Bob Newhart Dies at 94

George Robert Newhart, an esteemed American comedian and actor, passed away on July 18, 2024. He was celebrated for his unique deadpan delivery and distinctive stammering style. Originally gaining fame as a stand-up comedian, Newhart successfully transitioned into television acting, garnering widespread acclaim and numerous awards throughout his career.

Newhart's comedic talent soared to prominence in 1960 with the release of his record album "The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart," which not only became a bestseller but also topped the Billboard pop album chart. It remains one of the top-selling comedy albums in history. His subsequent album, "The Button-Down Mind Strikes Back!," further solidified his comedic prowess by maintaining Billboard's number one and number two spots simultaneously.

Beyond his musical achievements, Newhart ventured into television with a notable stint hosting NBC's "The Bob Newhart Show" in 1961. He later captivated audiences as psychologist Robert Hartley in "The Bob Newhart Show" from 1972 to 1978 and as innkeeper Dick Loudon in "Newhart" from 1982 to 1990. Throughout the 1990s, he continued his television presence with sitcoms such as "Bob" and "George and Leo." His film roles included notable appearances in "Catch-22" (1970), "Cold Turkey" (1971), "In & Out" (1997), and "Elf" (2003), showcasing his versatility as an actor.

In addition to his comedic and acting accomplishments, Newhart voiced the character Bernard in Disney's animated classics "The Rescuers" (1977) and "The Rescuers Down Under" (1990). He also endeared himself to audiences as Professor Proton on the CBS sitcom "The Big Bang Theory" from 2013 to 2018, earning his first Primetime Emmy Award for his performance.

Recognized with numerous accolades including three Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2002, George Robert Newhart left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment, remembered fondly for his wit, charm, and enduring contributions to comedy and acting.