By C. J. De Mel, Jadetimes News
Bob Newhart, the legendary stand up comedian known for his deadpan delivery and style that paved the way for a whole generation of comedians, has died aged 94. Newhart died peacefully at his home, following a series of short illnesses, confirmed his publicist in a statement on Thursday.
The comedy career of Newhart was preceded by an earlier career as a certified public accountant in Chicago. He took his share of awards for television and stand up work with his singular brand of humor. Among other things, he starred in the popular television show The Bob Newhart Show and did 87 guest host stints on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show.
In recent years, Newhart found an altogether new audience through his turns in the Christmas classic Elf and in the behemoth TV sitcom The Big Bang Theory.
The son of a plumber, Newhart grew up in a Chicago suburb and earned a business degree from Loyola University in 1952. He spent two years in the Army during the Korean War before studying briefly in graduate law school. Not long after this period, he started taping improvised comedy routines with a friend. His breakthrough came in 1959 when a local DJ recommended him to Warner Bros. Records, leading to the release of The Button Down Mind of Bob Newhart, the first comedy album to top the charts. He followed it up with seven more albums, all selling by the millions.
His longtime publicist, Jerry Digney, spoke about the early days of Newhart's career, mentioning his days working as an accountant by day and moonlighting as a comedian by night. He broke new ground in stand up routines, characterized by long story driven formats with a series of humorous statements rather than one liners.
"There was a (comedy) sea change taking place," Newhart once said, referring to his modern point of view and observational style, often relying on the ruse that he was having a telephone conversation.
Though he never actually retired, Newhart, now in his 80s, continued to turn in scenes and hit stages to the delight of many. He is widely admired for his gentlemanly ways and brilliance as a comedian.
Tributes from the entertainment community cascaded in upon news of his death. The comedy film director, Judd Apatow, called Newhart "the kindest, most hilarious man," while actress Kaley Cuoco, who starred with him in the television sitcom The Big Bang Theory, said he was a man full of class, kindness, and generosity. Director and actor Paul Feig mentioned that he was "a brilliant standup & comedic actor," and actress Jamie Lee Curtis remembered him as a comedic genius.
He is survived by four children and many grandchildren. His wife of 60 years, Virginia "Ginnie" Newhart, died in 2023.
To many fans and colleagues, Newhart is considered one of the true forerunners of stand up comedy and a record maker in the entertainment business.
