In a recent episode of her rewatch podcast, actress Jodie Sweetin recounted an unforgettable childhood experience while filming the popular TV show Full House. During a visit to Las Vegas for a special episode, the young cast explored Elvis Presley’s former suite at the Hilton Hotel. In an unexpected turn of events, Sweetin found herself separated from her mother and lost in the bustling casino for several hours. This incident occurred before the era of cell phones, adding an extra layer of challenge to the situation. Despite the ordeal, Sweetin managed to find help and was reunited with her mother. The story highlights both the excitement and risks of being a child actor in the early 90s.

A Child Actor's Unexpected Detour in Sin City

In the heart of the glittering Las Vegas Strip, during the filming of Full House’s season 4 episode “Viva Las Joey,” the cast ventured into a memorable adventure. On January 27th, Sweetin shared this tale on her podcast How Rude, Tanneritos!, alongside former co-star Andrea Barber. The episode featured the Tanner family traveling to Las Vegas to watch their friend Joey perform stand-up comedy as part of Wayne Newton’s show.

During a break from filming, a group of around 15 people, including Sweetin, her mother, John Stamos, and series creator Jeff Franklin, decided to tour Elvis Presley’s iconic suite at what is now the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Sweetin vividly recalled the suite’s unique features, such as a bullet hole in the private elevator that Elvis had shot.

The adventure took an unexpected turn when Sweetin, then approximately nine years old, accidentally left the suite without her mother. As the elevator doors closed behind her, she found herself alone on the casino floor. With no cell phones or pagers available, Sweetin wandered aimlessly until she eventually reached the cast teacher’s room, where she received assistance. After nearly two-and-a-half hours of searching, her frantic mother finally reunited with her.

This harrowing experience became one of Sweetin’s mother’s most terrifying moments. Sweetin reflected on the added pressure of being recognized as a child actor, which heightened the anxiety of those around her. Despite the fear and uncertainty, Sweetin remained remarkably calm throughout the ordeal, finding her way back safely. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by young actors in a pre-cell phone era, and how quickly situations can spiral out of control in unfamiliar environments.

Today, such an event would likely cause significant disruption on set, but Sweetin humorously noted that modern technology would have made it easier to resolve. Reflecting on her journey, Sweetin expressed gratitude for the support she received and acknowledged the lasting impact this experience had on her family.