Bob Newhart Show: Bob Newhart, Geat Famous Comedian, Dies at 94

Bob Newhart, the quiet and funny man who started as an accountant and became a famous TV star (Bob Newhart Show), has died at 94. His publicist, Jerry Digney, said Newhart died in Los Angeles on Thursday after several short illnesses.

First TV Show/Bob Newhart Show

At first, Newhart was hesitant to do a weekly TV show because he worried it might overexpose his material. Despite his concerns, he agreed to do “The Bob Newhart Show,” which premiered on October 11, 1961. The show won awards but was canceled after one season, something Newhart joked about for years.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Newhart became known in the late 1950s as a stand-up comedian. He gained national fame with his comedy album, “The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart,” in 1960, which won a Grammy Award. Unlike other comedians who were loud and aggressive, Newhart’s humor was gentle and low-key. He often used a telephone as his only prop to pretend he was talking to someone on the other end.

Success with Sitcoms

He returned to TV with another “Bob Newhart Show” in 1972, playing a Chicago psychologist. This show was very popular and ran until 1978. Four years later, Newhart starred in “Newhart,” where he played a writer running an inn in Vermont. This show also did well and lasted eight seasons, ending in 1990 with a famous finale that revealed the entire series was a dream.

Personal Life

Newhart married Virginia Quinn in 1964 and stayed with her until her death in 2023. They had four children: Robert, Timothy, Jennifer, and Courtney. He was good friends with fellow comedian Don Rickles, despite their different styles of humor.

Later TV Shows and Roles

Newhart’s later TV series, “Bob” (1992-93) and “George & Leo” (1997-98), were less successful. He won his only Emmy for a guest role on “The Big Bang Theory.” Newhart also acted in movies like “Catch 22,” “In and Out,” “Legally Blonde 2,” and “Elf.” His recent work included “Horrible Bosses,” “The Librarians,” and “Young Sheldon.”

TV Appearances and Awards

Over the years, Newhart made many TV appearances and performed at various venues, although he disliked performing in clubs because of the heckling. In 2004, he was nominated for another Emmy for his role in “E.R.” In 2007, the Library of Congress added his first album to its registry of significant sound recordings.