Who Was the Real Bob Saget?
If you grew up in the late ‘80s and ‘90s, Bob Saget was likely a comforting presence in your living room. As Danny Tanner on Full House, he played the perfect single dad—neat freak, soft-spoken, and full of heartwarming advice. But off-screen? That’s a whole different story.
Bob Saget wasn’t just America’s favorite TV dad—he was also one of the raunchiest, most unpredictable comedians of his generation. Today, we dive deep into the truth about Bob Saget’s double life. Was it really a “dark side”? Or was it simply the full, unfiltered version of a man we only thought we knew?
The Rise of America’s Cleanest Dad
The Birth of Danny Tanner
Bob Saget first became a household name in 1987 when he landed the role of Danny Tanner on ABC’s Full House. He played a widowed father raising three daughters with the help of his brother-in-law and best friend.
Danny was squeaky clean. Think sweater vests, spotless counters, and moral lessons at the end of every episode. And for years, fans thought Saget was just like his character.
America Fell in Love with Danny Tanner
His character represented stability, kindness, and comfort. He became “America’s Dad” before the internet could fact-check personas. But here’s the twist—Bob Saget couldn’t have been more different in real life.
The Hidden Comedian: Bob’s Early Days in Stand-Up
From Film School to the Stage
Before TV fame, Bob studied film at Temple University. He had dreams of becoming a serious filmmaker, even winning awards for documentaries. But stand-up comedy pulled him in. And it wasn’t clean-cut comedy either.
The Shockingly Raunchy Humor
Saget’s stand-up act was raw, unfiltered, and often downright filthy. He was the kind of comic who said the things you weren’t supposed to say. If Danny Tanner was a Hallmark card, Bob Saget’s comedy was a spray-painted bathroom stall. The contrast? Wild.
The Juxtaposition: Disney Dad Meets Comedy Wildcard
The Struggle to Balance Two Worlds
Imagine having to be family-friendly during the week and unfiltered on the weekends. That was Bob’s reality. He admitted many times that he felt creatively trapped by his wholesome TV image, even though he was grateful for the opportunity.
Fans Were Shocked—But Also Intrigued
When people saw Bob’s live comedy for the first time, many were stunned. This was Danny Tanner? But others admired his ability to live authentically and break stereotypes about what a “TV dad” should be.
Bob Saget and America’s Funniest Home Videos
The Perfect Host—or Was It?
Saget hosted AFV from 1989 to 1997. On-screen, he delivered cheesy dad jokes and G-rated humor. Behind the scenes, he often poked fun at how corny the gig was.
Behind-the-Scenes Frustration
He once said that he would ad-lib raunchy versions of his voiceovers just to make the crew laugh. Those takes never aired, of course—but they show just how different his real personality was.
The Darker Chapters: Tragedy and Trauma
Loss in the Family
Saget’s family life was marred by heartbreak. He lost two sisters at young ages—one to a brain aneurysm and the other to scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease. These experiences shaped his perspective on life and death and gave his comedy a surprisingly emotional depth.
Mental Health and Grief
Bob used humor to cope with pain. In interviews, he often talked about how comedy became his emotional armor. That “dark side” some people referenced? Maybe it wasn’t darkness—it was a defense mechanism.
Not Just a Comedian: Bob’s Philanthropic Work
Raising Awareness for Scleroderma
Bob became a passionate advocate for scleroderma research after his sister Gay’s death. He served on the board of the Scleroderma Research Foundation and raised millions of dollars for research and treatment.
Using Fame for Good
Despite his edgy jokes, Bob had a heart of gold. He used his platform to help others, not just make them laugh.
Bob Saget on Friendship, Loyalty, and Love
A Friend to Everyone in Comedy
He wasn’t just respected—he was loved by his peers. Comedians like John Stamos, Dave Chappelle, and Jim Carrey have all shared touching stories about Bob’s loyalty and generosity.
His Deep Bond With the Full House Cast
Bob maintained real-life friendships with his co-stars. His bond with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who played Michelle, lasted long after the show ended. They called him their “second dad.”
Marriage, Divorce, and Finding Love Again
A Rocky Road to Romance
Bob married his first wife, Sherri Kramer, in 1982. They had three daughters but eventually divorced in 1997. He later found love again with Kelly Rizzo, whom he married in 2018. Their love story became a source of joy in his later years.
A Devoted Family Man—Always
Despite his jokes about relationships and fatherhood, Bob loved his daughters fiercely. He often said that being a dad was his proudest role.
The Legacy of a Complicated, Brilliant Man
A Comedian with Layers
Bob Saget’s legacy isn’t defined by Full House or AFV. It’s defined by contrast, courage, and complexity. He showed the world that you can be outrageous and deeply kind, edgy and empathetic, dirty-mouthed and big-hearted—all at once.
Gone Too Soon
Bob Saget passed away unexpectedly in January 2022. His death shocked the world, but the outpouring of love from fans and friends reminded us just how special he truly was.
Conclusion: What Bob Saget Taught Us About Being Real
Bob Saget lived a life of paradoxes—and that’s what made him unforgettable. He wasn’t just America’s dad. He was a wildly honest comedian, a grieving brother, a loving father, and a loyal friend.
He showed us that people aren’t just one thing. They’re messy, layered, and full of contradictions. And maybe that’s not a “dark side”—maybe that’s just being human.
So next time you think you know someone based on a role they play, remember Bob. And look a little deeper.
FAQs
1. Was Bob Saget really as raunchy as people say?
Yes, Bob Saget’s stand-up comedy was extremely raw and explicit—far from his wholesome TV persona.
2. Why did Bob Saget switch between clean and dirty comedy?
He loved pushing boundaries in his stand-up but was also grateful for the success of his clean roles. He embraced both sides.
3. What is scleroderma, and why did Bob Saget support its research?
Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease. Bob’s sister Gay died from it, which motivated him to raise millions for research.
4. How did Bob Saget die?
He passed away in his sleep due to head trauma caused by an accidental fall in his hotel room in 2022.
5. What was Bob Saget’s biggest contribution outside of entertainment?
Beyond comedy and acting, Bob was a passionate advocate for medical research and a mentor to many in the comedy world.
