stamos remembered.
Martin’s response, however, was far from what Monty expected. With a smile, he looked at Stamos and simply said, “Run.” This candid advice resonated with Stamos, reinforcing his instincts that moving on was indeed the right choice for him.
Soon after this pivotal encounter, Stamos successfully transitioned to comedy. In 1984, he joined the cast of the CBS sitcom “Dreams” and later took part in a musical adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland.” His knack for comedy eventually led him to further success, with a prominent role in the NBC series “You Again?” from 1986 to 1987.
Stamos’s big break arrived shortly thereafter when he was cast as Jesse Katsopolis in “Full House,” a role that would become iconic. He enjoyed an extensive tenure on the show from 1987 until its conclusion in 1995. Stamos reprised this beloved character in the spin-off “Fuller House,” which ran from 2016 to 2020.
The meeting with Dean Martin not only impacted Stamos’s career trajectory but also illustrated how moments of serendipity can influence life choices. His story reflects the importance of following one’s instincts and the courage required to venture into the unknown. Today, as Stamos continues to reflect on his illustrious career, he can look back at that brief conversation with Dean Martin as a turning point that paved the way for his success in the entertainment industry.
As Stamos continues to evolve in his craft, he remains a reminder of how pivotal choices can shape one’s career, especially in the fast-paced world of television. The actor’s willingness to embrace change has undoubtedly allowed him to thrive in various roles over the years, ensuring his place in the hearts of audiences everywhere.