Bob Saget Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Bob Saget

Bob Saget was an American stand-up comedian, actor, director, and television host, widely recognized for his multifaceted career that spanned over four decades. He achieved widespread fame as the beloved widowed father, Danny Tanner, on the iconic 1980s and 1990s sitcom Full House, and its sequel Fuller House. Simultaneously, Saget captivated audiences as the original host of America’s Funniest Home Videos, solidifying his image as “America’s Dad”. Beyond his family-friendly television persona, Saget maintained a successful and often raunchy stand-up comedy career, showcasing a contrasting, more adult humor that earned him a Grammy nomination for his 2014 album, That’s What I’m Talkin’ About. His enduring impact on comedy and television, coupled with his dedication to philanthropy, cemented his legacy as a cherished figure in entertainment.

Bob Saget Overview

Early Life and Education of Bob Saget

Robert Lane Saget was born on May 17, 1956, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, into a Jewish family. His mother, Rosalyn C. “Dolly” Saget, worked as a hospital administrator, and his father, Benjamin M. Saget, was a supermarket chain executive. Early in his life, Bob’s family relocated to Norfolk, Virginia, where he briefly attended Lake Taylor High School. He often credited his developing sense of humor to his time as a rebellious student at the Conservative synagogue Temple Israel in Norfolk. Due to a lack of extended family in Norfolk, he returned to Philadelphia for his bar mitzvah.

The family later moved to the Encino neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, where Saget had the unique experience of meeting Larry Fine of The Three Stooges and listening to his stories. However, before his senior year, his family moved back to the Philadelphia area, and he graduated from Abington Senior High School. Saget initially harbored ambitions of becoming a doctor, but his Honors English teacher at Abington Senior High School recognized his creative potential and encouraged him to pursue a career in acting or writing instead.

Following this guidance, Saget enrolled in Temple University’s film school, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1978. While at Temple, he created a black-and-white documentary film titled Through Adam’s Eyes, which focused on a boy undergoing reconstructive facial surgery. This film received an award of merit at the Student Academy Awards, marking an early recognition of his talent. During his university years, he also traveled to New York City to perform stand-up comedy at clubs like The Improv and Catch a Rising Star, where his act included a unique bit featuring a “weeping” guitar achieved with a water bottle. After graduating, he briefly attended the University of Southern California for graduate film studies but dropped out after a few days, a decision he attributed to a life-threatening incident where he nearly died from a gangrenous appendix.

Bob Saget’s Career

Early Comedy and Television Roles

Bob Saget’s career truly began with stand-up comedy, where he spent years on the club circuit in Los Angeles, developing a style that often contrasted sharply with his later family-friendly image. He befriended fellow comedians like Gary Shandling and Dave Coulier during this period. His early television appearances included a short stint as a member of CBS’s The Morning Program in early 1987.

Breakthrough with Full House and America’s Funniest Home Videos

Saget’s career breakthrough came in 1987 when he was cast as Danny Tanner, a widowed father raising three daughters, in the sitcom Full House. The show became a massive success, landing in the Nielsen ratings’ Top 30 by its third season and cementing Saget’s status as a television star and “America’s Dad”. He appeared in every episode of the show’s eight seasons, which ran until 1995.

In 1989, while still starring in Full House, Saget took on another significant role as the original host of America’s Funniest Home Videos (AFV). He hosted AFV until 1997, his humorous commentary and transitions between user-submitted video clips contributing greatly to the show’s instant popularity. He managed to work on both successful programs simultaneously throughout the early 1990s. Saget returned to AFV in 2009 for a 20th-anniversary special, co-hosting with Tom Bergeron.

Post-Full House and Diverse Projects

After Full House concluded, Saget continued to diversify his career. He directed the 1996 ABC television film For Hope, which was inspired by the life story of his sister, Gay Saget, who had died from scleroderma. In 1998, he directed his first feature film, the cult classic Dirty Work, starring Norm Macdonald and Artie Lange.

Saget returned to network television in 2001, starring in Raising Dad on The WB, a sitcom where he again played a widowed father, though it lasted only one season. From 2005 to 2014, he served as the voice of the future Ted Mosby, narrating the popular CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother for its entire nine-season run. He also hosted the NBC game show 1 vs. 100 from 2006 to 2008.

Throughout this period, Saget continued to tour and release stand-up specials, embracing his “profane comedian persona” that sharply contrasted with his family-friendly TV roles. His HBO comedy special, That Ain’t Right, was released in 2007 and dedicated to his late father. He also made recurring guest appearances on the HBO series Entourage (2005–2010), playing a comedic, exaggerated version of himself.

