Comedy pioneer and icon Bob Newhart has passed away at 94.
Newhart’s publicist Jerry Digney confirmed the news today (via Variety), saying that the star died following a battle with a series of short illnesses. He’s best known for shows like Newhart and The Bob Newhart Show but has appeared in a long list of projects throughout the last 50 years.
Newhart, an artist with one Emmy, one Golden Globe, and three Grammys under his belt, died in Los Angeles today. He emerged into the comedy scene with roles in things like Hot Millions and Catch-22, but it wasn’t until The Bob Newhart Show that audiences got a taste of his dry humor and wit. His run then continued with 1982’s Newhart, which took over the ‘80s until its conclusion in 1990.
Some movie fans may recognize Newhart from his role as Sid in Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, & Blonde, Papa Elf in Elf, or Lou Sherman in Horrible Bosses, but he’s most recently made brief appearances in The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon. He won an Emmy for his work in the former in 2013. In addition to an on-screen presence in movies and shows since the ‘60s, Newhart has played a part in animated projects like The Simpsons, The Rescuers, and The Rescuers Down Under.
Since Newhart’s passing, social media has flooded with iconic bits and memories from the projects he’s appeared in through the years. While some remember him for the shows he starred in, others are taking the time to highlight some of the smaller roles he’s taken on.
RIP Bob Newhart pic.twitter.com/YBu14qZ6IC
— Out of Context 20th Century Fox (@OOC20thFox) July 18, 2024
RIP BOB NEWHART ? pic.twitter.com/qqZ6M5eP35
— Meredith Loftus?SDCC (@MeredithLoftus) July 18, 2024
RIP Bob Newhart - one of the great comedians of our time and the finale to Newhart remains one of the best ever pic.twitter.com/YQ5SSoJFcI
— Parris (@vicious696) July 18, 2024
Still think this one of the hottest TV intro theme tracks. RIP Bob Newhart pic.twitter.com/XE817JswcO
— Video Store Guy (@germ560) July 18, 2024
Super Sky Point to the great Bob Newhart. Lots of people are funny but nobody has ever been funny in the particular weary, put-upon way Bob Newhart was funny. That’s called genius. Made two sitcoms among the best ever and was a pretty damn fine elf too. An American treasure. #RIP pic.twitter.com/rP6y4ZvAZg
— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) July 18, 2024
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.
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