Howie Mandelis paying tribute to his friend and fellow comedianBob Saget.
On Sunday evening, shortly after news of Saget’sdeathbroke, Mandel, 66, penned a tribute to the late television star in a statement shared onInstagram.
“I’m shocked at such a loss . I truly loved this man,” Mandel wrote alongside a photo of him and Saget.
“I met him 40 years ago doing standup in Toronto. We both continued to have very busy lives and didn’t get together much. The thing about bob was,as little as we were able to connect, each time we did ,was so precious to me,” he continued. “We would talk about life family and all the the things that were so much more important than show business.”
Noting that he doesn’t “know anyone with a bigger heart,” Mandel added, “He’d show up every time I asked and gave of himself so much more than expected. He suffered great loss in his life with the passing of his sisters parents and friends . This was always handled with such ,grace humor ,and class.”
Trae Patton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images; Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
“The laughter and joy he gave the world was paled in comparison to the time and dedication he gave to family ,friends ,and charities such as scleroderma. He was just here doing what he loved . This is beyond comprehension. I just need to cry,” the comedian concluded. “I love you Bob.”
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On Sunday, Saget was found dead in his hotel room at the Ritz-Carlton in Orlando following a performance in Jacksonville, Fla., on Saturday night.TMZwas first to break the news. He was 65.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Saget’s death on Sunday after deputies were called just after 4 p.m. local time. “Earlier today, deputies were called to the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes for a call about an unresponsive man in a hotel room. The man was identified as Robert Saget and pronounced deceased on scene. Detectives found no signs of foul play or drug use in this case,” the Florida law enforcement wrote onTwitter.
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Philadelphia-born Saget was most famous for his role as Danny Tanner on the sitcomFull Housein the ’80s and ’90s. His other notable credits included the rebootFuller House,How I Met Your Mother, andAmerica’s Funniest Home Videos, as well as his many years doing standup.
Saget leaves behind wife Kelly Rizzo and his three daughters — Aubrey, Lara, and Jennifer — whom he shares with first wife Sherri Kramer.
Alongside Mandel, other celebrities — who are both fans and friends — are mourning his passing in anoutpouring of heartfelt tributesshared on social media.
“BOB … it was great to know you … Oh are you going to make God blush,“Henry Winklertweeted.
“I’m stunned beyond belief – @bobsaget has died,“Dane Cookwrote. “I’m confused and sad here… I just spoke with him a couple days ago and we just had the most beautiful podcast chat over the holidays. I loved him. I can not believe this.”
Added Joel McHale in hisown statement: “I’m so shocked at @bobsaget’s passing. One of the most kind & thoughtful people I’ve ever come across & he just happened to be one of the funniest on the planet. I will miss you so much Bob. Love you dear friend. I’m so sorry @kellyrizzo. And so sorry to the rest of the family.”
source: people.com
