Bob Newhart, the revered US comedian and star of classic sitcoms known for his deadpan delivery, died on Thursday at the age of 94. Newhart, a Chicago native, passed away at his home in Los Angeles after a period of short illnesses, confirmed his publicist, Jerry Digney.
Early Career and Breakthrough- Bob Newhart
Born on September 5, 1929, in Oak Park, Illinois, George Robert Newhart initially worked as an accountant before venturing into comedy. His observational humor and droll delivery quickly earned him fame in the 1960s. Newhart’s breakthrough album, The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart, recorded over several days in Houston, won Grammys for Best New Artist and Album of the Year in 1961, becoming the first comedy album to top the Billboard charts.
Iconic Sitcoms
Newhart dominated the sitcom landscape for nearly two decades with two beloved TV shows. The Bob Newhart Show, which aired on CBS from 1972 to 1978, featured him as a befuddled psychologist in Chicago and became one of the most popular sitcoms of all time. His follow-up, Newhart, ran from 1982 to 1990 and starred him as an author who opens a rural inn in Vermont. The show’s finale is considered one of TV’s best, with Newhart’s character waking up next to his wife from The Bob Newhart Show, suggesting the entire second series was a dream.
Later Career and Legacy
Newhart was nominated for several Emmys for his TV work, finally winning one in 2013 for guest-starring as Arthur Jeffries on CBS’s The Big Bang Theory. He is also famous to younger audiences as Papa Elf in the 2003 holiday comedy Elf. In his later years, Newhart took on feature film roles in In & Out and Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde, and continued performing standup into his 70s.
Newhart’s contributions to comedy were widely recognized. He was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Hall of Fame in 1993 and received the Mark Twain Prize for Humor from the Kennedy Center in 2002. His debut album, The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart, was chosen for the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry in 2007.
Tributes from Peers and Fans
Newhart’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from his peers and fans. Mayim Bialik, who worked with him on The Big Bang Theory, expressed her admiration, calling it a dream come true. Carol Burnett, who worked with Newhart on The Carol Burnett Show, remembered him as kind and funny. Judd Apatow, who co-directed Bob and Don: A Love Story about Newhart’s friendship with Don Rickles, praised his comedy and gentle spirit. Other notable figures like Jamie Lee Curtis and Bill Prady also paid their respects, highlighting Newhart’s profound impact on the comedy world.
Personal Life
Newhart’s wife, Ginnie, whom he married in 1963, passed away last year at the age of 82. He is survived by his four children, Robert, Timothy, Courtney, and Jennifer, and 10 grandchildren.
Bob Newhart’s career, marked by a unique blend of humor and heart, leaves a lasting legacy in the world of comedy. His timeless work continues to bring joy to audiences, ensuring his influence endures for generations to come.
