Bob Newhart’s 10 Most Memorable TV & Film Roles
Deadpan standup comedian Bob Newhart started out as an accountant, only to soon discover that his motto “that’s close enough” was hardly fitting for the trade. He began sending comedy audition tapes to radio stations and soon was signed to Warner Brothers Records. His first release, The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart (1960), was wildly popular, becoming the first comedy album to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and going on to win Newhart Grammys for Album of the Year and Best New Artist. Newhart released a number of comedy LPs through the ’60s and ’70s, and during that time he also made numerous TV appearances, including on The Dean Martin Show and as a host on Johnny Carson. He starred in the popular TV sitcom The Bob Newhart Show in the ’70s and Newhart in the ’80s, which received 25 Emmy nominations over its eight-year run.
Take a look back at his amazing career on and off the silver screen. Bob will be missed, so how about a game of “Hi Bob” in his honor?
Ed Sullivan Show (1960)
In the course of his career, he appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show 8 times.
The Bob Newhart Show
The first Bob Newhart Show came along in the form of a variety show in 1961 but only lasted one season.
Catch-22
He played Major Major in the 1970 World War II Comedy/Drama Catch-22 along with Alan Arkin, Martin Balsam and Richard Benjamin.
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
He was a frequent guest host on the famed late night TV show, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
The Rescuers
He voiced the character of the mouse Bernard in the 1977 Disney film. He reprised the character for the 1990 sequel, The Rescuers Down Under.
The Bob Newhart Show
Starring along side Bill Daily, Marcia Wallace, Suzanne Pleshette and Peter Bonerz. It ran from 1972-1978.
Newhart
Bob Newhart as Dick Loudon, a successful author of how-to books who, along with his wife Joanna (the late Mary Frann), runs an inn in rural Vermont.
George & Leo
With Judd Hirsch in the 1990s show, George & Leo that last only one season from 1997-1988
Elf
He played Papa Elf to Buddy (Will Ferrell) in the beloved 2003 holiday film.
Big Bang Theory
He has appeared on several episodes of the Comedy along with the spin off Young Sheldon as Professor Proton.
1972
January 2022
1972 was a year packed with everything from “American Pie” to Ziggy Stardust What’s not to love?
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