Longtime Hallmark star Jodie Sweetin may have grown up in the spotlight, but even a seasoned TV star isn’t immune to getting starstruck. In a recent interview with Us Weekly for the “25 Things You Don’t Know About Me” feature, the “Full House” alum revealed the one celebrity encounter that left her completely speechless. It wasn’t who fans might expect, at all!
“Meeting Caroll Spinney, who played Big Bird on Sesame Street, was the most starstruck moment I’ve ever had,” Sweetin said, lighting up at the memory. “I’m a huge Sesame Street and Muppets fan. It was my childhood!”
Considering how many of us grew up with Big Bird as a constant friend on screen, Sweetin’s awe makes perfect sense. Especially for those of us raised in the ’90s. Honestly, we get it.
A true icon of children’s television, Spinney clearly made a lasting impression, and Sweetin’s playful reaction only made the moment more relatable.
A New Chapter for Jodie Sweetin
Sweetin’s nostalgic confession comes as she promotes her latest project, the Lifetime original film “Dateless to Dangerous: My Son’s Secret Life.” The film premiered on June 21, receiving several compliments online thanks to the storyline. In a sharp turn from her sitcom roots, she stars as Noelle Miller, a newly separated mom struggling to reconnect with her teenage son Miles. This after he begins spiraling into the toxic online world of incels.
“It is serious,” Sweetin said of the film to People. “We addressed some really heavy stuff [in “Dateless to Dangerous”], but we didn’t quite go as dark [as “Adolescence”]. There is some light at the end of the tunnel.”
Comparing the movie to the Netflix hit “Adolescence,” Sweetin noted that both projects explore the emotional isolation affecting the youth of today. “This is about a new generation of kids that are involved in things that we weren’t as kids,” she explained. “We don’t have the awareness or the savvy or the technology interests. It’s heavy.”
Playing opposite young talents Alexander Elliot and Nikki Roumel, Sweetin praised her co-stars for their emotional depth. Sweetin, who is a mother of two herself, said the subject matter hit close to home. “I read the script and immediately knew it was something important. I see what my kids go through; I see that kids are not okay right now.”
She added, “Young men right now are being fed this constant stream of misogynistic, racist, homophobic ideas that sort of are trying to create groups or community or something around things that they hate, And I think as parents, we see these kids and we’re like, ‘This is not how I grew up.’ ‘I want something different for you.'”
From Hallmark to Heartfelt Drama
While “Dateless to Dangerous” marks a more dramatic turn, Sweetin is no stranger to heartfelt storytelling. In addition to her work on “Full House” and “Fuller House,” she’s become a staple on Hallmark, starring in several lighthearted romantic comedies and mysteries.
“I love doing my Hallmark movies,” Sweetin said. “I love my “Jane Mysteries.” Much like “Full House” fans, Hallmark fans are passionate and loyal.”
But this project gave her something different; something deeper. “This was nice to finally have the opportunity to do something darker, more serious,” she said. “I hope that it will show people that I can do something other than a comedy, which I love. Don’t get me wrong, sitcom is great, but it is a very different world than this. So, I’m hoping to be able to do more like this in the future.”
Sweetin is also open to stepping back into comedy, just with an edge. “I’d love to do something totally irreverent like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia or Arrested Development,” she said. We can already picture her sparring with Dee “Bird” Reynolds over wine or chaos. Maybe they can both bond over liking birds. (See what I did there?)
And yes, she still carries “Full House” in her heart. Speaking about her late on-screen dad, Bob Saget, Sweetin shared one of her favorite memories, which was a cast dinner in Tokyo. “Bob and Dave [Coulier] started teasing [creator] Jeff [Franklin] about something silly. We all had tears running down our faces. My stomach hurt from laughing. To this day, it makes me smile.”
Where to Watch ‘Dateless to Dangerous’
Those eager to catch Sweetin in her most gripping role yet can stream “Dateless to Dangerous: My Son’s Secret Life” on Philo, DirecTV, or Sling TV.
The film also stars Roumel, Elliot, Kolten Stewart, and Husein Madhavji, and it’s already sparking conversations among viewers and parents alike.
Whether you remember her as Stephanie Tanner or are just discovering her work now, Sweetin is still making bold choices and reminding us why she’s one of TV’s most enduring and favorable talents.
Comments
Jodie Sweetin Reveals the One Celebrity Who Left Her Starstruck