Jodie Sweetin, known for her role as Stephanie Tanner in Full House, has clarified the true relationship between Joey Gladstone and the Tanner family. Contrary to popular belief, Joey is not actually the uncle of DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle. In an interview on the podcast "How Rude, Tanneritos," Sweetin addressed the misconception and stated that they never referred to Joey as "Uncle Joey."

In the show, the events of Full House were set in motion when Danny Tanner became a widower and had to raise his three young children alone.

Seeking assistance, he turned to his brother-in-law, Jesse, and his college friend, Joey. Despite their close bond, there was no blood relation between Joey and the Tanners. 

Due to the ambiguous nature of Joey's ties to the Tanners, various theories have emerged, including one suggesting that he may be the father of the Full House kids based on their shared blond hair. However, the show never provided a clear backstory for Joey apart from his friendship with Danny, leaving room for speculation.

Despite not being biologically related, Joey was treated like family and embodied the concept of found family.