Bob Newhart with Suzanne Pleshette on The Bob Newhart Show, 1976
The passing of Bob Newhart on July 18, 2024, at age 94, represented another loss of a treasured star of an earlier era. The career of the comedic actor, known for his deadpan delivery, spanned decades, starting with his stand-up routine and comedy albums—his The Buttoned-Down Mind of Bob Newhart actually earned the Grammy Awards for Album of the Year and Best New Artist in 1960—and delighted audiences with not one, but two, classic TV sitcoms, The Bob Newhart Show, which ran from 1972-1978, and then Newhart, which debuted in 1982 for the first of its eight seasons. Newhart’s wife of 60 years, Ginnie, died in April 2023.
When his death “after a series of short illnesses” was announced, tributes soon arrived for the beloved Newhart from Hollywood and fellow comedians. Billy Crystal called him “a gentle wonderful man.” Judd Apatow, who directed a short documentary, Bob and Don: A Love Story, about Newhart’s lifelong friendship with Don Rickles, described him as “the kindest most hilarious man.” Fellow director Paul Feig called Newhart “one of a kind.” Ben Stiller praised his “brilliant sense of timing and understatement.”
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
Bob Newhart. What a career. An iconic comedic actor. I and so many people grew up watching him. He was so subtle and had a brilliant sense of timing and understatement. And an incredibly kind man. Sending love to his family. Xxx
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) July 19, 2024
Peter Frampton wrote, “Heartbroken to hear. I’ve known Bob Newhart since the 70s and he was a charmer. Yes, he made us all belly laugh with his many years of incredibly bright and unique sense of humour. I will miss our lunches. If I was paying, it was The Four Seasons. If he was, it wasn’t the Four Seasons! Forever the accountant. But, one of the most modest down to earth people I have known and called a friend. I will miss you, Bob.”
I had the great pleasure of working with Bob and being his friend. He was as kind and nice as he was funny. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/xYYyZpN54m
— Carol Burnett (@imcarolburnett) July 18, 2024
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
Jamie Lee Curtis wrote, in part, on her Instagram, “God, he was funny!”
“Bob Newhart’s groundbreaking work in stand-up and television – and his beloved deadpan delivery – have left an indelible mark on the art form of comedy and will be treasured by comedy fans for generations to come. We are proud to celebrate and preserve his extraordinary work at… pic.twitter.com/O2MVJrgQuy
— National Comedy Center (@NtlComedyCenter) July 18, 2024
Newhart was nominated for the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series on three occasions, but never won. He finally earned a primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor for his recurring role on The Big Bang Theory. The series’ female star, Kaley Cuoco, wrote, “What a dream it was to witness the genius that was Bob Newhart. He was classy, kind, generous and absolutely hilarious. Every take – every time. Icon forever.”
Alec Baldwin wrote on Instagram, “Au revoir to the great Bob Newhart.”
Seven decades of success as a comedian and not one disrespectful, vulgar or offensive joke. Comedy had a “greatest generation”, too; that classy era was led by the likes of Bob Newhart.
My dear friend, rest in peace.
See you down the road.
XOXO Ruthie pic.twitter.com/4j7M5u1oq5
— RUTH BUZZI (@Ruth_A_Buzzi) July 19, 2024
Bob Newhart taught countless generations of comedians that you could be funny, smart, uncompromising, and still win on your own terms. This is an immeasurable loss.
— Conan O’Brien (@ConanOBrien) July 19, 2024
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2 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationThose first two albums from the early 60s were comedy gold. And the finale of the Vermont Newhart show was the best. Right up there with the final scene of “St. Elsewhere”.
I found Bob in the 70s on his first album and i was hooked. He was as close to my comedy hero, Tony Hancock, as anyone could be. Hancock, for those who don’t know, was a British comedian with his own radio and tv series and the only comedian ever and i mean ever had the UK parliment delay starting on the days he was on the radio, pure magic. Bob was as good as Hancock with his wise words, smile, funny expressions and a love for his profession. I’ve missed but carried on playing and watching Hancock since he passed many years ago and i know i will do the same with Bob. Magic, mirth and down to earth, perfect.