John Stamos has revealed how his late Full House co-star Bob Saget became his “angel” during one of the darkest periods of his life – recalling how the comedian appeared at his hospital bedside following a drink-driving arrest that led him to seek treatment for alcohol addiction.
The 63-year-old actor paid tribute to Bob, who died in 2022 aged 65, while accepting the Bob Saget Legacy Award at the Scleroderma Research Foundation’s Cool Comedy – Hot Cuisine fundraiser at the Beverly Wilshire hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on Tuesday (13.10.26.)
John, who played Jesse Katsopolis opposite Bob’s Danny Tanner in the hit American sitcom, described how his friend supported him after his arrest in 2015 and remained a constant presence through personal bereavements and his subsequent recovery.
The actor told the audience: “There are a lot of things you don’t get anymore when you lose someone like Bob Saget.”
He added: “I know that sounds simple, but he didn’t just love people. He made absolute sure that they knew it, whether they wanted to know it or not.”
The actor then recalled the night he was arrested for driving under the influence while travelling to meet Bob at a restaurant in Los Angeles.
John said: “And in 2015, I was at the lowest point in my life. One night I was on my way to meet Bob at the Palm and I got arrested for a DUI and I ended up in the hospital. And when I woke up, I saw a bright light and there was a figure standing over me.”
He continued: “And for a second I thought I died. I thought it was heaven and it was God. I started to focus and it wasn’t God, it was Bob. And knowing Bob the way I do, I immediately checked to see if my zipper was down.”
The remark prompted a moment of humour in a speech that also addressed John's struggles with addiction and the support he received from his longtime friend.
John said: “But that night Bob was as close to an angel as I’ve ever known. No judgment, no lecture, just concern and love.”
He added: “He showed up and he loved me. That’s who Bob was.”
John entered a 30-day substance abuse treatment programme in July 2015, following the arrest.
He later discussed his alcohol addiction, treatment and recovery in his memoir, If You Would Have Told Me, which was published in 2023.
The actor also spoke about Bob's support during other difficult periods, including the deaths of his parents.
John said: “He was there when my life fell apart and he was there when my life finally came back together.”
The tribute to Bob took place at an event supporting research into scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease that can cause hardening and tightening of the skin and damage to internal organs.
Bob had been a longstanding supporter of the Scleroderma Research Foundation after his sister, Gay Saget, died from systemic scleroderma in 1994 at the age of 47.
The comedian helped raise awareness and funds for research into the condition, becoming closely associated with the foundation's annual comedy fundraiser.
John's tribute was attended by several former Full House cast members, including Candace Cameron Bure, 50, Lori Loughlin, 62, and Jodie Sweetin, 44, who joined him on the red carpet.
The actors starred together in the ABC sitcom, which ran from 1987 until 1995 and followed widowed father Danny Tanner as he raised his three daughters with help from his brother-in-law Jesse and best friend Joey Gladstone.
Bob played Danny, while John became one of the show's most recognisable performers as Elvis Presley-loving musician Jesse, whose relationship with Rebecca Donaldson, played by Lori, became a central storyline.
Candace portrayed eldest daughter DJ Tanner, while Jodie played her younger sister Stephanie.
The sitcom became an international television success and later inspired Netflix's revival Fuller House, which ran from 2016 to 2020.
John reprised his role as Jesse in the sequel, appearing alongside several members of the original cast.
Bob's death in January 2022 prompted tributes from his former colleagues and friends across the entertainment industry.
The comedian was found dead in a hotel room in Orlando, Florida, after performing a stand-up show. Authorities subsequently determined that his death resulted from accidental blunt head trauma.
Alongside Full House, Bob was widely known for hosting America's Funniest Home Videos and for his stand-up comedy career.
He also provided the voice of the older Ted Mosby, narrating the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother.
John, meanwhile, has continued working in television following his success on Full House, with credits including ER, Glee, Scream Queens and Disney+'s basketball drama Big Shot.
He has also appeared in the Netflix psychological thriller You and continued performing as a musician, including appearances with the Beach Boys.