Cover Bob Newhart in the 2011 film ‘Five’. The actor dies at age 94 in Los Angeles (Photo screencap: ‘Five’ / IMDB)
Bob Newhart in the 2011 film ‘Five’. The actor dies at age 94 in Los Angeles (Photo screencap: ‘Five’ / IMDB)
1 / 1
Bob Newhart’s death marks the end of an era in comedy, prompting a look back at some of his best roles and appearances
Standup comedian and actor George Robert Newhart—most known as Bob Newhart—dies at age 94, according to his publicist Jerry Digney. He was found dead in Los Angeles on July 8 after a series of short illnesses.
More from Tatler: 9 intriguing facts you need to know about Ji Chang-wook
Newhart left behind a fruitful discography; his popularity barely waned in his five decades in the limelight. From comedy albums to television sitcoms—he’s tried it all.
Among his works, Newhart remains best known for the television shows, The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart, both of which were built around his persona. Still, we look back at his most iconic on-screen appearances in honour of his incredible legacy, celebrating the moments that made him a beloved figure in comedy.
‘Catch 22’
Above This scathing war satire follows Capt John Yossarian (Alan Arkin), a pilot stationed in the Mediterranean (Photo: IMDB)
Above Bob Newhart in the 1970 film ‘Catch 22’ (Photo: mptvimages.com / IMDB)
This scathing war satire follows Capt John Yossarian (Alan Arkin), a pilot stationed in the Mediterranean (Photo: IMDB)
1 / 2
Bob Newhart plays Major Major Major Major in Joseph Heller’s 1961 novel adaptation Catch 22, a war satire that follows Captain John Yossarian (portrayed by Alan Arkin) leading bombing missions during World War II.
Major Major Major Major was named as such by his father as a joke, passing up such lesser possibilities as “Drum Major, Minor Major, Sergeant Major, or C Sharp Major.”
‘The Big Bang Theory’
Above Bob Newhart as Professor Proton in ‘The Big Bang Theory’ (Screencap: The Big Bang Theory)
Bob Newhart as Professor Proton in ‘The Big Bang Theory’ (Screencap: The Big Bang Theory)
1 / 1
Bob Newhart earned his first and only Emmy Award for guest starring in the comedy sitcom The Big Bang Theory.
There, he played the role of Arthur Jeffries, also known as Professor Proton, who appeared as a former children’s science show host and as Sheldon Cooper’s ghostly Jedi advisor.
Did you know? Bob Newhart received a standing ovation when he presented an award with Jim Parsons at the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards.
‘Elf’
Above In this scene, Papa Elf (Bob Newhart) tells a story (Video: JCH 007/YouTube)
Elf revolves around Buddy, a human raised by Santa’s elves. Upon learning about his origins, Buddy heads to New York City to meet his biological father.
Bob Newhart plays Buddy’s adoptive father, who took him in as a baby and raised him as his own at the North Pole.
As news of Newhart’s death reached the public, fans were quick to say that he’ll always be “Papa Elf.”
Related: What To Watch: 7 Feel-Good Sitcoms To Make You Smile
‘In & Out’
Above Kevin Kline and Bob Newhart in the 1997 film ‘In & Out’ (Photo: IMDB)
Kevin Kline and Bob Newhart in the 1997 film ‘In & Out’ (Photo: IMDB)
1 / 1
Bob Newhart plays Tom Halliwell in In & Out, a comedy film about a midwestern teacher questioning his sexuality after a former student makes a comment about him at the Academy Awards.
Did you know? He was awarded a Kennedy Centre Mark Twain Prize for comedy.
‘The Librarians’
Above Bob Newhart’s Judson shares that he built the Library himself in this clip (Video: litmasonedits/YouTube)
Hidden below the Metropolitan Public Library, The Librarians is a story about a secret society that is dedicated to protecting an innocent world from a magical and fantasy-like reality hidden from view.
Bob Newhart plays Judson. Despite his untimely demise in the franchise, his spirit remains tied to the library where he advises Flynn, one of the members of the group.
NOW READ
Romantic ballet ‘La Sylphide’ kicks off Ballet Philippines’ 55th Season
Behind the Scenes: Learn more about the much-anticipated ‘Do You Hear the People Sing?’ concert
Fading traditions: These endangered crafts in Asia are on the brink of extinction
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is a digital editor at Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
