Bob Newhart, the deadpan comedian known for starring in a pair of hit CBS sitcoms and taking roles in projects from Elf to The Big Bang Theory, has died at 94 after a series of short illnesses. Since his publicist confirmed the news, tributes to Newhart have been pouring in from across the industry. Big Bang Theory co-creator Chuck Lorre recalled in a statement to Deadline that Newhart had declined for years to appear in one of his shows. “But then he fell in love with The Big Bang Theory and said yes – with two provisions,” Lorre said. “One: his character had to have an arc that spanned several episodes. And two: he wanted to win an Emmy. We delivered on both. I got to work with a comedy legend. A master of the craft, and a kind and gentle man. I even got to call him a friend. How lucky am I?”
Newhart gave his Emmy-winning performance on The Big Bang Theory as Arthur Jeffries/Professor Proton. Mayim Bialik, who played Amy, said in a statement to People that Newhart was “effortlessly professional, poised, hilarious and incredibly approachable,” noting that watching The Bob Newhart Show was some of her “earliest training in the art of the sitcom.” Fellow Big Bang Theory star Kaley Cuoco wrote on her Instagram Story, “What a dream it was to witness the genius that was Bob Newhart. He was classy, kind, generous and absolutely hilarious. Every take - every time. Icon forever 💔.” Iain Armitage, lead of the spinoff show Young Sheldon, told People in a statement, “Bob’s Professor Proton was inspiring to Sheldon, and his career as an actor was inspiring to me. He was loved and will be missed.”
Lesley Ann Warren, who played Newhart’s wife on Desperate Housewives, complimented his “understated and sublimely intelligent” delivery in a statement to People, adding that he was a “complete joy” to work with.” Even those who didn’t get to work with him also acknowledged Newhart’s influence on their own work or view of comedy. “What a life lived. #goat,” Quinta Brunson wrote in an Instagram Story, adding that a running gag involving brothers on Newhart “was one of my comedy ‘aha’ moments as a kid.” Below, find social-media tributes from Ben Stiller, President Biden, Conan O’Brien, Jamie Lee Curtis, and more.
This post has been updated.
