Bob Newhart, the famed sitcom star that younger fans will remember as Papa Elf from Will Ferrell‘s Elf and The Big Bang Theory, has passed away at the age of 94.
The Hollywood Reporter confirmed his passing, revealing that Bob died on Thursday (July 18) after “a series of short illnesses” at his home in Los Angeles.
His publicist Jerry Digney shared the news with the outlet.
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Before taking over Hollywood, Bob worked as an accountant. His career took off after he was cast in the 1972 sitcom The Bob Newhart Show. The show ran until 1978 with a second show, called Newhart, launching in 1982.
Back in 2020, Bob reflected on his iconic role in Elf, which became one of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time.
“When they sent me the script [for Elf], I said to my wife, ‘Honey, this is going to be a perennial. This is going to be like Miracle on 34th Street.’ And that is exactly what happened. That is a wonderful thing, to be part of kids’ enjoyment of the Christmas season,” he said at the time.
Our thoughts go out to everyone who knew and loved Bob at this difficult time. RIP.
