John Stamos has captured hearts since his early days on General Hospital, but the person who truly captured his heart is his wife, Caitlin McHugh. The Fuller House star married McHugh in February 2018, two months before they welcomed their son, Billy. Stamos, who has struggled with alcohol addiction in the past, credits his wife and son for keeping him on a new path and bringing him renewed joy in life.
Finding Love Later in Life
John Stamos and Caitlin McHugh’s love story is one of destiny and resilience. Stamos, 23 years older than McHugh, has learned a lot from his wife, including broadening his political views and doing more charitable work. Despite their age difference, the couple has found a balance in their relationship, continually learning from each other.
Stamos once shared with PEOPLE, “Being older with someone younger, you go, all right, you know everything, and they need to listen to me. But I’m always learning something from her.” Their household is filled with political conversations and charity events, instilling valuable lessons in their son, Billy.
A Serendipitous Meeting
McHugh made her acting debut in 2007’s I Am Legend and appeared in various TV shows, including Castle, The Vampire Diaries, and Switched at Birth. She also worked on an episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in 2011 opposite Stamos, where their paths first crossed. Although they didn’t start dating immediately, their connection was undeniable.
Stamos recalled their initial meeting, saying, “I played a guy who was so egotistical that he thought he should spread his progeny, so he had like 60 kids or something. And Caitlin, ironically, was one of the girls that I was trying to fool and have a baby with.”
A Romantic Proposal
Their relationship blossomed, and Stamos proposed to McHugh in Disneyland on October 23, 2017. During the elaborate proposal, they watched a compilation of romantic moments from Pixar and Disney movies, ending with a scene from The Little Mermaid encouraging Stamos to “just ask the girl.” McHugh quickly said yes.
Stamos recounted the magical moment, “She loves Disneyland and [at the park], I got on my knee and asked her. I pulled the ring out. I don’t know how she did it, but she went to hug me and slipped her finger right in it. When the park closed, we ran around the park in our Disney onesies.”
The proposal came after the couple discovered they were expecting a baby. “The [pregnancy] happened. Then I said, I better have a ring on her finger because it’s the right thing to do, and I wanted to marry her anyway,” Stamos told PEOPLE in December 2017.
Welcoming Their Son, Billy
Their son, Billy, was born on April 10, 2018. Stamos has always wanted to be a dad, and the joy of fatherhood has been a dream come true for him. McHugh shared that Stamos’ reaction to the pregnancy news was “priceless,” describing it as the look of a man who had longed for a family but wasn’t sure it would happen for him.
Stamos often speaks about the joy their son brings to their lives and the mischievous nature he is growing up to have. However, another child doesn’t seem to be in the cards for the couple, as they believe Billy would struggle with a sibling.
Overcoming Challenges Together
McHugh has greatly impacted Stamos’ life, helping him stay sober and straighten up since his 2015 DUI arrest, which motivated him to enter treatment. “I wasn’t deserving of it yet, I think. But six years ago, I sobered up and I became a better person,” Stamos told PEOPLE in August 2021. “And when Caitlin came around, I recognized it immediately. I said, ‘I have to be good for that to make it work.'”
The couple works hard to prioritize their marriage while juggling being parents to a young child. Communication and special date nights have been essential for them, especially during Billy’s toddler years. McHugh emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance, stating, “It’s nice to connect over something else — it’s not always about the kid. We’re still trying to find the balance!”
A Bright Future Ahead
John Stamos and Caitlin McHugh’s love story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and mutual respect. Their journey together has been filled with joy, challenges, and growth, but they continue to support and inspire each other every day. In an Instagram post celebrating McHugh’s birthday in May 2024, Stamos praised her “unwavering dedication to making the world a better place,” expressing his gratitude for their life together.
