He was the fictional dad everyone wanted, and the friend we all needed. But in real life, Bob Saget was much more than the wholesome character we grew to love in Full House.
Born on May 17, 1956, in Philadelphia, Bob’s first passion was medicine. He intended to pursue a career as a paediatrician and even studied medicine for six months, but his talent for film and comedy stole his focus.
It didn’t take long before the industry took notice too and, after bit parts, he landed the lead role as widower and father-of-three Danny Tanner in Full House. The series was an instant hit and ran from 1987 to 1995.
Bob was recognised as one of the nicest actors in the industry, untouched by the pitfalls of Hollywood.
(Getty)The series was later revived as Fuller House on Netflix in 2016, with all the original cast members returning except for Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.
As the family patriarch, Danny was generous, stable and loving, not unlike Bob himself.
He was recognised as one of the nicest actors in the industry, untouched by the pitfalls of Hollywood.
Sadly, on January 9, Bob, 65, was found dead in his hotel room in Orlando, Florida. He had been performing stand-up just hours before.
Bob is survived by his wife Kelly Rizzo and children Aubrey, Lara Melanie and Jennifer Belle, whom he shares with his first wife, Sherri Kramer.
There has been an outpouring of grief from co-stars, friends and family, including his Full House colleague John Stamos, who played Uncle Jesse.
“I am broken. I am gutted. I will never ever have another friend like him. I love you so much, Bobby,” he wrote on Twitter.
Cameron Candace Bure, who played eldest daughter DJ Tanner, also expressed her heartache.
“Bob was one of the best human beings I’ve ever known in my life. I loved him so much,” she wrote.
Bob landed the lead role as widower and father-of-three Danny Tanner in Full House.
(American Broadcasting Corporation)His success in Full House saw Bob’s career soar. He hosted America’s Funniest Home Videos and lent his voice as the future Ted Mosby in How I Met Your Mother for nine seasons from 2005 to 2014, among other work.
But it was stand-up comedy, where his quick wit appealed to a broader adult audience, that showcased Bob best.
As fellow comedian and actor Steve Martin declared, his death is “a sad day for the comedy world”.
True to his iconic roles and the legacy he leaves behind, the family man will always be remembered for his generosity, grace and good humour. Farewell, Bob.
