Bob Newhart, the gentle yet incisively satirical comedian renowned for his hit TV shows “The Bob Newhart Show” and “Newhart” in the 1970s and ’80s, passed away on Thursday in Los Angeles at the age of 94. His publicist, Jerry Digney, reported that Newhart died following a series of brief illnesses.
Younger audiences might recognize Newhart from his role as Papa Elf in the 2003 holiday favorite “Elf,” his appearances on “The Big Bang Theory” (which earned him his sole Emmy as a guest star in 2013), and his recent stint on “Young Sheldon.”
Chuck Lorre, creator of “The Big Bang Theory,” reminisced about Newhart, stating that he had long sought to have the comedian appear on one of his shows. Newhart eventually agreed to join “The Big Bang Theory” under two conditions: his character would have a multi-episode arc, and he would win an Emmy. Both requests were fulfilled.
Before his television success, Newhart’s comedy albums were immensely popular, introducing a novel approach to observational humor. He dominated television for nearly two decades, first portraying a perplexed Chicago psychologist in “The Bob Newhart Show” and later an equally bewildered New England innkeeper in “Newhart.” These roles earned him Emmy nominations for lead actor in a comedy series for three consecutive years from 1985 to 1987. Both shows were major hits for CBS, running for a combined 16 years between 1972 and 1990.
Newhart’s comedy career began in 1960 when his monologue recordings became bestsellers. His style, rooted in observation and psychology rather than traditional vaudeville or Borscht Belt humor, paved the way for later comedians like Steve Martin. Newhart’s deadpan, stammering delivery and subject matter were subtly subversive, resonating with audiences in both urban and rural areas.
His debut album, “The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart,” was the first comedy album to top the Billboard charts, simultaneously reviving the struggling Warner Bros. Records. Newhart’s first two albums held the top two spots on Billboard, a feat unmatched until Guns N’ Roses in 1991.
Born George Robert Newhart in Oak Park, Illinois, he pursued a winding path to entertainment. After graduating from Loyola University in Chicago with a commerce degree in 1952, he served in the U.S. Army for two years. He briefly attended law school but left in 1956, working various jobs while performing in a local stock company.
Newhart’s break came when Chicago DJ Dan Sorkin noticed his monologues and gave him his first radio job. Although short-lived, this opportunity led to an introduction to Warner Bros. Records president James Conkling, who arranged for Newhart to perform at a Houston nightclub and record his performances.
“The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart” was an instant hit in 1960, followed by two more successful albums. The debut album earned Newhart three Grammy Awards in 1961: Best New Artist, Comedy Performance (Spoken Word), and the first comedy album to win Album of the Year.
Newhart’s comedy style, described by Conan O’Brien as “premise” comedy, involved setting up lengthy scenarios where the overall effect, rather than individual lines, provided the humor. This approach influenced later comedians like Jerry Seinfeld.
Newhart’s popularity led to guest appearances on various TV shows and his movie debut in “Hell Is for Heroes.” He continued to work in films, television, and Las Vegas performances before landing his hit sitcoms.
In later years, Newhart made guest appearances on shows like “ER” and “The Simpsons,” hosted “Saturday Night Live,” and appeared in films such as “In & Out” and “Elf.” He continued performing standup into his 70s, finding that his 1960s material remained relevant to modern audiences.
Newhart received numerous accolades throughout his career, including induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Mark Twain Prize for Humor in 2002. His debut album was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress in 2007.
Newhart’s wife Ginny passed away the previous year. He is survived by his four children and ten grandchildren.