When you think of Bob Saget, chances are you picture the lovable, sweater-wearing dad Danny Tanner from Full House. But off-camera? He was a very different guy—and that duality led to more than a few raised eyebrows from the moms of the child actors.
Let’s pull back the curtain and reveal what really went down on the Full House set, and why Saget’s “bad habit” became a hot topic behind the scenes.
The Cleanest Dad on TV Had the Dirtiest Jokes Off-Camera
On the surface, Bob Saget was the definition of family-friendly. But the minute the cameras stopped rolling? Boom—here came the R-rated jokes. Saget was famous among comedians for his wild, unfiltered stand-up comedy that was the polar opposite of Danny Tanner.
He once described himself as “a beautiful Jekyll and Hyde.” On screen, he was the ultimate clean-cut dad. Off screen? Let’s just say you probably wouldn’t let your grandma hear one of his sets.
Child Stars’ Moms Were Not Amused
While the Full House set was known for its family-friendly energy, it was also home to a lot of parents watching closely from the sidelines. And when Bob let his adult humor slip during rehearsals or breaks, the moms weren’t having it.
Actress Andrea Barber (Kimmy Gibbler) recalled moments where the moms in the audience would literally stand up and scold Bob mid-joke with a loud “Bob!”—like he was one of their kids getting out of line.
It became a running theme: Bob making off-color jokes, and moms jumping in to remind him where he was.
It Happened During Taping Breaks
This didn’t happen during the actual filming you saw on TV. These were off-camera moments, often between takes or during rehearsals—especially when there wasn’t a live studio audience. That’s when Bob, being his natural self, would loosen up and let the jokes fly.
He Wasn’t Trying to Offend—He Was Just Being Himself
To be clear, Bob Saget wasn’t being disrespectful to the kids or malicious with his jokes. He was just being… well, Bob. His comedy style was raunchy, sarcastic, and totally unfiltered. So even when he was joking around with the cast and crew, that same edgy energy came through.
In his own words, he wasn’t trying to shock anyone—he was just wired that way.
The Kids Weren’t Traumatized
Despite the scolding from parents, the child actors themselves never reported feeling uncomfortable around Bob. In fact, many have spoken warmly about him over the years. Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie Tanner) recently shared that Bob never talked down to them and always made them feel like equals.
He might’ve dropped some jokes that were way over their heads, but he also protected them fiercely.
He Was Still the Protective Dad Figure
Even with the occasional naughty punchline, Bob had a huge heart. Cast members remember him changing diapers on set, standing up for the kids, and mentoring them during difficult times.
His humor may have clashed with the show’s squeaky-clean brand, but his compassion never did.
Why His Dual Personality Worked—for Better or Worse
Imagine having to switch personalities every day. That’s what Bob did. He’d finish a stand-up gig full of profanity and adult humor, then show up at the Full House set to play America’s most wholesome dad.
Some saw it as a contradiction. But those who knew him well saw it as authenticity—Bob wasn’t pretending. He just had two sides, and both were real.
He Wasn’t the Only One with a Wild Side
Saget wasn’t alone in the mischief. His co-stars John Stamos and Dave Coulier also loved to joke around between scenes. The trio acted more like brothers than co-workers, often playing pranks and pushing boundaries—just not always in front of the parents!
Bob’s Legacy: More Than Just Dirty Jokes
After Bob’s sudden passing in 2022, tributes poured in—not just about his comedy, but about his kindness, humility, and generosity. Cast members, fans, and even comedians who once roasted him on stage all said the same thing: Bob led with love, even when his jokes got a little wild.
Even the Moms Grew to Love Him
Sure, Bob’s jokes may have annoyed them at first—but over time, the moms saw his true character. He cared about their kids, supported their careers, and created a safe environment on set. His humor might have earned him a few “BOB!”s from the bleachers, but he always came from a place of love.
The Memoir That Spilled It All
In his memoir Dirty Daddy, Bob opened up about this very contradiction—how he navigated being known as Danny Tanner while performing X-rated stand-up across the country. He didn’t hide it. He embraced the contrast and laughed at the absurdity of it all.
How It Affected His Career (And Reputation)
For years, people struggled to reconcile the sweet sitcom dad with the sharp-tongued comic. But eventually, fans came to love both sides of Bob Saget. His career didn’t suffer—in fact, it flourished. He went on to host America’s Funniest Home Videos, perform in hit stand-up specials, and make guest appearances that embraced his edge.
Conclusion
Bob Saget was a walking contradiction—in the best way possible. He could make you cry from laughter one minute and melt your heart the next. His “bad habit” of telling raunchy jokes may have stirred up some on-set drama, but it also reminded everyone that behind every perfect sitcom dad, there’s a real, imperfect human.
And maybe that’s what made him so unforgettable.
FAQs
1. What was Bob Saget’s bad habit on the Full House set?
Bob had a tendency to tell adult-themed jokes off-camera, which sometimes upset the child actors’ mothers.
2. Did his jokes affect the kids on the show?
No. The kids have always spoken positively about Bob, remembering him as protective, funny, and kind.
3. Why did Bob Saget use adult humor?
That was his authentic stand-up comedy style—raw, unfiltered, and edgy. He never tried to hide it, even while playing a clean-cut TV dad.
4. Did the moms really call him out?
Yes! Andrea Barber recalled how the moms in the audience would literally shout “Bob!” when his jokes crossed the line.
5. How is Bob Saget remembered today?
He’s remembered as a comedy legend, a beloved co-star, and a man who balanced hilarious irreverence with heartfelt compassion.
