Bob Saget in Memoriam – His Life’s Work and Legacy

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Although Saget’s life was tragically cut short, his legacy will be remembered (courtesy of Flickr).

Bob Saget, American comedian and actor best known for his role as Danny Tanner on the early 90s sitcom “Full House,”  recently passed away at the age of 65. Many are left devastated by the passing of this iconic father figure, including his onscreen family.

The castmates collectively posted on their social media accounts a heartfelt goodbye to Saget: “35 years ago, we came together as a TV family, but we became a real family. And now we grieve as a family. Bob made us laugh until we cried. Now our tears flow in sadness, but also with gratitude for all the beautiful memories of our sweet, kind, hilarious, cherished Bob. He was a brother to us guys, a father to us girls and a friend to all of us. Bob, we love you dearly. We ask in Bob’s honor, hug the people you love. No one gave better hugs than Bob.

John, Dave, Candace, Jodie, Lori, Andrea, Scott, Jeff, Ashley and Mary-Kate.”

Saget was found dead in his hotel room at the Ritz-Carlton in Orlando, where he was in the midst of his stand-up comedy tour. Although the cause of death has yet to be confirmed, any signs of foul play and drug use have been ruled out by the medical examiner and the sheriff. Because Saget’s family has a history of heart attacks, which unfortunately killed three of his uncles, officials suspect that his death may be attributed to a sudden medical emergency.

Bob Saget is survived by his wife, Kelly Rizzo, and his three daughters. He is also survived by his impacts on comedy, his everlasting characters on television and his dedication to the Scleroderma Research Foundation.

Saget’s love of comedy and film began at an early age. He graduated from Temple University where he pursued this love of film and later attended the University of Southern California’s prestigious film school for only a few days before dropping out. After dropping out, Saget stayed in Los Angeles to pursue a career in comedy, where he spent years in the comedy club circuit. Along the way he met fellow comedian Dave Coulier, who went on to play Joey Gladstone on “Full House.”  

Saget’s big break came as he joined CBS’s news show “The Morning Program.”  Following this debut, his most well-known roles were playing Danny Tanner on “Full House’’ from 1987 to 1995 and hosting “America’s Funniest Home Videos” in 1990. Saget was also the voice of narrator Ted Mosby on “How I Met Your Mother,” and  starred in sitcoms “Raising Dad” and “Surviving Suburbia.”

Along the way, Saget left a mark on his fellow co-stars, especially his “Full House” family, who have all stayed in close contact with one another. Many have publicly stated how special Saget was to each of them and shared their condolences. Onscreen daughter Candace Cameron Bure stated, “I don’t know what to say. I have no words. Bob was one of the best human beings I’ve ever known in my life. I loved him so much.” John Stamos posted on Twitter, “I am broken. I am gutted. I am in complete and utter shock. I will never, ever have another friend like him. I love you so much, Bobby.”

His offscreen family ultimately inspired Saget to support the Scleroderma Research Foundation. His older sister, Gay Saget, unfortunately passed away due Scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disorder, in 1996. Because of this, Bob Saget spent the last 25 years dedicated to raising awareness for the medical condition, eventually joining the SRF Board of Directors in 2003.  

His co-board member, Luke Evnin, shared with People Magazine, “He was very disappointed with the sophistication of the tools that were available at the time to alleviate or change the course of her disease, and even just ease her suffering at the end. I think that he was committed to really see[ing] that it would not happen to any other patient.”

Alongside his career in acting and comedy, this foundation was his life’s work. Donations can be made in Saget’s memory on the Scleroderma Research Foundation website.  

Although his time was cut short, Saget lives on through the legacy he left in the hearts and memories of his family, castmates and fans as a beloved comedian, actor, and friend.