Xronia Polla John Stamos, who turns 55 today

Greek American actor, musician, and heartthrob John Stamos was born on August 19, 1963, in California. His father Bill is from Kakouri a mountainous village in Tripoli, mainland Greece and his mother is American, former model Loretta Phillips.

Stamos became a household name as Uncle Jesse Katsopolis on ABC’s Full House and he also starred as Dr. Tony Gates on the medical drama ER from 2006 to 2009 and played Connor McClane in the third season of Necessary Roughness in 2013.

He earned his first TV role as Blackie Parish on General Hospital, despite the fact that he did not read for any particular part during his audition.

A multi-instrumentalist, he has performed with The Beach Boys in concert, playing both guitar and drums. He appears in the 1988 music video for the Beach Boys song “Kokomo,” playing conga drums and steel drums.

John is very passionate about his Greek heritage and last year paid a visit to his homeland and spent his name day in Greece, where he visited the Parthenon and other archaeological sites, as well as spending time with his family.

The actor also became a father this year and in Greek tradition named his son Billy, after his late Dad who he was very close with.

Xronia Polla John, Happy 55th Birthday!