Bob Newhart, the legendary comedian, has passed away at the age of 94 after a series of short illnesses. Newhart’s publicist, Jerry Digney, confirmed his death, noting that he died on Thursday, July 18.
Born in September 1929 in Oak Park, Illinois, Newhart attended Loyola University Chicago before being drafted into the United States Army, from which he was discharged in 1954. His career in comedy began in 1958 when he worked as an advertising copywriter. His big break came with the release of his 1960 album, The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart, which won the 1961 Grammy Award for Album of the Year, and Newhart was awarded Best New Artist.
Following his success in comedy, Newhart transitioned to television, starring in the hit series The Bob Newhart Show from 1972 to 1978. The show was a major success and earned two Emmy nominations. Newhart later starred in the 1982 sitcom Newhart, playing a Vermont innkeeper, and the series ran until 1990, earning multiple Emmy nominations.
Newhart continued to create and star in television shows, including 1992’s Bob and 1997’s George & Leo. He also made notable guest appearances on popular shows like ER and Desperate Housewives. His guest role on The Big Bang Theory in 2013 won him his first Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.
Throughout his illustrious career, Newhart received numerous accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999 and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2002. He married Virginia Quinn in January 1963, with whom he had four children. Virginia passed away in April 2023. Bob Newhart is survived by his children and grandchildren.
