Jesse Katsopolis

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Beginning credits of the eighth season Full House, John Stamos as Jesse Katsopolis.

Hermes "Jesse" Katsopolis (born 1963) was a character on the sitcom Full House (1987-1995), portrayed by John Stamos. The son of Nick and Irene Katsopolis, he was teased so much in kindergarten that he changed his name to Jesse. An "Elvis-obsessed" rocker, hair-obsessed, motorcycle aficionado, Jesse moved in with his brother-in-law, Danny Tanner, to help him raise his kids (Donna Jo ("D.J."), Stephanie and Michelle) after the death of his sister and Danny's wife, Pamela. During the first season, his name was Jesse Cochran, however, when Jesse was visited by his grandparents, he changed his name to their original name "Katsopolis" to honor his Greek heritage (this was done at John Stamos' request, as he wanted his character to have a Greek last name). It's revealed that he was very protective of his sister. He beat up Danny when he found out he had eloped with his sister. Pam was described to be a great influence in his life and despite his early rebel attitude, she managed to put him in check.

Jesse’s character is much like The Fonz on Happy Days in his transformation from rebel to upstanding citizen and family man. Indeed, in his late teens and early 20s, we learn he performed numerous daring motorcycle stunts in the episode "Dr. Dare Rides Again," where he rode on the ledge at the top of a six-story building.

The audience sees a much more rapid transformation in Jesse than in the Fonz, though. It began with how he pulled everyone together after his sister Pam’s death, according to the episode "It’s Not My Job." There were other reasons too, though. First, he met the love of his life, Rebecca, in the second season, and she made him feel different than any other woman ever had. Second, he was living with three young children, and he states in one first season episode that having a family like the Tanners made him feel special, and opened up parts of him he didn’t know were there. Although he sometimes uttered things like "What has happened to my life?" (he actually moved out for a time) he loved being there, especially because of his special relationship with Michelle. One could almost consider him to be a mother figure for Michelle, even having a pet name for her; she was his "little munchkin" most of all, though he’d also lovingly call her "shorty" or "rugrat." He confided in her a lot, even when she was very young. While he never really enforced rules, he could get her to listen quite well, especially early, by just having a little talk with her, though one time Michelle did run away from home.

His first job on the show was as an exterminator.

Jesse was in involved in Rock and Roll throughout the duration of the series. He performed with a band called Feedback with friend Pete Bianco (Scott Baio). The band is most remembered for their catchphrase, "Feedback Lives!" He bought and reopened his youth hangout, The Smash Club. The club featured performances by Ace of Base cover band Girl Talk, edgy comedienne Roxy.

Jesse fronted a band called Jesse and the Rippers. He was kicked out after a fight with his fellow band band members concerning his lack of commitment. Though he was no longer a member his founder status continued to earn him royalties of literally hundreds of dollars through the end of the series.

He also worked as an ad executive, radio show host, night club owner/manager, and rock star in Hot Daddy and the Monkey Puppets. The group "Hot Daddy and the Monkey Puppets" of which he is known for being the lead singer/drummer in a Phil Collins-esque role. The band expeirenced a minor rift when guitarist Viper was seen dating D.J., Jesse's niece.

What's interesting is that he was an ad executive, radio show host, night club owner/manager, and rock star in "Hot Daddy and the Monkey Puppets" all at the same time.

Jesse and Rebecca have twins, Nicky and Alex. Jesse's famous catch phrase is "Have mercy!" He has a cousin called Stavros.