What Happened to Robert Lane Saget?

Robert Lane Saget, born on May 17, 1956, built a multifaceted career spanning over four decades in comedy and television. He rose to prominence as the wholesome single father Danny Tanner on the hit sitcom 'Full House' (1987–1995) and its sequel 'Fuller House' (2016–2020). Concurrently, he hosted 'America's Funniest Home Videos' (1989–1997) and later narrated 'How I Met Your Mother' (2005–2014). Despite his family-friendly television persona, Saget was also known for his distinctively profane stand-up comedy, which he continued to perform throughout his career.

Tragically, Bob Saget was found dead at age 65 on January 9, 2022, in his hotel room at the Ritz-Carlton in Orlando, Florida, while on a stand-up tour. An autopsy report, released on February 9, 2022, concluded that his death was due to blunt head trauma, most likely from an accidental fall. The report detailed a fracture at the base of his skull and bleeding around the brain, indicating a significant impact. Authorities found no signs of foul play or drug use, and his family stated he likely hit his head, thought nothing of it, and went to sleep.

A significant aspect of Saget's life was his tireless advocacy for the Scleroderma Research Foundation (SRF), a cause deeply personal to him after his sister, Gay Saget, died from the disease in 1994. He joined the SRF Board of Directors in 2003 and was instrumental in organizing and hosting their 'Cool Comedy • Hot Cuisine' fundraising events, helping to raise over $25 million for research.

In the years following his death, Saget's legacy has been widely celebrated. Tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry, including his 'Full House' co-stars and close friends like John Stamos and John Mayer. In June 2022, Netflix released 'Dirty Daddy: The Bob Saget Tribute,' a special filmed at The Comedy Store. His podcast, 'Bob Saget's Here for You,' released its final episode posthumously in January 2022. In 2023, 'The Bob Saget Book: The Unpublished Writings,' a collection of his essays and drafts, was released.

As of 2026, his memory continues to be honored. On what would have been his 70th birthday in May 2026, his wife Kelly Rizzo and friends shared emotional tributes. Rizzo has also openly discussed her grief journey and the process of dating again, emphasizing that Saget's daughters gave her their blessing. His three daughters, Aubrey, Lara, and Jennifer, are all pursuing artistic careers. Furthermore, in February 2026, it was announced that Old City's 9.14 Pictures is producing a documentary about Saget, which will explore the contrast between his wholesome TV image and his raunchy stand-up. The Scleroderma Research Foundation continues its work, with the 'Cool Comedy • Hot Cuisine' event in October 2026 set to feature Jeff Ross as host and John Stamos as the recipient of the Bob Saget Legacy Award. The Bob Saget Memorial Scleroderma Research Fund remains active, supporting core research programs.