Comedian Bob Newhart is dead – also known from “Big Bang Theory”

From bored book-alter to celebrated comedy star: US comedian Bob Newhart spent around 60 years in the spotlight. Now he has died at the age of 94, as numerous US media reported, citing his spokesman Jerry Digney. According to the report, Newhart died in Los Angeles after a series of short illnesses.

Death of Bob Newhart – “the end of a comedy era”

CNN quoted Digney as saying that the death of the award-winning entertainer was “the end of a comedy era.” George Robert “Bob” Newhart, born in Illinois in 1929, made his breakthrough in the early 1960s with a comedy album. Before that, he had earned his money as an accountant in Chicago. In the decades that followed, he acted in numerous films and series.

Newhart was known to a large audience from the series “The Bob Newhart Show” (1972-1978) and “Newhart” (1982-1990), which were based around him. He later played roles in the Christmas film “Elf” (2003) with Will Ferrell in the lead role and in the comedy “Legally Blonde 2” with Reese Witherspoon. He won various awards, including several Grammys and a Golden Globe.

The award-winning Newhart had four children with his wife Virginia Quinn, who died last year.

“The Big Bang Theory” stars mourn

Newhart apparently didn’t really think about quitting even in his old age, as he made guest appearances in recent US series such as “Young Sheldon” and “The Big Bang Theory”. He won an Emmy in 2013 for his role as former TV scientist “Professor Proton”.

His co-stars from “The Big Bang Theory” paid tribute to him on social media. Johnny Galecki (49) wrote with Newhart: “In one of his last emails to me, Bob asked that I stop telling people he is a ‘nice guy’. Although I hate to disobey a hero, I must say that Bob was a wonderful man and I really appreciated the time I spent with him. Safe travels, my friend.”

Mayim Bialik (48) explained to one of the actors: “As a child, I spent countless hours with the ‘Bob Newhart Show’ – it was one of my earliest trainings in the art of the sitcom.” Working alongside Newhart on “TBBT” was a dream come true for her. “He was professional, confident, funny and incredibly approachable. Working with Bob meant working in the presence of a true comedy legend. How much we will miss him!”

Melissa Rauch (44) wrote from the “TBBT” set: “The world lost a legend today whose style was unlike anything that came before her or that we have seen since. […] I fell in love with sitcoms when I saw his shows. I was more than nervous to see my idol on ‘The Big Bang Theory’ to meet him, but he immediately put me at ease with his great kindness. He made me laugh so much and filled my heart with memories that I will cherish forever.”

Kaley Cuoco (38) remembered the actor: “It was a dream to experience the genius Bob Newhart. He was stylish, kind, generous and absolutely funny. Every shot – every time. An icon forever. I will never forget you, Bob! Thank you for making our dreams come true!” Kunal Nayyar (43) also came forward and wrote on a picture of his deceased co-star: “Professor Proton. Our beloved Bob Newhart. Rest in peace. I will miss you.”

“Young Sheldon” star and Sheldon actor Iain Armitage (16) said in a statement to “People”: “Bob’s Professor Proton was inspirational to Sheldon, and his career as an actor was inspirational to me. He was loved and will be greatly missed.”