On 13 October, John Stamos was presented with the inaugural Bob Saget Legacy Award at a fundraising event for the Scleroderma Research Foundation in Los Angeles. Stamos, who shared an enduring friendship with Saget, reflected on the impact of his late friend, who passed away in January 2022 at the age of 65.
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the event, Stamos expressed a profound connection to Saget through his eight-year-old son, Billy. He conveyed his belief that Saget’s spirit continues to influence their lives. “I’ll tell you, he is really living through my son,” Stamos remarked, revealing that they had collaborated on a children’s book about hummingbirds that explores themes of spirits returning from the past. He shared with a touch of humour, “I swear to God, I see Bob and my son now all the time.”
Stamos recounted a moment that encapsulates this bond, mentioning a playful incident when Billy referred to his father’s late friend in a quirky fashion. “He’s got toilet Tourette’s. Today he came home and said, ‘Mom, Dad, poop. That’s Bob.’ So Bob is making me laugh through my son, which is really special,” Stamos added, highlighting the ongoing joy that Saget continues to bring to his family’s life.
The Bob Saget Legacy Award was established this year to pay tribute to Saget’s enduring contributions to both the entertainment industry and philanthropic endeavours, particularly his longstanding support for scleroderma research. Saget had been a significant board member of the foundation, advocating for advancements in medical research into the disease, which is characterised by the hardening of skin and connective tissues.
Reflecting on the bittersweet nature of receiving the award, Stamos shared, “It makes me sad that he’s not here giving it to me. But it’s, you know, it’s an honour.” For Stamos, the accolade holds deeper significance than many he has received throughout his career. He deemed it a personal milestone, reinforcing the importance of continuity in Saget’s legacy.
The two actors became widely known for their roles as Jesse Katsopolis and Danny Tanner, respectively, on the beloved television sitcom “Full House,” which aired from 1987 to 1995. Their bond, forged on screen, endured beyond the show with a revival, “Fuller House,” airing between 2016 and 2020. The close-knit friendship they shared, marked by mutual respect and laughter, remains a poignant aspect of Stamos’s lifetime narrative.
Stamos also took the opportunity to reflect on the nature of legacy and remembrance, stating, “People leave behind a legacy. You know, people talk about missing someone. But we never talk about really what they’ve left behind.” He acknowledged the profound impact Saget’s contributions had on the arts and the lives he touched, insisting that such a legacy was far more meaningful than merely existing in reruns.
The event served as not only a celebration of Saget’s life and achievements but also a gathering to raise vital funds for scleroderma research. Stamos’ heartfelt remarks resonated with many in attendance, as they echoed the sentiments of loss, love, and the enduring bonds of friendship.
As Stamos continues to honour his friend’s legacy and instil those values in his son, the event underscored the power of remembrance and the joy of shared experiences. The friendships formed in the world of entertainment often transcend mere professional relationships, evolving into familial ties that endure even in the face of loss.
In receiving this award, Stamos embarks on a mission to preserve and celebrate Bob Saget’s lasting influence, not only in Hollywood but in the hearts and lives of those who knew him. It remains evident that the light of Saget’s character will shine through the stories of those he left behind, inspiring the next generation, one laugh at a time.