Bob Saget Then and Now

Bob Saget Then

Bob Saget, born on May 17, 1956, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, displayed his comedic talents early in life, charming his kindergarten classmates and winning their affections through humor. 

This knack for making people laugh would later become a cornerstone of his career. 

At around nine years old, Saget began experimenting with filmmaking, using a Super 8 camera to create his own movies, which marked the beginning of his lifelong passion for film and entertainment.

Despite an initial interest in pursuing a career in medicine, Saget’s academic performance did not support this ambition. 

His grades suffered, particularly following his family’s relocation from Philadelphia to Encino, California, during his teenage years. 

This move disrupted his studies, but he managed to return to Philadelphia to complete his senior year of high school. 

It was during his time at Temple University that Saget truly found his calling.

Enrolling in the film program, he created a short documentary titled “Through Adam’s Eyes,” which focused on a young boy undergoing surgery to correct a genetic defect.

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The documentary was critically acclaimed and earned Saget a Student Academy Award in 1978, affirming his talent in filmmaking.

After graduating from Temple University in 1978, Saget took a significant step by enrolling in the prestigious film school at the University of Southern California (USC). 

However, his time at USC was short-lived. He left after only a few days, citing a combination of youthful arrogance and health issues. 

In an interview with the Saturday Evening Post in 1990, Saget recounted his experience, describing himself as a “cocky, overweight 22-year-old.”

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His departure from USC was precipitated by a severe health scare when he developed a gangrenous appendix, which nearly cost him his life. 

This harrowing experience profoundly affected Saget, leading to a significant personal transformation and a more humble outlook on life and his career.

Bob Saget’s journey from a young boy making films with a Super 8 camera to an award-winning filmmaker and beloved comedian highlights his resilience and passion for the arts. 

Despite the challenges and setbacks he faced, including a near-fatal health crisis, Saget’s early experiences and achievements laid the foundation for his successful career in entertainment.

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Bob Saget Acting Career

Though Bob Saget initially launched his career in stand-up comedy, tirelessly touring the country, his breakthrough came when he transitioned to television. 

Saget’s first significant exposure came with his appearance on “The Merv Griffin Show” in 1981. 

He soon moved to a brief stint on “The Morning Program” on CBS in early 1987, but it was his role as Danny Tanner on the popular sitcom “Full House” that truly made him a household name.

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“Full House” debuted in 1987 and quickly gained popularity, consistently ranking in the Nielsen Top 30 from its third season onward. 

Saget’s portrayal of Danny Tanner, a widowed father raising three daughters with the help of his brother-in-law Jesse and best friend Joey, resonated with audiences. 

The show ran for eight seasons and 192 episodes, and its popularity has persisted through syndicated reruns.

In 1989, while still working on “Full House,” Saget also took on the role of host for “America’s Funniest Home Videos” (AFV), a position he held until 1997. 

Juggling both shows during the early 1990s, Saget became a prominent figure in American television.

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In 1996, he directed the ABC television movie “For Hope,” inspired by the life story of his sister, Gay Saget, who had passed away from scleroderma three years earlier. 

This project was particularly poignant for Saget, blending his professional work with personal loss.

Saget’s career in film included directing his first feature film, “Dirty Work,” in 1998. 

Starring Norm Macdonald and Artie Lange, the film initially received negative reviews and did poorly at the box office but later became a cult favorite, partly due to Lange’s popularity on “The Howard Stern Show.”

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Saget continued to explore television with the short-lived sitcom “Raising Dad,” which aired from October 2001 to May 2002, featuring a talented cast including Kat Dennings, Brie Larson, and Jerry Adler.

In 2005, Saget became the voice of future Ted Mosby on the CBS sitcom “How I Met Your Mother,” a role he narrated until the series concluded in 2014. He also hosted the NBC game show “1 vs. 100” from 2006 to 2008. 

His 2007 HBO comedy special, “That Ain’t Right,” was dedicated to his father, who had passed away earlier that year from complications related to congestive heart failure. 

Saget’s creative ventures continued with “Farce of the Penguins,” a direct-to-DVD film he wrote, directed, and starred in, parodying the 2005 documentary “March of the Penguins.”

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During this period, Saget also appeared in four episodes of the HBO series “Entourage,” playing a parody of himself, and continued to diversify his roles in television and film. 

In June 2022, he appeared posthumously on an episode of the E! series “Welcome Home Nikki Glaser.” 

Saget’s other notable projects included the short-lived ABC sitcom “Surviving Suburbia,” which aired for one season in 2009, the A&E series “Strange Days” in 2010, and a guest-starring role on “Grandfathered,” a series starring his former “Full House” co-star John Stamos.

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Bob Saget’s extensive career showcased his versatility and enduring appeal as a comedian, actor, and filmmaker. 

From his early days in stand-up comedy to his iconic role on “Full House” and beyond, Saget’s contributions to entertainment were marked by his unique blend of humor, warmth, and personal insight.

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Bob Saget Movies

• Critical Condition (1987)
• Full Moon High (1981)
• Meet Wally Sparks (1997) 
• Half Baked (1998)
• Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd (2003)
• New York Minute (2004) 
• The Aristocrats (2005) 
• Farce of the Penguins (2007) – Carl (voice)
• The Bob Saget Roast (2008)
• Benjamin (2019) 
• For Hope (1996)
• Dirty Work (1998)
• Becoming Dick (2000)
• Farce of the Penguins (2007)
• Benjamin (2019)

Bob Saget’s Wife and Children

Bob Saget’s personal life saw significant milestones, particularly in his marriages and family life. 

He married his first wife, Sherri Kramer, in May 1982. The couple had three daughters together, fostering a family amidst Saget’s rising career in comedy and television. 

Saget often expressed deep affection and pride for his daughters, balancing his professional commitments with his role as a father.

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However, after 15 years of marriage, Saget and Kramer divorced in November 1997.

In 2018, Saget found love again with Kelly Rizzo, a food and travel blogger. 

Their relationship brought renewed joy into his life, and they married in October 2018. 

Saget and Rizzo’s marriage was marked by their mutual support and affection, often sharing their moments together on social media, reflecting a loving partnership. 

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They remained married until Saget’s sudden passing in January 2022.

Saget’s relationships and family life were integral to his identity, influencing his work and personal reflections. 

His role as a father and husband, coupled with his professional achievements, painted a picture of a man dedicated to both his family and his craft. 

Despite the challenges and changes in his personal life, Saget maintained strong connections with his loved ones, which was a testament to his character and resilience.

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Bob Saget Now

As of January 2022, Bob Saget has passed away. He was found unresponsive in his hotel room at the Ritz-Carlton in Orlando, Florida, on January 9, 2022, and was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The cause of death was later determined to be head trauma, likely due to an accidental fall. 

His sudden death at the age of 65 was a shock to many fans and colleagues, as he had been actively touring with his stand-up comedy and seemed in good health.

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Bob Saget’s legacy remains strong, characterized by his versatile career in entertainment. 

He is best remembered for his iconic role as Danny Tanner on “Full House,” his hosting of “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” and his voice work on “How I Met Your Mother.” 

His work in television and film, coupled with his stand-up comedy, made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

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Saget’s impact extends beyond his professional achievements. He was known for his warmth, kindness, and dedication to his family and friends. 

His work raising awareness and funds for scleroderma research, inspired by his sister Gay’s battle with the disease, demonstrated his commitment to meaningful causes.

In the wake of his death, tributes poured in from fans, colleagues, and friends, celebrating his humor, talent, and generous spirit. 

Saget’s influence continues through his body of work, his philanthropic efforts, and the fond memories held by those who knew and loved him.

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