Fans bid ‘a loving goodbye’ to legendary comedian and sitcom star Bob Newhart

Beloved stand-up comedian and sitcom star Bob Newhart has sadly passed away at the age of 94, leaving the entertainment community to mourn the loss of the iconic star.

Newhart died in his home in Los Angeles on Thursday, July 18 after a series of short illnesses, according to his longtime publicist Jerry Digney.

Born on September 5, 1929, Newhart’s career took off in the late 1950s with a unique comedy routine where he played the straight man to an unheard voice on the other end of a phone call.

His 1960 live album, The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart, was groundbreaking, becoming the first comedy album to reach the top of the charts and earning him three Grammy Awards.

In 1961, Newhart hosted a short-lived NBC variety show called The Bob Newhart Show. He then starred as Chicago psychologist Robert Hartley on a program also titled The Bob Newhart Show from 1972 to 1978 and as Vermont innkeeper Dick Loudon on the series Newhart from 1982 to 1990. During the 1990s, he led two short-lived sitcoms, Bob and George and Leo.

Newhart also had a notable film career, appearing in movies such as Catch-22 (1970), Cold Turkey (1971), In & Out (1997), and Elf (2003). He provided the voice for Bernard in Disney’s animated films The Rescuers (1977) and The Rescuers Down Under (1990). From 2013 to 2018, he portrayed Professor Proton on the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory, a role that earned him his first Primetime Emmy Award.

In 2002 he was awarded the Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

As the world grapples with the loss of Newhart, fans and colleagues of the “groundbreaking” entertainer have paid tribute, reflecting on the qualities that have made him a revered figure.

From his groundbreaking stand-up to his two classic sitcoms he gave us a lifetime of laughter. Truly one-of-a-kind. Thank you Bob Newhart!#RIP pic.twitter.com/NlkJNuOw80

— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) July 18, 2024

A day I was dreading. Bob Newhart was so much more than a comedian.

His quick wit, deadpan and stammering style made him unique to any of his contemporaries.

Let’s celebrate his life with the time while filming Newhart, forgot what show he was on.pic.twitter.com/EcfYx8Fl8z

— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) July 18, 2024

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/5rYO6FuSP4

— Richard Roeper (@RichardERoeper) July 18, 2024

Rest in Peace to the legendary Bob Newhart 💔 pic.twitter.com/ZTMkTNxDn4

— Muppet History (@HistoryMuppet) July 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/5EUfsdR37g

— Al Franken (@alfranken) July 18, 2024

At my country club I sat at a table we mockingly called the Smart Table. Regulars included Jim Garner, Dick Martin, Tom Poston, Carroll Shelby, Dick Crenna, and Bob Newhart. I marveled to be surrounded by such extraordinary men.

Bob, you will be missed. https://t.co/A7pRes685L

— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) July 18, 2024

RIP the great Bob Newhart. I worked with him on IN&OUT, where he was revered by everyone on the set as comedy royalty. He was also a warm and delightful person, with no star ego. Watching him in action was a privilege – his persona and skill were matchless pic.twitter.com/pcOV2GJGXK

— Paul Rudnick (@PaulRudnickNY) July 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…

— Judd Apatow 🇺🇦 (@JuddApatow) July 18, 2024

There aren’t many comedians that I admired as much,or frankly,stole from as much as Bob Newhart.He made quietly thinking on camera hilarious.The pause was his art. Clearly,in this photo you can see the admiration was mutual.A loving goodbye to one of the greatest comics ever. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/nzMe9bu6JQ

— Dave Foley (@DaveSFoley) July 18, 2024

Newhart is survived by four children, Jennifer, Courtney, Timothy and Robert, and several grandchildren.

-with Reuters.