Bob Newhart has passed away at the age of 94. The comedy icon was a legend as a stand-up and on screen, breaking out in the 1960s and continuing to work on recent shows like Young Sheldon.
It's these more recent roles that Newhart is going to be most remembered for by many viewers my age and younger. For us he'll always be kindly Papa Elf in the Christmas movie classic Elf, the tired TV scientist Arthur Jeffries/Professor Proton in The Big Bang Theory, a role which he reprised in Young Sheldon, and (in case you didn’t know) as the voice of Bernard in the Disney animated classic The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under.
While we can fondly remember and revisit the work that we know Newhart for, his passing is also a great opportunity to explore some of his past work, and arguably his most iconic. Namely, the two TV series that he headlined in the 70s and 80s: The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart.
Both series are available to watch online. The Bob Newhart Show is available to rent via digital on-demand platforms, but it is easier to watch Newhart, as all eight seasons of the show are available to stream right now on Prime Video in the US.
The Bob Newhart Show, which aired for seven seasons from 1972-1978, saw the comedian play Dr. Robert "Bob" Hartley, a psychologist, with episodes dealing with his various professional and personal misadventures as with patients, friends and family. In addition to Newhart, the series starred Suzanne Pleshette, Bill Daily, Marcia Wallace, Peter Bonerz and Jack Riley. It was nominated for four Primetime Emmys over its run, though it didn't win any.
Four years after the end of The Bob Newhart Show, Newhart began its run of eight seasons from 1982-1990. This time, Newhart (the man) played Dick Loudon, an author-turned innkeeper who again had to deal with his family and guests. Joining Newhart this time were Mary Frann, Tom Poston, Julia Duffy and Peter Scolari. Newhart (the show) earned 25 Primetime Emmy nominations over its run, but again, it never took home an award.
(Don't feel bad for Newhart, the shows were beloved and he did earn his Emmy eventually for one of his guest spots on The Big Bang Theory.)
Here's to a great life and plenty of memorable work that will keep Newhart in our hearts and on our screens for many years to come.
Read some of the thoughts and condolences given for Newhart from his peers and admirers in the entertainment industry right here:
Every time I met Bob Newhart, he was EXACTLY Bob Newhart: witty, graceful, low-key, and friendly. We often talk about how someone lights up a room when they enter, but Bob Newhart had an essence that was equally impressive: when he exited a room, he left everyone smiling. pic.twitter.com/5rYO6FuSP4July 18, 2024
Bob Newhart was a giant, a genius, and a great guy. I’ll always remember when he hosted SNL and did a stellar show. He was, as you might expect, a joy to work with. May his memory be a blessing. https://t.co/5EUfsdR37gJuly 18, 2024
Bob Newhart was the kindest most hilarious man. He asked me to make a documentary about his friendship with Don Rickles. I was so lucky to get to spend that time with my hero. His brilliant comedy and gentle spirit made everyone he encountered so happy. "Bob and Don: A…July 18, 2024
Such a loss! One of my first jobs in LA was the old Bob Newhart Show, directed by Dick Martin, of Rowan & Martin. What a joy to work with that group! Bob was so kind & such a doll, and always so gracious whenever I ran into him over these decades. A real One-Of-A-Kind! A loss… https://t.co/FyF8ozv11GJuly 18, 2024
And we lose another comedy legend. I had the honor of doing a guest role on Newhart & got to spend the week listening to the great Bob Newhart making us all laugh. A brilliant standup & comedic actor, he was truly one of a kind. His legacy will live on. https://t.co/dxGXnLoPYxJuly 18, 2024
