Golden Globe winner - Professor Proton from Big Bang Theory: Bob Newhart, US Comedian, is dead
From bored bookkeeper to celebrated Comedy-Star: For nearly 60 years, US-Comedian Bob Newhart stood in the spotlight. He passed away at the age of 94, as numerous US-Media reported, citing his spokesperson Jerry Digney. Newhart died in Los Angeles after a series of short illnesses.
The Passing of Bob Newhart – "the End of a Comedy Era"
CNN quoted Digney as saying, the death of the award-winning entertainer marked "the End of a Comedy Era." Born in 1929 in the US state of Illinois, George Robert "Bob" Newhart made it big in the early 1960s with a Comedy-Album. Before that, he earned his living as an accountant in Chicago. In the following decades, he acted in numerous films and series.
Well-known to a large audience were Newhart from the shows "The Bob Newhart Show" (1972-1978) and "Newhart" (1982-1990). Later, he appeared in films like "Elf" (2003) with Will Ferrell in the lead role or in the comedy "Naturally Blond 2" with Reese Witherspoon. He won numerous awards, including several Grammys and a Golden Globe.
With his deceased wife Virginia Quinn, the frequently awarded Newhart had four children.
"The Big Bang Theory" Stars Mourn
Newhart apparently didn't think about retiring even in his old age, as he had guest appearances in newer US-series like "Young Sheldon" and "The Big Bang Theory." For his role as the former TV-Scientist "Professor Proton," he won an Emmy in 2013.
His co-stars from "The Big Bang Theory" paid tribute to him on social media. Johnny Galecki (49) wrote about shared photos with Newhart: "In one of his last emails to me, Bob asked me to stop telling people he was a 'nice guy'. Although I hate disobeying a hero, I must say that Bob was an amazing man and I greatly enjoyed the time with him. Farewell, my friend."
To an old Black-and-White photo of the actor, Mayim Bialik (48) explained: "As a child, I spent countless hours with the 'Bob Newhart Show' – it was one of my earliest lessons in the art of sitcoms." When she worked with him on "TBBT," it became a dream come true for her. "He was professional, suave, funny, and incredibly down-to-earth. Working with Bob meant working in the presence of a true Comedy Legend. We will miss him greatly!"
Melissa Rauch (44) wrote about two photos from the "TBBT" set: "The world has lost a legend today, whose style was incomparable to anything that came before it or anything we have seen since. [...] I fell in love with sitcoms watching his shows. I was more nervous than I had ever been to meet my idol on 'The Big Bang Theory,' but he put me at ease with his great kindness. He made me laugh and filled my heart with memories I will cherish forever."
Kaley Cuoco (38) remembered the actor in an Instagram Story: "It was a dream to experience the genius that was Bob Newhart. He was elegant, kind, generous, and absolutely hilarious. Every take – every time. A legend forever. I will never forget you, Bob! Thank you for making our dreams come true!" Also, Kunal Nayyar (43) expressed his condolences via Instagram Story and wrote about 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 inspiring to Sheldon, and his career as an actor was inspiring to me. He will be greatly missed."
Despite his advanced age, Bob Newhart continued to make guest appearances in popular shows like "Young Sheldon" and "The Big Bang Theory," earning an Emmy for his role as Professor Proton in the latter. His passing was lamented by his co-stars, with Johnny Galecki sharing heartfelt memories and Mayim Bialik expressing gratitude for working with the comedy legend.
