Ronny Chieng pays tribute to the late comedian Bob Saget
Actor and comedian Ronny Chieng has expressed his deep condolences in an Instagram post to the passing of fellow comedian Bob Saget, who died earlier this morning.
Saget was known for his role as a widower in sitcom Full House and as the host of America's Funniest Home Videos. His death caused an outpouring of reactions from friends and co-stars.
The comedian was found dead in a hotel on Sunday at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, according to a statement from the Orange County Sheriff's Office. He was 65 years old.
In his Instagram post, Chieng posted a screenshot of congratulations from Saget, who had DM'ed Chieng last December exclaiming how much he loved Chieng in the Marvel movie Shang-Chi.
The Crazy Rich Asians actor also wrote in his post that he first opened for Saget in 2014 and excitedly emailed his parents who were 'thrilled that I was working with someone we used to watch together on TV when we lived in America'.
Chieng also remembered how Saget turned up backstage to reassure the novice comedian and was able to put him at ease.
"When I got to the venue, the call sheet before the show specified 'No dirty material'. I got worried because all I had was swear words. But when Bob showed up backstage he said, 'Say whatever you want!'"
He made the world a much better place, not just with his comedy but with his sincere love for others. Love you Bob. Thank you for everything.Ronny Chieng
Chieng would then go on to meet the celebrated comedian again in 2015 when Saget invited Chieng to watch him on Broadway performing in Hand To God, where they took a wefie that Chieng shared in his Instagram post.
Chieng spoke glowingly of Saget as a 'legendary stand-up comedian who worked with all the greats', and would regularly send him messages of encouragement. He also continued to remain 'kind and hilarious' each and every time the two bumped into each other at comedy events.
"He loved the art form and always took the time to personally encourage and complement all the younger comedians who were lucky enough to cross his path," wrote Chieng.
"Peer recognition is the biggest driving motivator for all real stand-up comedians. And for this American comedy legend to go out of his way to connect with and support this young Malaysian kid whom he had absolutely nothing common with other than an insane obsession with telling jokes on stage is a testament to how big Bob’s heart was."
"He made the world a much better place, not just with his comedy but with his sincere love for others. Love you Bob. Thank you for everything."
Get more TV and movie news from Yahoo Life on our Entertainment page.
