A Side of John Stamos Few Have Seen

John Stamos and Ken Hada Celebrity IOU. I’ve known John for nearly 50 years. Before television, fame, or any of the things people associate with his name, he was simply a kid who showed up—curious, kind, and fully present. That part of him never changed.

If you want to see a side of John Stamos that few have seen, watch our episode of Celebrity IOU on HGTV.

How We Met

I met John back when we were still kids. His parents lived one street over from a family friend. I was doing a magic show in our friend’s backyard—one of those small, innocent neighborhood moments you don’t realize will become a lifelong memory.

Word got around, and John showed up. Before I knew it, he was up on “stage” with me. I was surprised… and honestly impressed. He was good at magic. We exchanged phone numbers, and that simple moment turned into a friendship that’s lasted across decades.

John Stamos and Ken Hada Celebrity IOU

Marching Band, Ireland, and the Milestone Years

In high school, John and I were both drummers in the marching band. Our band toured Ireland, and John and I were roommates on that trip. It was a milestone experience for me—one of those rare chapters that permanently changes how you see the world.

We also did what friends do: went to amusement parks, watched stunt shows, and stayed connected through the everyday stuff that ends up mattering most.

Watching My Friend Become “John Stamos”

As John’s career took off, I watched him step into a life that most people only see from a distance. There were moments where I’d call him and he’d answer from a TV set, like:

John Stamos and Ken Hada Celebrity IOU

“Hey Ken, I’m about to shoot a scene—are you okay? Can I call you back?”

And suddenly my friend was a star.

John landed a role on General Hospital, and at one point he even helped me get a job as a photographer’s assistant. I have so many stories from those years that I really should write them down.

The Career Everyone Knows — and the Friend I’ve Always Known

John’s career is incredible. He never stopped working, and his name became part of American culture. It’s almost funny how often his name gets dropped in shows and movies—like he’s a reference point for an entire era.

And then there’s the music. John has always loved the Beach Boys, and because of him I’ve been one of those lucky people who’s gotten to see that legendary band perform live since the 1980s.

But through every version of his life—early days, Full House years, everything after—our friendship has always come back to shared interests: drums, creativity, technology, cameras, music, making things.

Why Celebrity IOU Meant So Much

John has always shared what he has with the people he loves. The opportunity to be part of Celebrity IOU—and to have my garage remodeled—was one of those gifts.

This episode isn’t just about a renovation. It’s about history, gratitude, and a friendship that started long before anyone outside our neighborhood knew his name.

If you’re a fan of John Stamos, Jonathan Scott, and Drew Scott, I think you’ll really enjoy this one.