John Stamos Tells Maria Menounos He’s Proud of Her: “You’re a Good Greek American” and Shares How They Almost Dated Thanks to Nia Vardalos

My Big Fat Greek Date Gone Wrong

John Stamos was a guest on a recent episode of "Live with Kelly and Mark" that Maria Menonous was co-hosting in-lieu of Kelly Rippa.

During his appearance, the actor confessed to host Mark Consuelos for the first time ever about his close "dating" encounter with fellow Greek and longtime friend Maria Menounos.

“This was many, many years ago,” said Stamos, explaining it was before he knew Menounos. “[Nia] says, ‘You got to meet my friend Maria…. She’s beautiful, she’s smart, she’s Greek. And I’m going to set you up with her.’"

Stamos enthusiastically, gave Vardalos the green light. However, when Menounos showed up to a group dinner Vardalos had organised, the Full House actor quickly realised it wasn’t going to work out. 

"This was many, many years ago,” said Stamos, explaining it was before he knew Menounos. “[Nia] says, ‘You got to meet my friend Maria…. She’s beautiful, she’s smart, she’s Greek. And I’m going to set you up with her.’"

“We all go to dinner — me, Nia, our friend Neil. We get there early. And Maria walks in… with her boyfriend Keven," Stamos recalled. "She says, ‘Hi everybody, this is my boyfriend!’“

Stamos made mention it was the first time ever he was sharing this story, confessing to Menounos and Consuelos on the popular morning talk show.

Menounos's reaction was evident it was news to her. She went on to say, "My dad is here and he did want me to marry a Greek and I think you're the ultimate Greek."

Menounos is married to Keven Undergaro, they welcomed their first baby Athena in 2023. Their relationship spans over two decades, marrying on live TV in 2017 just before midnight during Fox's New Year's Eve broadcast at Times Square, New York.

Undergaro showing up at Vardalos's planned set-up caught Stamos off guard. “We were like, ‘What? This is a fix up!’ he said. “We kicked each other under the table so hard.” 

Menounos was clearly shocked hearing the story. “I never knew this,” she said. “I know we went to dinner but Nia didn’t tell me anything.” 

"I’m very proud of you. The way you conduct yourself is amazing. You’re a good Greek American. You’re a good mother. You’re great on the show. I mean it, and I am proud of you."

John Stamos expressed his pride for Maria Menounos during his appearance on "Live with Kelly and Mark." He took a moment to acknowledge her achievements, saying how proud he is of everything she's accomplished.

“I’ve known you now for what, almost 15 years now? And I want say, I’m very proud of you,” he told her. “The way you conduct yourself is amazing. You’re a good Greek American. You’re a good mother. You’re great on the show. I mean it, and I am proud of you.” 

“Oh my God, that means so much to me. Thank you,” she said afterwards. “That made me cry.” 

John Stamos is married to model and actress Caitlin McHugh, they have a son together, Billy.

Read: American Real Estate Mogul and Netflix’s Owning Manhattan Ryan Serhant in Greece