S Poddar
Bob Newhart, the beloved comedian known for his deadpan humor and iconic roles in classic sitcoms, passed away on Thursday at the age of 94. His publicist, Jerry Digney, confirmed that Newhart died at his Los Angeles home after a brief illness.
Newhart, a Chicago native, first gained fame in the 1960s with his unique observational humor. His debut album, “The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart,” recorded in Houston, earned him Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Album of the Year in 1961.
Originally an accountant, Newhart gave himself a year to succeed in comedy in 1959. His career took off when his album topped the sales charts, making it the first comedy album to achieve such success.
He dominated television comedy with two beloved shows. “The Bob Newhart Show,” which aired from 1972 to 1978, featured Newhart as a perplexed psychologist in Chicago and became a cultural touchstone. His follow-up series, “Newhart,” aired from 1982 to 1990 and ended with a famously memorable finale, revealing the entire series as a dream of his previous show’s character.
Although Newhart was nominated for several Emmys throughout his career, he did not win until 2013 for his guest role as Arthur Jeffries on “The Big Bang Theory.” He also endeared himself to younger audiences as Papa Elf in the 2003 holiday film “Elf.”
Mayim Bialik, who worked with Newhart on “The Big Bang Theory,” expressed her admiration: “The Bob Newhart Show was a significant part of my early sitcom education. Working with him on TBBT was a dream come true. He was professional, hilarious, and incredibly approachable, truly a comedy legend.”
Newhart’s groundbreaking comedy style in the 1960s shifted away from vaudeville and Borscht Belt traditions, favoring observational and psychological humor. His debut album was the first comedy record to top the Billboard charts, a record matched again only by Guns N’ Roses in 1991.
In addition to his television work, Newhart appeared in films such as “In & Out” and “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde.” He continued to perform stand-up into his 70s, delighting audiences with about 30 shows a year as of 2006.
Reflecting on his career, Newhart once said, “Comedy has given me a wonderful life. The sound of laughter is one of the great sounds of the world.”
Tributes poured in from many admirers. Carol Burnett, who worked with Newhart on her show, remembered him fondly: “He was as kind and nice as he was funny. He will be missed.” Judd Apatow, who co-directed a documentary about Newhart and Don Rickles, expressed his gratitude for the time spent with his hero: “His brilliant comedy and gentle spirit made everyone he encountered so happy.”
Bob Newhart leaves behind a legacy of laughter and joy that will continue to inspire generations.
