John Stamos recently opened up about the impact of his first marriage, reflecting on his separation from actress Rebecca Romijn during an appearance on Bobbi Althoff’s podcast, The Really Good Podcast. The actor, well-known for his role in the hit series Full House, candidly expressed that the divorce “broke his heart” and provided insight into his emotional journey following the end of their relationship.
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The couple, who married in 1998, confirmed their separation in 2004, with their divorce finalised a year later. Stamos admitted during the podcast that he “didn’t want to get divorced,” highlighting that the decision was ultimately made by Romijn. “She wanted to,” he remarked. Stamos acknowledged the difficulty of moving on after the split, stating, “It took me a long time to get over it.” However, he also expressed positivity, noting that Romijn has since found happiness in her marriage to Jerry O’Connell and is raising two daughters with him.
In a twist of fate, Stamos recently encountered O’Connell at a party, a meeting he described as “very interesting.” In his conversation with Althoff, Stamos praised O’Connell, calling him “very sweet” and “super nice.” The actor fondly recalled their interaction, stating, “He was very, very funny and very charming.” This was not the first time Stamos had met O’Connell, as he noted a prior encounter approximately 20 to 30 years ago, but it was the first since the end of his marriage to Romijn.
Stamos also reflected on the challenging period following his divorce, revealing how it profoundly affected him. In an earlier interview with PEOPLE, he described the experience as “shattering,” and admitted that writing about it in his memoir, If You Would Have Told Me, was quite difficult. He shared that the healing process was fraught with challenges, stating, “That’s when I really started to kind of drink a lot.” However, he added a silver lining, suggesting that the hardships he faced ultimately led him to discover what true love is, paving the way for his relationship with his current wife, Caitlin McHugh.
Caitlin and John Stamos married in 2018, and they share a son, Billy, born the same year. The family has since celebrated milestones together, including Billy’s eighth birthday just a few months ago at an exciting Monster Jam event in Los Angeles. Stamos often shares amusing anecdotes about how his son’s classmates react to his father’s fame, particularly his role as Uncle Jesse in Full House. In a lighthearted moment, Stamos recounted how Billy impressed a classmate by declaring, “My dad’s on that show,” showcasing how he navigates his father’s celebrity status to connect with his peers.
Despite the good memories, Stamos’s previous marriage remains a topic of discussion, especially following the release of his memoir. Romijn, during a January interview with Entertainment Tonight, voiced her surprise and feelings of being “blindsided” by the portrayal of her in the book. Her reaction underscores the complexities and lingering emotions that can arise from past relationships, even years later.
Stamos, now 62, seems to have moved forward with a sense of acceptance regarding his past. Although the memories of his first marriage linger, he appears to have found satisfaction in his current life, resonating with the notion that personal growth often comes through hardship. As he balances his career and family life, the actor continues to forge a path defined by resilience and newfound joy.
Moving forward, Stamos remains focused on his family and the joys of parenthood, while reflecting on lessons learned throughout his journey. His candid discussions about his past show a man who is not afraid to confront his emotions and share them with others, a sentiment echoed in his heartfelt interactions with both fans and fellow celebs alike. As he embraces this new chapter in his life, his story serves as a reminder of personal growth and the enduring complexity of love and relationships.