John Stamos explores his Greek heritage in emotional documentary

·

In a new documentary, Hollywood actor John Stamos embarks on a personal journey to uncover his Greek ancestry. “I look at faces, and I see my dad, I see my grandfather. It feels familiar,” he reflects while traveling through the streets of Athens.

Featured in the documentary series Who Do You Think You Are?, Stamos uncovers remarkable details about his family’s history, including a long-standing family conflict that deeply affected his grandfather’s early life. With the assistance of historian Katerina Lagos, Stamos traces his lineage back to the Arcadian village of Kakouri, where his grandfather, John (Ioannis) Stamos, was born in 1904. His grandfather, originally named Ioannis Stamatopoulos, emigrated to the United States from this village, altering his last name to Stamos upon arrival.

Determined to learn more, Stamos visits the registry office in Tripoli, where he discovers records showing that his grandfather was described as an orphan, having lost his father at an early age. His great-grandfather, Vassilios, was tragically killed in 1905 by a man named Ioannis Koliopoulos.

Stamos has previously written about his connection to Greece in his memoir, If You Would Have Told Me. He describes the profound experience of sharing Greek culture with his wife and son, noting that it has brought his family closer to their roots and strengthened their bond with relatives abroad. Through this journey, Stamos deepens his family’s connection to Greece and finds new meaning in his heritage.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Actor Adam Demos opens up on his exciting new role

Australian actor Adam Demos, takes on a new challenge in Rescue: HI-Surf, where he plays lifeguard Will Ready on O‘ahu’s North Shore.

Bauhaus-inspired revival for Athens’ Faliro Bay waterfront

The European Commission has approved €370 million in funding for the Faliro Bay Metropolitan Park in Athens.

Expansion work set to begin at Athens International Airport

Preliminary construction for the expansion of Athens International Airport is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2025.

Study ranks Greece among world’s scariest places to drive

According to a recent survey by Scrap Car Comparison, Greece ranks among the most nerve-wracking places to drive in the world.

Inspired by Greek tradition, driven by passion: The journey of By Stefanis

In the fashion industry, passion and determination are ‘must haves.’ If you don’t have them, you won’t succeed.

You May Also Like

Greek Australian recognised in Greece’s Forbes ’30 under 30′ list

Greece's Forbes magazine has released its '30 under 30' list and Greek Australian George Moulos has been recognised for his entrepreneurship.

Three generations of Greek women in Australia enjoy AHEPA NSW event

With music, a 'parade' of traditional clothes and community history, AHEPA NSW Inc. honoured International Women's Day 2024.

Nick Thyssen: The Greek who changed food production methods worldwide

Nick Thyssen (Nikolaos Theodosiadis) released in Australia and internationally, fresh orange juice and other citrus fruits products.