Ashley And Mary-Kate Olsen's Statement On Bob Saget's Death Is Deeply Touching
When news broke that beloved actor and comedian Bob Saget had tragically died, everyone instantly thought it was a hoax. While the rest of world was holding on to the last bit of hope, police confirmed the man who was found unresponsive in his hotel room at the Ritz-Carlton in Orlando was indeed the 65-year-old. Fans and friends immediately flooded social media with their condolences.
Saget — widely known for his role as Danny Tanner on "Full House" — was everyone's favorite TV dad in the late 80s and early 90s. For eight years, Saget brought lots of love and laughter to our homes as he raised his on-screen daughters D.J., Stephanie, and Michelle — with the help of his unique family. Candace Cameron Bure, Jodie Sweetin, and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were the four fiery girls who played Saget's TV daughters on the show. The cast not only had great chemistry on-air, but also shared a special connection when the cameras weren't rolling. Saget often gushed about his "daughters" explaining, "They've all been there for me in a big way when I've gone through hard stuff" during an interview on the "Inside of You With Michael Rosenbaum" podcast.
Therefore, his shocking and untimely death deeply affected his on-screen family beyond measure — including the Olsen twins.
Bob Saget and the Olsen twins shared a special connection on and off air
Mary-Kate and Ashely Olsen shared a special love for their TV dad Bob Saget throughout the years and described him as "the most loving, compassionate and generous man" in a statement obtained by ABC News. Although the Olsens live a private life and in 2016 chose not to revive their joint role as Michelle on Netflix's reboot "Fuller House," their relationship with Saget remained the same. "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. We are thinking of his daughters, wife, and family and are sending our condolences," the sisters added.
The former host of "America's Funniest Home Videos" was always open about how much he truly cared for the twins. "Ashley and Mary-Kate, I love so much. When I'm in New York or when they're here, when we can, we see each other," he said during an appearance on the "Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum" podcast (via E! News) in February 2021. From the moment the Olsens first appeared on television, they were naturals when it came to acting. Saget recently revealed during an interview with Build Series that the two helped him remember his lines on the show. "Ashley and Mary-Kate gave me my lines on 'Full House.' Really. They were a quick study at three."
While his cause of death remains undetermined, the Orange County Sheriff's Office says detectives "found no signs of foul play or drug use in this case." Saget was known for his vibrant personality, and his legacy as one of the best actors and comedians will forever be remembered.
Bob Saget's friend confirms he adored the twins
Not that there was any question about it, but Bob Saget's friend and fellow comedian — Gilbert Gottfried — confirmed the close bond with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in a January 10 interview with Entertainment Tonight. "He was very protective of the Olsen twins because he knew them since they were babies and he was with them every day for years, so he he saw himself as their father," Gottfried recalled. "He cared about them."
Case in point: When Ashley and Mary-Kate decide to forgo the "Full House" revival, Saget was very understanding of their decision. "They're not doing it and I'm just happy that they're happy," he told E! News in 2015. "I want my friends to do what they want to do...They have a whole different creative life now." He added, "I love them. I'll see them soon when I'm in New York. I'm always bothering them." The reaction echoed John Stamos, who told The Hollywood Reporter, "It has been exciting to see how they [Olsen twins] have built their professional careers, and I support their choice to focus on their fashion brands and various business endeavors."
Speaking of the reunion, when the Olsens had to decide about whether to do it all, Ashley told Women's Wear Daily, "I'm going to call [Saget] and get his perspective." It's clear the twins really valued Saget's advice — which further backs up their father-daughter bond. How sweet.