Bob Saget’s life and legacy was honored on Sunday, five months after his unexpected death.
His longtime friend andFull HousecostarJohn Stamoswas on hand at the Fairmont Century Plaza to present the honor, a career achievement trophy given for performers with a long legacy of accomplishment in nonfiction, unscripted and reality television. Saget’s widow,Kelly Rizzo, accepted the award on behalf of her late husband, whodied on Jan. 9 at age 65.
On the red carpet, Rizzo spoke to PEOPLE about how proud the honor would have made him, praising his work as host ofAmerica’s Funniest Home Videos.
“It’s just so special to be here to honor him, but also still so weird and surreal at the fact that he’s not here,” she added. “This is the first red carpet I’ve done without him. It’s very strange. I feel like he’s waiting in the wings and he’ll be like, ‘Honey, I’ll be there in a few minutes.’ It still doesn’t feel right, but all we can do is our best and be here to celebrate him and his legacy. That’s all I want to do.”
“Bob’s incredible daughters and I are so honored to be able to accept this on Bob’s behalf. And this is very bittersweet, because this is just still… It’s so surreal,” Rizzo, 43, also said, pointing to a video package of Saget’s career that played before she took the stage. “You watch that, and you look at him, and you’re like, ‘Bob was larger than life.’ He was so full of life. He was a force of nature. And you watch that, and you’re like, ‘How is he not the one that’s on the stage right now?’ It still doesn’t make sense. It still doesn’t really compute.”
Stamos, in his speech, talked about Saget’s lasting legacy on both the industry and his own personal life.
He also joked about how Saget would feel about the honor.
“It’s so interesting for this to come so full circle,” Rizzo told PEOPLE on Sunday. “I remember that like it was yesterday when he hosted these awards. It’s very special to see him recognized for his body of work in general, but then something that is a little bit off the beaten path from what you would typically consider him as just actor, comedian.”
Other accomplishments of Saget’s included becoming a Grammy-nominated standup comedian, directing and producing films and television movies, authoring aNew York Timesbest-selling book, starring in Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, and hosting a podcast.
The cast of Full House.Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Saget died following a standup performance at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall in Orlando, Florida. An autopsy later revealed he haddied from head traumaconsistent with some kind of fall.
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In the weeks and months following theFull Housestar’s death,loved ones continued to pay tributeto the late comedian on social media, remembering him for his ability to make everyone feel special and loved, amongst other notable qualities.
Bob Saget.James Brickwood/getty
On May 17,what would have been Saget’s 66th birthday, Rizzo and Stamos both honored Saget with touching tributes on social media.
“These pictures and videos were taken exactly 1 year ago in Mexico. We always celebrated our birthdays together with a trip,” Rizzo, who married Saget in 2018, wrote in her post. “This last trip was so special. We both celebrated each other so big. You never know when something is going to be ‘the last’ time. But I’m so grateful that he was showered with all of the love he deserves.”
“I pray he can see all of the love he’s already getting from around the world today. Honey, everyone loves you so damn much,” she continued. “You are one of a kind and you certainly made my world go ‘round. I love you more than anything and miss you every minute.”
Sunday’s award presentation took place two days after Netflix releasedDirty Daddy: The Bob Saget Tribute,a celebration of life for Saget, whichwas filmed three weeksafter he died. Rizzo and Stamos were among the stars whomade appearances on the Netflix comedy tributespecial.
Scott Huver
source: people.com
