The Best John Stamos Roles Before Full House
John Stamos is best known as his role uncle Jesse in ABC’s very popular 80s and 90s sitcom, Full House. Stamos character on the show, the smooth and cool uncle Jesse, became a pop culture icon and millions of adolescent girls instantly fell in love every time he appeared on camera. After the death of his sister, Jesse moved in with his brother-in-law Danny to help raise his three young daughters. Jesse quickly developed a unique relationship with all three of the girls and he often became their ally as they attempted to navigate growing up. In addition to being a great uncle, and eventually a great father, Jesse was also characterized by his cool hair and love of music.
By the time Full House finished its eight year run in 1995, Stamos and the rest of the cast had become permanent fixtures in the homes of many viewers. Unfortunately for many members of the cast, Full House would be the last of their major acting roles and many would fall into obscurity. Stamos; however, was among the few lucky ones and after Full House he went on to star in several other on-screen roles. and has also performed on Broadway. His most notable role since Full House has probably been his portrayal of Dr. Tony Gates on the popular medical-drama series, ER. Stamos’ role as gates was a drastic change from his uncle Jesse days and he proved that there was much more to him than just good hair and a great smile.
Although Stamos’ career has lasted more than three decades, most of the emphasis is often placed on Full House and the following years. However, long before Stamos appeared in Full House, ER, or on Broadway, he was just a young actor trying to find his niche in the competitive entertainment industry. Despite the fact that most of us will always remember Stamos as uncle Jesse, here are John Stamos’ best roles before Full House.
5. Alice in Wonderland
In 1985’s two-part television special of the classic children’s story Alice in Wonderland, John Stamos had a small part as “The Messenger.” This version of the popular classic has since become a classic of its own and viewers who want to get a glimpse of pre uncle Jesse Stamos (and other now popular celebrities before they made it big) often enjoy watching the miniseries.
4. Never Too Young to Die
1986’s Never Too Young to Die was Stamos’ first and only film role before Full House began the following year. In the film, Lance Stargrove (Stamos) was a young secret-agent who set out to avenge he death of his father who had also been a secret-agent all while stopping the evil Velvet bon Ragner (Gene Simmons) from poising the water supply. Although the film features some now well-known names, the movie received negative reviews upon its release; however, many fans have attempted to revive the old film and more recent reviews have been a bit more favorable. One fan even described Never Too Young to Die as the perfect classic 80s film, labeling it “very fun and highly entertaining.” Surprisingly, the film was never re-released after John Stamos gained mainstream popularity.
3. Dreams
Before Full House and Jesse and the Rippers, there was guitarist Gino Minello and the rest of his band. From 1984 to 1985, Stamos portrayed Gino Minello on the short-lived CBS series, Dreams. Although it may seem a little ironic that many of Stamos’television roles have portrayed him as some sort of musician, it is probably no coincidence. Stamos, who plays the drums, keyboards, guitar, and bass, has often performed with the Beach Boys and has even released musical projects of his own including an independent album titled Shades of Blue in 1994.
2. You Again?
In 1986, Stamos returned to the CBS network to take a role in the sitcom, You Again? The show features John Stamos as a young man who is dealing with his parents divorce. Although his character was savvy and good-looking, he wasn’t always the easiest to get along with and he often butted heads with his father. However, even through all the disagreements, the two managed to maintain a strong and important relationship. Although Stamos was in his early 20s when he appeared on You Again? the role has often been credited with turning him into a teen idol.
1. General Hospital
General Hospital is the longest running American Soap Opera and has been a starting place for several of other famous stars. Stamos’ role on the show was the first professional job of his career, and from 1982 to 1984, Stamos became a part of the show’s legacy when he starred as Blackie Parrish . Like Stamos’ character in “Dreams” Blackie Parrish was also an aspiring musician who formed a band with some of his friends. Stamos’ character was a runaway “street kid,” Blackie Tutorial who eventually was arrested and charged with murder. However, during an episode in 2014, Parrish’s character was brought up, suggesting that after 30 years, he had finally been released from jail. During an interview with the TV Guide Channel earlier this year, Stamos discussed the possibility of him returning to General Hospital to reprise his role as Blackie for the shows 50th anniversary episode. However, Stamos then revealed that he declined the offer to return when one of the show’s writers told him that his old role on the show would be to play drums for singer Rick Springfield.
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