Later Career and Revival

In 2014, Saget published his memoir, Dirty Daddy: The Chronicles of a Family Man Turned Filthy Comedian. From 2016 to 2020, he reprised his iconic role as Danny Tanner for fifteen episodes of Netflix’s Full House sequel series, Fuller House, including the premiere and finale. He released another stand-up special, Bob Saget: Zero to Sixty, in 2017. In his later years, he also hosted ABC’s Videos After Dark and CMT’s game show Nashville Squares, and appeared as a panelist on To Tell the Truth. Saget remained an active stand-up comedian, touring extensively until his untimely death in 2022.

Bob Saget Personal Life & Family

Bob Saget was born to Rosalyn C. (“Dolly”) Saget and Benjamin M. Saget. He had two older sisters, Andrea and Gay Saget. Tragically, Saget experienced significant loss in his family from a young age, including the deaths of several uncles and his sisters, Gay and Andrea, at unnaturally young ages due to various illnesses. These early losses profoundly impacted him and were a driving force behind his comedic pursuits, which he described as “a means to avoid pain”. His sister Gay’s battle with scleroderma, a chronic autoimmune disease, led him to become a dedicated board member of the Scleroderma Research Foundation for over two decades, tirelessly raising awareness and funds.

Saget’s first marriage was to Sherri Kramer, whom he married in 1982. The couple had three daughters: Aubrey (b. 1987), Lara Melanie (b. 1989), and Jennifer Belle (b. 1992). Their first daughter’s birth was particularly challenging, with Kramer experiencing a near-fatal complication during childbirth when an epidural was misplaced. After 15 years of marriage, Saget and Kramer divorced in 1997. While the divorce was difficult, partially attributed to Saget’s drinking habits at the time, he maintained a close and loving relationship with his daughters. He often spoke about his daughters with immense pride, calling them “the light of my life” and “exceptional” artists.

In 2018, Saget married his second wife, television presenter Kelly Rizzo. They met after Saget reportedly messaged Rizzo on social media in 2015. Rizzo formed a close bond with Saget’s daughters, and the couple had no plans to start their own family. Saget often described Rizzo as an inspiring and energetic partner.

Awards and Achievements of Bob Saget

While Bob Saget was widely celebrated for his comedic talent and beloved roles, his formal awards include:

• Student Academy Award: For his short documentary film, Through Adam’s Eyes (1978).
• Grammy Award Nomination: For Best Comedy Album, That’s What I’m Talkin’ About (2014).

Beyond formal awards, Saget’s achievements also include:

• Cultural Icon Status: Becoming “America’s Dad” through his role as Danny Tanner in Full House and host of America’s Funniest Home Videos.
• Directorial Work: Directing the ABC TV film For Hope (1996), inspired by his sister’s life, and the feature film Dirty Work (1998).
• Author: Publishing his memoir Dirty Daddy: The Chronicles of a Family Man Turned Filthy Comedian (2014).
• Philanthropy: Dedicated board member and advocate for the Scleroderma Research Foundation for over two decades, raising significant awareness and funds for the disease.

Bob Saget Net Worth and Income

At the time of his passing in January 2022, Bob Saget’s net worth was estimated to be approximately $50 million. His income was derived from a diverse and successful career in entertainment. Key sources of his wealth included:

• Acting Roles: Significant earnings from his starring role as Danny Tanner in Full House (1987–1995) and his reprisal in Fuller House (2016–2020).
• Television Hosting: Income from hosting America’s Funniest Home Videos (1989–1997) and other shows like 1 vs. 100.
• Stand-up Comedy: Extensive touring as a successful stand-up comedian, including numerous specials and album sales. His 2014 album That’s What I’m Talkin’ About was Grammy-nominated, contributing to his professional recognition and earning potential.
• Voice Acting: Narration work, most notably as the voice of future Ted Mosby in How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014).
• Directing and Producing: His work as a director for films like Dirty Work and various television projects.
• Book Sales: Revenue from his memoir, Dirty Daddy: The Chronicles of a Family Man Turned Filthy Comedian.

Legacy and Influence

Bob Saget’s legacy is multifaceted, marked by his profound impact on both family-friendly television and the world of adult stand-up comedy. He is widely remembered as “America’s Dad” due to his portrayal of Danny Tanner, the wholesome, loving, and often neurotic single father on Full House. This role, coupled with his tenure as the original host of America’s Funniest Home Videos, created an enduring public image of warmth and sincerity, making him a beloved figure across generations.

However, Saget also cultivated a distinct and successful career as a stand-up comedian known for his edgy, often raunchy humor, which cleverly contrasted with his on-screen persona. This ability to seamlessly transition between squeaky-clean and profoundly profane comedy showcased his versatility and depth as a performer. He was celebrated for his honesty and the raw, vulnerable nature of his stand-up, often using humor to cope with personal tragedies.

