Biografia

Plays the drums, and was the touring drummer for The Beach Boys at one time.

John's father was of Greek descent, with roots in the island of Santorini. His family's surname was originally "Stamotopoulos". John's maternal grandfather was of half Russian Jewish and half German (Lutheran) descent, and John's maternal grandmother was of English and Irish ancestry. John's character on the sitcom Jake in Progress (2005) was named Jake Phillips, which was also the name of John's maternal grandfather (whose own father was Russian Jewish immigrant Jacob Phillips).

Was the first to announce his departure from Gli amici di papà (1987) after the eighth season because of his disapproval of the shows planned move from ABC to the WB after the eighth season. Candace Cameron Bure (then yet Candace Cameron) also planned on the eighth season being her last so that she could go to college, so the rest of the cast and crew decided that, instead of having a ninth season, the eighth season on ABC would be the last one for Gli amici di papà (1987).

In real life, he is very close to Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen, who played his niece Michelle on Gli amici di papà (1987).

Loves Elvis Presley and has often referenced or paid homage to him on Gli amici di papà (1987), most especially in the episode Mad Money (1988).

Mary-Kate [Mary-Kate Olsen] and Ashley [Ashley Olsen], who played Michelle, were great. I miss them, I love them, and I need to borrow some money from them.

[on starring in Gli amici di papà (1987)] The whole time I was on it, I wished I was on another show, I'm not gonna lie to you. But I look back on it fondly, and I'm proud of it. Was it Seinfeld (1989), Friends (1994), Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970)? No. Was it a heartwarming show you could watch with your kids? Yes. And there's nothing wrong with that.

This is an old family secret, and I just found this out recently, and it almost broke my heart. My mother said to me, "I had never told you this, but God, you were an ugly baby".

I grew up with sisters, which was fun. Being outnumbered, they always got their way. However, they are great judges of character. If I bring home a new girlfriend, I can tell within minutes if they approve or not. It's saved me from many painful relationships, so I will always appreciate them for that.

I was so young when I started on Gli amici di papà (1987). I started on the show at age 25 and when the show ended, I was only 33. People that age these days look like kids. It's hard to believe "Uncle Jesse" was pretty much a kid on that show.