Tragic news for Bob Newhart

With a career spanning over six decades, Newhart captivated audiences with his unique style and wit, becoming a staple in American television and comedy.
A Career Built on Stammering Genius

Newhart's success was often attributed to his stammer, a characteristic that he cleverly turned into his comedic strength. He first rose to fame with "The Bob Newhart Show" in 1972, playing a psychologist surrounded by eccentric patients.

This stammering charm followed him through his career, including his memorable guest appearances on CBS' "The Big Bang Theory" starting in 2013.

Newhart humorously recalled a producer asking him to speak faster during a scene, to which he responded, "This stammer has gotten me a home in Beverly Hills, and I'm not about to change it."

In a 2005 NPR interview, Newhart explained how his stammer suited his minimalist comedy style, preferring to get "laughter out of the least" and allowing the audience to engage intellectually.

George Robert Newhart was born in 1929 in Oak Park, Illinois. After earning a degree in business management and serving in the Korean War, he worked as an accountant. Bored with the job, Newhart began creating comedy routines with a co-worker, which led to his first record deal with Warner Brothers.

Despite never having performed in a nightclub, his debut album, "The Button Down Mind of Bob Newhart," soared to No. 1 on Billboard's albums chart in 1960, launching his storied career.

Newhart's television career flourished with "The Bob Newhart Show," where he played psychologist Bob Hartley, a role he chose because "Bob is a listener; he's like a reactor � he reacts to people."

The show ended after six successful seasons, by Newhart's choice. He then starred in another hit sitcom, "Newhart," as Vermont innkeeper Dick Loudon. This show ran for eight seasons, culminating in a famous final scene where Newhart's character wakes up from a dream, merging both sitcom worlds.

Despite his success, Newhart remained humble. When asked by NPR if he had any career regrets, he responded, "No, I've lived in an incredible time. I've lived in the days of Johnny Carson, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin � incredibly rewarding times. ... I could never look on my life as a failure � it's far beyond anything I ever thought I would attain."

Newhart continued to work as a standup comic and character actor throughout his life, earning his first Emmy in 2013 for his role on "The Big Bang Theory." His legacy as a comedy legend endures, characterized by his unassuming demeanor and sharp wit.

Bob Newhart will be remembered for his groundbreaking contributions to comedy and television, forever leaving a mark on the industry and in the hearts of fans worldwide.