American stand-up comedy icon Bob Newhart, known for his deadpan delivery and numerous awards, has died at the age of 94. The beloved star of “The Bob Newhart Show” died at home after a series of brief illnesses. As confirmed in a statement to the BBC on Wednesday, his publicist.
Newhart, who originally began his career as an accountant in Chicago, transitioned into stand-up comedy, eventually appearing on Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show” an astonishing 87 times over the ensuing years in a Christmas movie rental name “Elf” and the popular TV show “The Big Bang Theory.” ” impressed the audience with his performances.
Born to a plumber in a Chicago suburb, Newhart earned a business degree from Loyola University in 1952. He served in the Army for two years during the Korean War, then enrolled in graduate law school, and he eventually dropped out of school after practicing with a friend shortly after comedy programs began recording, causing him to be discovered by a local DJ in 1959. This suggestion to Warner Bros. was a success. The records led to the release of his live album, “The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart.” becoming the first comedy album to top the charts, followed by seven more successful albums.
In a statement announcing his death, long-time publisher Jerry Digne recalled Newhart’s early days, saying he began his career “working hard as an accountant in Chicago by day and moonlighting night as a comedian and writer.”
Newhart was a pioneer in stand-up comedy, known for his unique style of telling long stories with funny observations throughout rather than relying on one punch He stood out in modern, management issues, and often with metaphor, never raising his voice. His signature on stage was a phone, used to simulate a one-way conversation.
Despite his advanced age, Newhart has never truly retired, remaining active in Hollywood film and theatre for 80 years, always impressing audiences there.
The entertainment industry poured glory after his death. Comedy director Judd Apatow praised Newhart on X (formerly Twitter), calling him “the kindest comedian,” and praising his “wonderful sense of humor and gentle spirit.” celebration of the. Actress Kale Cuoco, who worked with Newhart on “The Big Bang Theory.” revealed on Instagram that it was “a dream to witness the professor that was Bob Newhart,” describing him as “classy, kind, generous and absolutely funny.” Director and actor Paul Feig and actress Jamie Lee Curtis also gave touching tributes, Curtis summed it up by saying “God, he was hilarious! Written by Bob Newhart. You’re going!”
Bob Newhart is survived by four children and many grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Virginia “Ginny” Newhart, who died in 2023.
