Bob Newhart

Early Life and Education

  Bob Newhart, born George Robert Newhart on September 5, 1929, in Oak Park, Illinois, was an American comedian and actor. Audiences loved his unique deadpan, slightly stammering delivery style for over six decades, making it his trademark. Newhart’s upbringing was in a middle-class Irish-American family in Chicago’s west side. Newhart’s father, George David, had a stake in a plumbing and heating business, and his mother, Julia Pauline, stayed home. Newhart, raised in a largely Catholic community, went to Catholic schools—St. Catherine of Siena Grammar School and St. Ignatius College Prep—graduating in 1947. In 1952, Newhart graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in business management, following his high school graduation. After his graduation, he served two years as a clerk in the U S Army before briefly attending law school at Loyola.

From Accountant to Comedian

The road to stardom was not traditional for Newhart. He initially worked as an accountant and advertising copywriter in Chicago. Bored with his accounting work, Newhart began improvising comedy routines over the phone with a friend. These improvisations eventually led to his breakthrough in the entertainment industry.

Rise to Fame

Bob Newhart’s debut comedy album, “The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart,” released in 1960, was an instant hit. This comedy album was the first to top the Billboard charts, earning him three Grammys. Newhart’s success propelled him to fame, launching his television career.

Television Stardom

Newhart’s television career flourished with two iconic sitcoms. “The Bob Newhart Show” (1972-1978) featured him as Chicago psychologist Dr. Robert Hartley, while “Newhart” (1982-1990) saw him play Vermont innkeeper Dick Loudon. Critical acclaim for both shows solidified Newhart’s comedic legend status.

Personal Life

On January 12, 1963, Newhart married Virginia “Ginnie” Quinn, daughter of character actor Bill Quinn. The couple had four children: Robert, Timothy, Jennifer, and Courtney. Their marriage lasted 60 years until Ginnie’s passing in April 2023.

Major Contributions and Impact

Newhart profoundly influenced comedy. Stand-up comedy was revolutionized by his unique brand of humor, which frequently included one-sided phone calls. His career was marked by many awards, such as the Mark Twain Prize and a PBS American Master designation.

Later Career and Legacy

Newhart continued to make memorable television appearances in his later years. He won his first Primetime Emmy Award in 2013 for his guest role as Professor Proton on “The Big Bang Theory”. His cross-generational appeal was clear in his ability to connect with audiences.

Final Days and Passing

Bob Newhart passed away on July 18, 2024, at his home in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 94. His death came after a brief illness. Newhart’s influence as a pioneering comedian, beloved actor, and cultural icon will continue to inspire and shape future generations of entertainers. Throughout his career, Newhart showed humility and appreciation for his success. He said, “I’ve lived through an amazing era,” looking back on his remarkable path from accountant to beloved American comedian.