Bob Newhart, beloved icon of comedy and star of two renowned sitcoms, passes away at 94.

Bob Newhart, a beloved comedy icon known for two classic sitcoms, has passed away at 94.

His publicist, Jerry Digney, confirmed Newhart’s death. He died after a series of short illnesses, according to Variety.

A Comedy Legend

Newhart was a TV staple for decades. He starred in two classic sitcoms: The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart. In his later years, he appeared in the film Elf and the show The Big Bang Theory.

Early Life and Career

Born on September 5, 1929, in Oak Park, Illinois, Newhart earned a degree from Loyola University Chicago. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the US Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954.

After the war, he worked as an accountant and advertising copywriter. During this time, he developed his comedy routines. He became famous for playing a deadpan, soft-spoken “straight man” in phone conversations.

Stand-Up Success

His comedy act made him a hit on the stand-up circuit. His album, The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart, was the first comedy record to hit #1 on the Billboard Charts. It became the 20th best-selling album of all time.

The album won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, and Newhart won Best New Artist. He released many successful albums in the ’60s and ’70s.

Television Star

Newhart’s first TV show, The Bob Newhart Show (1961), only ran for one season but won the Emmy for Best Comedy Series.

His first sitcom, also called The Bob Newhart Show, aired on CBS from 1972 to 1978. The show followed Newhart’s character, Dr. Bob Hartley, a Chicago psychiatrist.

Newhart struck gold again with his second sitcom, Newhart, which aired from 1982 to 1990. He played Vermont innkeeper/talk show host Dick Loudon. The finale, showing Newhart’s character from The Bob Newhart Show waking up in bed, is one of TV’s most memorable endings.

Later Work

Later shows like Bob and George & Leo were less successful, but Newhart remained a TV presence with roles on ER and Desperate Housewives. He played “Professor Proton” on The Big Bang Theory, winning an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.

Film Roles

Newhart appeared in several films, including Catch-22, In & Out, and Disney’s The Rescuers. His most memorable film role was as Papa Elf in the 2003 Christmas comedy Elf.

Remembering Bob Newhart

Bob Newhart, who brought us countless laughs and two classic sitcoms, will be greatly missed.