Bob Saget | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : January 30, 2025

Who is Bob Saget?

Bob Saget was an influential American actor, comedian, and television host, best known for his role as Danny Tanner on the beloved family sitcom "Full House," which premiered in 1987. Born on May 17, 1956, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Saget’s comedic talent was evident from a young age. He initially pursued a career in medicine but switched to film and comedy after discovering his passion for performance. Saget graduated from Temple University, where he won a Student Academy Award for his documentary work. His early television career included a brief stint on "The Morning Program," but it was his role on "Full House" that made him a household name.

In addition to his iconic role on "Full House," Bob Saget hosted "America's Funniest Home Videos" starting in 1990. This combination of wholesome family entertainment solidified his place in television history. Following the cancellation of "Full House" in 1995, Saget sought to diversify his career, returning to stand-up comedy and taking on edgier roles, including his participation in the documentary "The Aristocrats." He continued to work in television and film, showcasing his versatility as a performer, notably serving as the narrator for "How I Met Your Mother." Despite his comedic background, Saget was also known for tackling serious topics, such as in the film "For Hope," which was inspired by his late sister battling scleroderma.

Bob Saget's career spanned decades, with a mix of television, film, and comedy projects that earned him a dedicated fanbase. His return to "Full House" in the reboot "Fuller House" and his stand-up specials highlighted his continual relevance in the entertainment industry. Tragically, Saget passed away on January 9, 2022, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and a deep connection to audiences who grew up with his warmth and humor. His impact on television and comedy continues to be celebrated by fans and peers alike.

Early Life and Education

Bob Saget was born on May 17, 1956, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His comedic talents were evident from a young age when he began entertaining his classmates with jokes, often earning kisses from girls in kindergarten. The family relocated to Encino, California, when Saget was a teenager, which affected his academic performance. Ultimately, he returned to Philadelphia for his senior year, where he focused on film and comedy, shaping his future career.

Saget attended Temple University, where he pursued a degree in film. His passion led him to create a short documentary entitled "Through Adam's Eyes", which depicted a boy undergoing surgery for a genetic defect. This film garnered critical acclaim, earning Saget a Student Academy Award in 1978. Though he briefly attended the prestigious film school at the University of Southern California, he left after a few days, realizing that he needed to forge his own path in comedy and filmmaking.

Aspiring Comic and Career Start

Bob Saget's journey into the world of comedy began in Los Angeles, where he harnessed his natural talent to develop a unique stand-up routine. He spent years performing in comedy clubs, honing his craft and establishing himself within the comedy community. During this formative period, Saget formed strong friendships with fellow comedians like Gary Shandling and Dave Coulier, all while driven by an intense desire to succeed—often describing himself as a "triple-A personality." His relentless pursuit of a breakthrough led him to numerous small roles in both television and film, setting the stage for his future successes.

Saget’s big break, however, came in 1987 when he joined CBS's The Morning Program as a co-host. His comedic style, combined with his engaging personality, made him a notable presence. Nevertheless, his tenure on the morning show was short-lived, as he was deemed too "hot" for the format by network affiliates. Despite this setback, Saget quickly transitioned to a more auspicious role, landing the iconic character Danny Tanner on the hit sitcom Full House. This role catapulted him to fame, solidifying his place in television history as a beloved television dad.

Full House and America's Funniest Home Videos Success

Bob Saget rose to fame as a beloved sitcom star through his iconic role as Danny Tanner on the family series "Full House," which aired from 1987 to 1995. His character, a widowed father of three, resonated with audiences, offering a blend of warmth and humor amidst the challenges of parenting. The show became a staple of American television, celebrated for its heartwarming moments and comedic interactions among family members. Saget's portrayal not only solidified his place in television history but also endeared him to several generations of viewers, making him synonymous with the quintessential "TV dad."

In addition to his role in "Full House," Saget's success continued as the host of "America's Funniest Home Videos," beginning in 1990. This innovative program invited viewers to submit their humorous home videos, and Saget's comedic timing and unique commentary added to the show's charm. It quickly became a ratings success, dominating the airwaves and drawing in substantial audiences week after week. Through this dual success, Saget became a household name, balancing a family-friendly persona with his stand-up comedy roots that often ventured into edgier territory, showcasing his versatility as a performer.

Later Roles in Comedy and Television

Bob Saget's later career showcased his versatility and willingness to embrace a broader range of comedic material. In 2001, he took on the leading role in "Raising Dad," where he played a widowed English teacher and father of two teenage girls. This marked a shift from his iconic Danny Tanner character to a more modern and relatable persona. Although the show received mixed reviews and was canceled after one season, Saget continued to pursue diverse opportunities. In 2005, he appeared in "The Aristocrats," a documentary that explored a notoriously vulgar joke, highlighting his raunchier comedic side.

Saget’s return to television also included his narration role in the popular sitcom "How I Met Your Mother." His comedic talents were further showcased through a memorable guest appearance on "Entourage," where he parodied his own celebrity persona as a laid-back, divorced man. In addition to acting, Saget continued to perform stand-up comedy, releasing his special "Bob Saget: That Ain't Right" in 2007, which displayed his famed edgy humor. He also starred in the Broadway musical "The Drowsy Chaperone," proving his capabilities extended beyond just television and stand-up.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Bob Saget married his high school sweetheart, Sherri Kramer, in 1983. Their relationship had blossomed from a young age, as they had been dating since their teenage years. Together, they welcomed three daughters: twins Natasha and Jennifer, born in 1989, and Aubrey, born in 1992. Saget often spoke fondly of fatherhood, emphasizing the joy and challenges of raising his daughters. Despite their strong family bond, the couple's marriage faced difficulties, and they eventually separated in 1997.

Following his divorce, Saget remained an active and devoted father. He frequently shared stories about his love for his daughters, often using his experiences as a basis for his stand-up comedy routines. Bob maintained a close relationship with his children throughout his life, emphasizing the importance of family. His dedication to fatherhood was evident in both his personal life and public appearances, reflecting his commitment to being there for his daughters as they grew up.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary and Assets

Bob Saget, known for his iconic roles on television, built a substantial career that contributed significantly to his net worth. At the time of his passing, his net worth was estimated to be around $50 million. This impressive figure was the result of diverse income streams, including his tenure on sitcoms like "Full House" and its reboot "Fuller House," where he earned a substantial salary per episode. Additionally, his role as the host of "America's Funniest Home Videos" boosted his earnings significantly during the show's peak popularity in the 1990s.

In addition to his television career, Saget found success in stand-up comedy and film, with performances that frequently showcased his edgy humor. He earned significant revenue from touring and stand-up specials, enhancing his income further. Furthermore, his ventures into directing, especially with meaningful projects like "For Hope," underscored his multifaceted talent and contributed to his financial success. Beyond his entertainment career, Saget's real estate investments and entrepreneurial endeavors played a vital role in growing his assets and solidifying his financial legacy in the entertainment industry.