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John Stamos is reflecting on the breakdown of his marriage to Rebecca Romijn in his new book, If You Would Have Told Me, decades after their whirlwind romance.
Stamos, who is now 60, started dating Romijn, who is now 50, in 1994. They became engaged on Christmas Eve three years later and got married in September 1998. However, there were underlying issues in their relationship.
In his memoir, now available, Stamos expresses how he felt he was losing himself while trying to lift up Rebecca. He mentions the presence of "toxic friends" in Romijn's social circle who had a significant influence. They made it apparent that he was the "TV guy" while she was the rising star. Gradually, he started believing this perception deep inside.
Stamos reflects on the ups and downs of his marriage, but there was never any discussion or desire for children and starting a family. This was always their shared plan and dream, but now it seems like Romijn no longer shares that dream with him.
Romijn was too preoccupied with her career and new friends to notice that Stamos was drifting apart from her. Even Stamos himself almost didn't realize it. They were trying new things and evolving individually, but not together. It became increasingly challenging to find time for each other, to slow down, disconnect from the chaotic world, and reconnect through meaningful eye contact.
Stamos recalls attempting to reassure himself that their problems were just a temporary "phase" and that they would eventually "recover," but regrettably, they never managed to regain their stability. Stamos alludes to the presence of "something malevolent and manipulative" infiltrating their previously "enjoyable" connection.
Rebecca Romijn and John Stamos. Chris Farina/Corbis via Getty Images.
Her smiles towards me have become less frequent, avoiding eye contact during dinner and answering phone calls in another room. The feeling of betrayal emerges slowly, starting as a sinking sensation in my stomach, transforming into a cloud of suspicion that consumes my every thought. Eventually, the truth is revealed, and initially, it is uniquely horrible yet somehow anticipated, as if I had been waiting for something dreadful to occur. There is nothing left to be said. We have reached a point of no return, where what seemed like a temporary phase has now evolved into her completely phasing me out for good."
The couple discreetly ended their relationship in March 2003, publicly revealing their separation a year later. Stamos officially filed for divorce in August 2004, and the legal proceedings were finalized in March 2005. (A representative for the couple previously denied that infidelity played a role in their breakup.)
In his book, Stamos reflects on his conflicting emotions about ending the relationship, despite acknowledging that it was ultimately the right decision. He describes how, in his darkest moments, he is plagued by thoughts of "what-ifs" and regrets that he couldn't fulfill the promises he made as a loving partner and husband. He realizes that the forever he once envisaged, like in the Beach Boys song, may not endure beyond a single night.
Stamos and Romijn have both found new love in their lives. Stamos married Caitlin McHugh in 2018 and they welcomed their son Billy the same year. Romijn, on the other hand, married Jerry O'Connell in 2007 and they welcomed twins Dolly and Charlie in 2008.
Although they have achieved success in their respective careers, Romijn and Stamos did not come across each other after their divorce. However, they recently had an unexpected encounter last year, which Romijn shared with O'Connell during an episode of The Talk.
"I recently caught sight of him, several weeks ago, for the first time since our separation," she shared in May 2022. "I had the girls with me in the car, stuck in after-school traffic at a strip mall, when suddenly, there he was: striding past the car, wearing a cap pulled down low and sporting sunglasses."
When O'Connell inquired why she didn't greet him, Romijn admitted that she wasn't satisfied with her hairstyle at the time. "I can assure you, I wouldn't have wanted you present either," she jokingly remarked to her spouse. "That would have been his worst nightmare."
O'Connell expressed his willingness to meet Stamos, stating that he would be completely fine with it. During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen in October 2021, he playfully mentioned that he is actively keeping an eye out for the opportunity. He further added that if they were to cross paths, it would be a cordial encounter. However, he acknowledged that the chances of this happening are slim, as he generally frequents discount supermarkets in his area, whereas Stamos is likely to shop at more upscale ones. You can now get your hands on If You Would Have Told Me: A Memoir.