John Stamos is opening up about the divorce that still haunts him. In his new memoir and recent interviews, the Full House star reveals why his 2005 split from Rebecca Romijn “broke my heart,” how long the recovery took, and what it felt like encountering her new husband, Jerry O’Connell.
Stamos Says the Divorce ‘Broke My Heart’
Stamos has been blunt about the emotional asymmetry of his split from Romijn. “It broke my heart… because I didn’t want to get divorced,” he said.
“She wanted to.”
The admission is a rare window into a breakup where one partner was ready to walk away and the other was not. For Stamos, the divorce was never a mutual decision — it was something that happened to him.
He Was ‘Shattered for Way Too Long’
Stamos admitted it “took me a long time to get over” the end of the marriage. He described being “shattered for way too long” after the split, suggesting the fallout stretched well beyond the legal proceedings.
The language points to a prolonged period of grief rather than a brief rough patch. Stamos has said the experience shook his sense of self and forced him to confront questions about commitment and identity that lingered for years.
What the Memoir Reveals
Stamos addresses the divorce directly in his new memoir, calling the breakup something that “shattered him.” Early reports indicate the book goes beyond surface-level reflection.
The memoir frames the split as a formative experience — painful, but one that ultimately shaped who Stamos became. It represents his most detailed public accounting of the marriage and its aftermath.
Running Into Romijn’s Husband
Stamos has also recounted encountering Romijn’s current husband, Jerry O’Connell. The run-in added another layer of complexity to an already raw chapter.
He hasn’t shared every detail of the encounter, but he’s acknowledged it as a turning point — a tangible reminder that Romijn had built a new life. For Stamos, the moment underscored the reality that both of them had moved on, even if that realization came with its own sting.
Background: The Marriage and Split
John Stamos and Rebecca Romijn married in 1998 and divorced in 2005, ending a seven-year union. Stamos rose to fame as Jesse Katsopolis on Full House, while Romijn built her career as a model and actress best known for the X-Men film series.
Romijn later married O’Connell, with whom she has two children. Stamos has since married McKenna Scott and welcomed a son in 2018.
Looking Ahead
Stamos appears to have reached a place of reflection rather than regret. By putting his story in a memoir and discussing it openly, he frames the divorce not as a failure but as a defining chapter — one that hurt deeply but ultimately contributed to who he is today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did John Stamos say his divorce from Rebecca Romijn ‘broke his heart’?
Stamos said the divorce “broke my heart” because he did not want the marriage to end. Romijn was the one who initiated the split, making the experience particularly painful for him.
How long did it take John Stamos to get over his divorce?
Stamos admitted it “took me a long time to get over” the breakup and described being “shattered for way too long” afterward, indicating the emotional recovery extended over a significant period.
What did John Stamos say about running into Rebecca Romijn’s husband Jerry O’Connell?
Stamos recounted the encounter as part of his broader emotional journey, acknowledging it as a moment that underscored the reality of Romijn’s new life after their marriage.
What details about the divorce does John Stamos share in his memoir?
In his memoir, Stamos reveals that the breakup “shattered him” and offers candid reflections on love, loss, and the process of moving forward after the end of his marriage.
When did John Stamos and Rebecca Romijn get married and divorced?
The couple married in 1998 and divorced in 2005, ending a seven-year marriage.
