One of the greatest comedic actors to ever hit the big or small screen has died.
Bob Newhart, who led two seismic network sitcoms during the 1970s and 1980s bearing his namesake, has died at the age of 94 following a brief illness, per a statement from his longtime publicist, Jerry Digney.
Newhart’s career spans multiple decades. He started out his entertainment days as a stand-up comedian, making a few appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show and hosting a short-lived, self-titled variety show on NBC from 1961-62. He also made it to the cineplex with a supporting role in the 1962 Steve McQueen World War II film Hell Is for Heroes.
Newhart provided memorable supporting turns in films like Catch-22, Hot Millions, On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, Cold Turkey and, of course, as Papa Elf in the 2003 Christmas classic Elf. He also voiced the Disney character Bernard in The Rescuers films. However, television was where he forged his legend and made audiences laugh for years.
Newhart anchored beloved sitcoms like The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart and appeared on a variety of other well-known programs like Saturday Night Live and Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.
Newhart’s work on The Big Bang Theory as Arthur Jeffries/Professor Proton won him his only Emmy Award in 2013 after being nominated numerous times in the past.
Newhart was also known for his longtime friendship with fellow comedian and actor, the late, great Don Rickles.
Let’s run through five of those well-loved Newhart roles with his soaring legacy on our minds.
