Bob Saget, the beloved actor and comedian best known for his roles in Full House, Fuller House, America’s Funniest Home Videos, and How I Met Your Mother, passed away unexpectedly on January 9, 2022, at the age of 65.
His death shocked and saddened millions of fans, friends, and family members, who remembered him as a kind, generous, and hilarious person who brought joy and laughter to the world. But what was the cause of his death? Did he have cancer or any other underlying health condition? Here is what we know so far.
Did Bob Saget have cancer?
There is no evidence that Bob had cancer at the time of his death, or at any point in his life. He never publicly disclosed any diagnosis or treatment for cancer, and his family did not mention any history of cancer in their statements.
Saget did have Covid-19 in December 2021, according to a source close to him, but he had recovered and tested negative before resuming his comedy tour in January 2022. He also had a gangrenous appendix removed when he was 22 years old, which he said almost killed him and changed his perspective on life. However, neither of these conditions are related to cancer, and there is no indication that Saget had any other chronic or terminal illnesses.
The Discovery of His Body
Saget was found dead in his hotel room at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, in Florida, where he was staying as part of his “I Don’t Do Negative” comedy tour. He had performed a two-hour show at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall the night before, and he seemed to be in good spirits and health.
He even posted a photo on Instagram with the caption: “Love tonight’s show at @pontevedra_concerthall. Appreciate you all so much. Thank you for coming. I had no idea I did a 2 hr set tonight. I’m back in comedy like I was when I was 26. I guess I’m finding my new voice, and loving every moment of it. And I love you all.”
According to a police report, Bob Saget was found “unresponsive and not breathing” during a wellness check conducted after he failed to check out of his hotel room and his family was unable to reach him. Saget was discovered “in a supine [face upward] position on his bed. His left arm was across his chest while his right arm was resting on the bed. No signs of trauma were seen,” according to the report. He was already “cold to the touch, yellow and clammy.” The police also noted that there were no signs of foul play, drug use, or suicide at the scene.
The Autopsy Results
The chief medical examiner for Orange and Osceola counties, Dr. Joshua Stephany, performed an autopsy on Saget’s body on January 10, 2022, and released a preliminary report that stated: “There is no evidence of drug use or foul play.” He also said that the final cause and manner of death would be determined after further tests, including toxicology, histology, and a respiratory pathogen panel.
A month later, on February 10, 2022, Dr. Stephany released the final autopsy report, which revealed that Saget died from blunt head trauma, most likely incurred from an unwitnessed fall. He said that the manner of death was an accident and that a toxicology analysis did not reveal any illicit drugs or toxins in Saget’s system.
The autopsy report showed that Saget had several injuries to his head and brain, including:
- An abrasion on his scalp
- A fracture at the base of his skull
- Fractures around his eye sockets
- Bleeding between the brain and tissue covering the brain
- Bruises to the brain
Dr. Stephany explained that Saget had probably fallen backward and hit the back of his head on something, such as a nightstand, a wall, or the floor. He said that Saget might have been unconscious or disoriented after the fall, and that he might have gone to sleep without realizing the severity of his injury. He also said that Saget could have died within minutes or hours after the fall, depending on the extent of the bleeding and swelling in his brain.
The Family’s Statement
Bob Saget’s family, including his wife Kelly Rizzo and his three daughters from his previous marriage, released a statement on February 10, 2022, confirming the cause of his death and expressing their gratitude for the support they received. They said:
“The authorities have determined that Bob passed from head trauma. They have concluded that he accidentally hit the back of his head on something, thought nothing of it and went to sleep. No drugs or alcohol were involved. As we continue to mourn together, we ask everyone to remember the love and laughter that Bob brought to this world, and the lessons he taught us all: to be kind to everyone, to let the people you love know you love them, and to face difficult times with hugs and laughter. He had the biggest heart of anyone we’d ever known. He put everybody first. He did everything for everybody.”
Saget’s wife, Kelly Rizzo, also spoke to Good Morning America on January 20, 2022, and shared some of her memories of her husband. She said that he was “the most incredible human being” and that he “wanted to spread love and laughter.” She also said that he was “very healthy” and that he had no known medical issues. She said that they had plans to travel the world together and that he was looking forward to spending more time with his daughters and grandchildren. She said that she was “devastated” by his loss, but that she was trying to honor his legacy by living the way he would want her to.
The Tributes from Friends and Fans
Bob Saget’s death sparked an outpouring of tributes from his friends, colleagues, and fans, who praised his talent, generosity, and kindness. Some of the celebrities who expressed their condolences and admiration for Saget included:
- John Stamos, who played Saget’s brother-in-law Jesse Katsopolis on Full House and Fuller House. He wrote on Instagram: “I am broken. I am gutted. I am in complete and utter shock. I will never ever have another friend like him. I love you so much Bobby.”
- Candace Cameron Bure, who played Saget’s eldest daughter D.J. Tanner on Full House and Fuller House. She wrote on Instagram: “I don’t know what to say. I have no words. Bob was one of the best human beings I’ve ever known in my life. I loved him so much. I’m broken.”
- Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who played Saget’s youngest daughter Michelle Tanner on Full House. They said in a joint statement: “Bob was the most loving, compassionate, and generous man. We are deeply saddened that he is no longer with us, but know that he will continue to be by our side to guide us as gracefully as he always has.”
- Dave Coulier, who played Saget’s best friend Joey Gladstone on Full House and Fuller House. He wrote on Instagram: “My heart is broken today. Bob was one of the funniest and sweetest men I’ve ever known. He was like a brother to me. We laughed so hard together for so long. I love you, buddy.”
Saget’s fans also shared their memories and appreciation for his work on social media, using hashtags such as #RIPBobSaget, #ThankYouBob, and #FullHouseForever. Many of them posted clips and photos of his most iconic and hilarious moments, such as his stand-up comedy routines, his hosting of America’s Funniest Home Videos, his cameo in Half Baked, and his role as Danny Tanner on Full House and Fuller House. Some of them also thanked him for making them laugh during difficult times, and for being a positive and inspiring influence in their lives.
The Legacy of Bob
Bob Saget was a versatile and talented entertainer, who had a successful and diverse career spanning over four decades. He was a master of comedy, who could make people laugh with his witty and edgy humor, as well as his warm and wholesome persona. He was a versatile actor, who could play a variety of roles, from a loving and caring father on Full House and Fuller House, to a sarcastic and cynical narrator on How I Met Your Mother, to a hilarious and outrageous cameo in Half Baked.
He was also a talented director, producer, and writer, who created and starred in his own movies and shows, such as Dirty Work, Farce of the Penguins, and Surviving Suburbia. He was also a passionate philanthropist, who supported several causes and charities, especially the Scleroderma Research Foundation, which he became involved with after his sister Gay died from the disease in 1994. He hosted several fundraisers and events for the foundation, and raised millions of dollars for research and awareness.
Bob Saget was a legend of comedy, a icon of television, and a hero of humanity. He left behind a legacy of laughter, love, and kindness that will live on in the hearts and minds of his fans, friends, and family. He was a rare and precious gift to the world, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace, Bob Saget. You were one of a kind.
