American stand-up comedy legend Bob Newhart has died at the age of 94, his publicist confirmed to the BBC on Thursday. Newhart passed away at home after a series of short illnesses.
With his deadpan delivery style, Newhart earned numerous awards and became a household name through his TV series “The Bob Newhart Show.” He also guest-hosted “The Tonight Show” 87 times and appeared in classic films like “Elf” and TV shows like “The Big Bang Theory.”
Born in a suburb of Chicago, Newhart graduated with a business degree from Loyola University in 1952. He served in the Army during the Korean War and later enrolled in law school before dropping out to pursue a career in comedy.
Newhart’s big break came in 1959 when a local DJ discovered him and recommended him to Warner Bros Records. His live recording, “The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart,” became the first comedy album to top the charts, followed by seven more successful albums.
Known for his pioneering stand-up routines involving long stories and observational delivery, Newhart separated himself from other comedians of his generation. He never raised his voice and often used a telephone as a prop on stage.
Tributes poured in from the comedy world, with director Judd Apatow calling Newhart “the kindest most hilarious man.” Actress Kaley Cuoco remembered him as “classy, kind, generous, and absolutely hilarious.” Director Paul Feig posted, “A brilliant standup & comedic actor, he was truly one of a kind.”
Newhart is survived by his four children and numerous grandchildren. His wife of 60 years, Virginia “Ginnie” Newhart, passed away in 2023.
