Bob Newhart, the deadpan accountant-turned-comedian who became one of the most beloved TV stars of his era, passed away at the age of 94 in Los Angeles after a series of brief illnesses, according to his publicist Jerry Digney.
Newhart, best known for his starring roles in two popular television shows during the 1970s and 1980s, began his career as a stand-up comic in the late 1950s. His big break came with the release of his 1960 comedy album, “The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart,” which won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year and catapulted him to nationwide fame.
A Unique Comedic Voice
Unlike many comedians of his time who used aggressive humor, Newhart’s style was characterized by his hesitant, stammering delivery and a prop telephone used to simulate conversations. One of his most memorable routines involved him portraying a Madison Avenue consultant advising Abraham Lincoln to stick with his speechwriters’ draft of the Gettysburg Address. Another fan-favorite skit was “Merchandising the Wright Brothers,” where he humorously persuaded the aviation pioneers to start an airline despite the short distance of their maiden flight.
Television Success
Initially hesitant to join a weekly TV series, Newhart eventually accepted an offer from NBC, leading to the debut of “The Bob Newhart Show” in 1961. Despite its critical acclaim and awards, the show was canceled after one season, a fact Newhart humorously referenced for years. He returned to TV in 1972 with another “Bob Newhart Show,” where he played a Chicago psychologist. This sitcom, which ran until 1978, was a huge success and cemented his status as a TV icon.
In 1982, Newhart starred in another hit series, “Newhart,” where he played a New York writer running a Vermont inn. The show lasted eight seasons and concluded with a memorable finale that parodied a famous “Dallas” episode.
Career Highlights and Later Years
Newhart’s career included appearances in several films, such as “Catch 22,” “In and Out,” “Legally Blonde 2,” and “Elf.” He also made guest appearances on TV shows like “The Big Bang Theory” and “Young Sheldon.” Although he never won an Emmy during his prime TV years, he finally received one for a guest role on “The Big Bang Theory.”
Newhart’s memoir, “I Shouldn’t Even Be Doing This!” became a bestseller in 2006, and he was nominated for a Grammy for his reading of the book. In 2007, his debut album was added to the Library of Congress’s registry of historically significant sound recordings.
Personal Life and Legacy
Born George Robert Newhart in Chicago, he served in the Army before starting his career in comedy. He married Virginia Quinn in 1964, and they had four children together. Newhart remained active in the entertainment industry well into his later years, making occasional TV appearances and continuing to influence new generations of comedians.
Reflecting on his career, Newhart once said, “I’ve always likened what I do to the man who is convinced that he is the last sane man on Earth … the Paul Revere of psychotics running through the town and yelling ‘This is crazy.’ But no one pays attention to him.”
Bob Newhart’s gentle, sarcastic humor and unique style have left an indelible mark on the world of comedy. His contributions to television and stand-up comedy will be remembered and cherished by fans for generations to come.
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