Beyond entertainment, Saget was a dedicated humanitarian. His sister Gay’s death from scleroderma at the age of 47 inspired his lifelong commitment to the Scleroderma Research Foundation. He served on its board for over two decades, tirelessly organizing and participating in fundraisers, and directing a television film, For Hope, to raise awareness about the disease. His efforts significantly contributed to the foundation’s work and brought much-needed attention to scleroderma.

Saget’s public image was one of genuine kindness and humor, even amidst personal struggles. Many colleagues and friends spoke of his immense generosity, loyalty, and his ability to make people laugh, both on and off stage. His enduring influence lies in his ability to connect with audiences through diverse comedic styles, his dedication to philanthropy, and his authentic, loving approach to life and family.

Interesting Facts about Bob Saget

• Early Aspirations: Before pursuing comedy and film, Bob Saget initially wanted to become a doctor.
• Musical Beginnings in Comedy: In his early stand-up days, Saget incorporated music into his act, famously playing the Beatles song “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and rigging his guitar to appear to “weep” water.
• Close Friendship with Co-stars: Saget maintained lifelong friendships with his Full House co-stars, particularly John Stamos and Dave Coulier, who played Uncle Jesse and Joey Gladstone, respectively.
• “Dirty Daddy” Nickname: The title of his 2014 memoir, Dirty Daddy, refers to his dual persona as the wholesome Danny Tanner and his notoriously raunchy stand-up comedian alter-ego.
• Personal Tragedies as Inspiration: Many of Saget’s comedic routines and his philanthropic efforts were deeply influenced by the numerous family losses he experienced throughout his life, including the deaths of his sisters. He used comedy as a coping mechanism and a way to address pain.
• Student Academy Award Winner: He won a Student Academy Award for his short documentary Through Adam’s Eyes while attending Temple University.

Controversies

While Bob Saget was widely admired and generally had a positive public image, his most notable “controversy” was the stark contrast between his wholesome, “America’s Dad” persona on shows like Full House and America’s Funniest Home Videos, and his often explicit, blue stand-up comedy. This dichotomy was a running gag throughout his career, surprising many who only knew him from his family-friendly television roles. He openly embraced this dual image, often joking about it in his stand-up acts and interviews, and even titled his memoir “Dirty Daddy” to highlight this aspect of his career. This was more of an artistic choice and a source of comedic material rather than a true scandal or controversy.

In his memoir, Saget also candidly discussed past struggles with drinking during the period leading up to his first divorce, acknowledging how it impacted his life and relationship with his first wife. This was a personal revelation rather than a public scandal at the time.

Social Media Presence

Bob Saget was active on social media platforms, using them to connect with his fans, promote his stand-up tours, and share aspects of his personal life. At the time of his death in January 2022, he maintained a significant online presence:

• Instagram: He frequently posted updates, photos, and videos, often sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of his comedy and personal moments.
• Twitter: Saget used Twitter to engage with fans, share jokes, and promote his upcoming shows. He notably posted about his enjoyment of a stand-up performance just hours before his passing.
• YouTube: His YouTube channel featured clips from his stand-up specials, interviews, and other comedic content.

His social media accounts reflected his dual persona, blending humorous and heartfelt messages with promotional content for his diverse projects. His last social media posts were filled with enthusiasm for his stand-up tour and gratitude towards his audience, underscoring his passion for performing.

Final Words about Bob Saget

Bob Saget’s unexpected passing on January 9, 2022, at the age of 65, left a profound void in the entertainment industry and in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. He was found dead in his hotel room in Orlando, Florida, while on a stand-up comedy tour. The official cause of death was determined to be blunt head trauma, likely from an unwitnessed fall, with no evidence of drugs or alcohol involved. This tragic accident underscored the suddenness of his loss.

Saget’s legacy is one of remarkable versatility, genuine warmth, and a unique ability to bridge the gap between family-friendly entertainment and edgy, adult comedy. He was cherished for his iconic role as Danny Tanner in Full House and his beloved hosting of America’s Funniest Home Videos, which endeared him to generations as “America’s Dad”. Simultaneously, his passionate and often raunchy stand-up acts revealed a different, more complex side of his comedic genius.

Beyond his professional achievements, Saget was deeply committed to philanthropy, particularly his tireless work with the Scleroderma Research Foundation in honor of his late sister. His personal life was marked by deep love for his three daughters and his wife, Kelly Rizzo, and his ability to find humor and connection even through personal tragedies.

In the years since his death, Bob Saget continues to be remembered not only for his significant contributions to television and comedy but also for his authentic kindness, generosity, and the enduring laughter he brought to so many. His impact remains strong, celebrated by his family, friends, and a vast fan base who continue to honor his memory and the “brilliance, love, joy, and comfort Bob brought to my life,” as expressed by his widow, Kelly Rizzo.