When you think of Full House, you think of Danny Tanner—the lovable, neat-freak dad who guided his daughters with patience, humor, and warmth. Behind the role stood Bob Saget, a man whose life and career were far more complex and fascinating than the wholesome character he portrayed.
From sitcom fame to stand-up stages, from family-friendly TV to raw comedy, Bob Saget left behind a legacy that is both inspiring and unforgettable.
Early Life and Roots in Comedy
Robert Lane Saget was born on May 17, 1956, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Growing up in a middle-class Jewish family, Saget originally dreamed of becoming a doctor. But his teachers and friends encouraged him to pursue entertainment, noting his natural humor.
He attended Temple University, where he studied film. His early short documentary Through Adam’s Eyes even won a Student Academy Award, showing his talent behind the camera.
Breaking Into Entertainment
Before landing TV fame, Bob Saget worked in stand-up comedy, performing in clubs and honing his craft with sharp, edgy humor. Unlike Danny Tanner, his stage persona was often dark, raw, and hilariously unfiltered.
This duality—edgy comedian vs. wholesome dad—would later become his signature contrast.
Landing the Role of Danny Tanner
In 1987, Bob Saget got the role that would define his mainstream career: Danny Tanner on Full House. As a widowed father raising three daughters with the help of his brother-in-law Jesse and best friend Joey, Danny became America’s most beloved TV dad.
Fans loved his gentle parenting, quirky obsession with cleanliness, and heartfelt talks with his daughters at the end of every episode.
The Cultural Impact of Danny Tanner
Danny Tanner wasn’t just a TV character—he was a role model. In an era when sitcoms shaped family values, Danny represented kindness, patience, and unconditional love.
Parents admired him, kids adored him, and Full House became a family tradition in households across America.
Full House’s Success and Legacy
Full House ran for eight seasons (1987–1995), and Danny Tanner was at its heart. Even after the show ended, reruns introduced new generations to Bob Saget’s warm portrayal of fatherhood.
The Tanner family felt real to audiences, and Danny Tanner was the glue holding it all together.
America’s Funniest Home Videos
While filming Full House, Bob Saget also became the original host of America’s Funniest Home Videos from 1989 to 1997. His playful commentary over home videos made him a Sunday night staple in American households.
Between Full House and AFV, Saget solidified his image as one of the most family-friendly faces on TV.
The Edgy Stand-Up Side
Off-screen, however, Bob Saget’s comedy was anything but squeaky clean. His stand-up routines were famously raunchy and filled with adult humor.
This contrast shocked fans at first, but it eventually became part of his charm. He could make you laugh with a heartwarming family moment on TV, then have you doubled over in laughter with his unfiltered stand-up act.
Film and Directing Career
Saget wasn’t just an actor and comedian; he was also a director. In 1998, he directed the cult comedy Dirty Work, starring Norm Macdonald and Artie Lange. Though not a box office hit, it later gained a loyal fan following.
He also directed TV movies and episodes of series, showing his versatility behind the camera.
Personal Life and Family
Bob Saget married Sherri Kramer in 1982, and together they had three daughters: Aubrey, Lara, and Jennifer. Though the couple divorced in 1997, Saget remained a dedicated father.
In 2018, he married television host Kelly Rizzo, and the two shared a loving relationship until his passing.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Saget’s life was also marked by philanthropy. After losing his sister to scleroderma, he became a passionate advocate for the Scleroderma Research Foundation, raising millions to fight the disease.
His advocacy work proved that beyond the jokes, Saget’s heart was deeply committed to helping others.
Return in Fuller House
When Netflix revived the Tanner family with Fuller House in 2016, Bob Saget reprised his role as Danny Tanner. Fans were thrilled to see him return, still embodying the warmth and humor that made him iconic.
The Sudden Loss
On January 9, 2022, Bob Saget tragically passed away in his sleep at the age of 65 while on a comedy tour in Florida. The news shocked fans and celebrities alike, as he had performed on stage just hours earlier, full of life and joy.
His death was later attributed to accidental head trauma, a devastating reminder of how fragile life can be.
Tributes and Legacy
After his passing, tributes poured in from fans, co-stars, and fellow comedians. His Full House family, including John Stamos, Candace Cameron Bure, and Jodie Sweetin, shared heartfelt memories, calling him not only a TV dad but a real-life father figure and friend.
Bob Saget’s legacy is twofold: he was the dad who raised a generation on-screen and the comedian who kept audiences laughing for decades.
Why Bob Saget Will Always Be Remembered
Bob Saget’s story is unique because he lived two lives in entertainment—the wholesome dad and the edgy comedian—and he excelled at both.
For fans, he will always be Danny Tanner, the ultimate TV dad. For comedians, he will always be a trailblazer who never shied away from honesty and laughter.
Conclusion: A Fuller Heart
Bob Saget’s life may have ended too soon, but his impact lives on. From raising the Tanner girls to raising awareness for medical research, from making families laugh at home videos to shocking crowds with edgy stand-up, Saget lived fully and authentically.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and heart—a true cultural icon who will never be forgotten.
FAQs
1. What role made Bob Saget famous?
His role as Danny Tanner in Full House brought him worldwide recognition.
2. Did Bob Saget also host America’s Funniest Home Videos?
Yes, he was the original host from 1989 to 1997.
3. Was Bob Saget’s stand-up comedy family-friendly?
No, his stand-up was known for being edgy and adult-themed, quite different from his TV persona.
4. What caused Bob Saget’s death?
He passed away in 2022 due to accidental head trauma.
5. Was Bob Saget involved in charity work?
Yes, he was a major advocate for scleroderma research in honor of his late sister.
