Caitlin McHugh Stamos is opening up about an important life decision.
After the actress married husband John Stamos in 2018 and gave birth to the couple’s son, Billy, months later, she took a step back from the spotlight. And while prioritizing family was a fixture in the decision, Caitlin revealed it wasn’t the sole reason for the change.
“I got a health issue, and they said, ‘You got to stop traveling,’” she told E! News of her conversation with doctors in an exclusive interview. “My memory was affected, which is really weird. So it’s very strange things.”
Caitlin didn’t explicitly disclose her diagnosis, but she did share that the ailment affected her thyroid and hormones. But while her step back from working was related to health reasons, spending more time with her now-6-year-old was a welcome bonus.
“Becoming a mom solidified those decisions,” she added. “It wasn’t like, ‘Well maybe I’ll get better and get back into things. It’s like, ‘No, I want to get better and everything I would put into a career, I’m throwing myself into other things.’”
Indeed, the 38-year-old has kept more than a little busy with her other ventures.
“I’ve got a bracelet company,” she noted, adding of Civic Soul, “and I recently started a nonprofit.”
And yet, Caitlin decided to step in front of the camera again in the upcoming Apple TV film, The Invisible Raptor, out Dec. 6, which she admitted she had “fully intended” to pass on. In the end, though, she just couldn’t resist.
“I ended up falling in love with the script,” she effused. “I couldn't stop laughing, because, yes, it is horror and there's suspense, but it is so funny.”
Caitlin found the script for the flick so amusing that she even disturbed John while working through it.
“I kept waking up my husband actually laughing, because I really thought it was great,” she said, “and so even though I had every intention of saying no, I said yes, and I'm so glad I did, because this was a wonderful experience.”
Still, the model still believes her best role in life is Billy’s mom. As she put of returning to the big screen, “What actually was the really, really hardest part of it was being away from my son so much.”
Keep reading for more moments from Caitlin’s chapter with John and Billy.
Dinner Conversation
Stamos and McHugh chat with Garry Marshall during the 2016 TV Land Icon Awards at The Barker Hanger in April 2016.
Posing for the Camera
A fairly new couple at the time, Stamos and McHugh attended the Saban Community Clinic's 40th Annual Dinner Gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in November 2016.
Happy Holidays
Merry Christmas! The couple spent the holidays together and McHugh shared a photo of her and Stamos' pup.
Holding Hands
Stamos and McHugh held hands as they walked into the happiest place on Earth.
Fun at Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards
The cute couple cozied up during Nickelodeon's 2017 Kids' Choice Awards.
Red-Carpet Ready
The couple posed for a few pictures at Nickelodeon's 2017 Kids' Choice Awards.
Sweet Strolls
Stamos and McHugh went for a stroll with their arms around each other in April.
Romantic Dinner Dates
The two lovebirds were spotted leaving the Sexy Fish restaurant in London back in May.
Costume Cuddles
It looks like there was plenty of love for Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, too.
Pillow Fight
Look out, Stamos! It looks like McHugh smacked her sweetheart with a pillow during a playful fight.
Splash Mountain Fun
During one of their many trips to Disneyland, the couple rode Splash Mountain.