Bob Newhart, the well-loved comedy legend known for starring in two famous sitcoms, has passed away at the age of 94.
His publicist, Jerry Digney, confirmed that Newhart died after a few short illnesses, according to Variety.
Newhart was a TV icon for many years, starring in two classic shows, The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart. In his later years, he also had memorable roles in the movie Elf and the TV show The Big Bang Theory.
Bob Newhart was born on September 5, 1929, in Oak Park, Illinois. He got his degree from Loyola University Chicago and served as a Staff Sergeant in the US Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954.
After the war, he worked as an accountant and an advertising copywriter. During this time, he developed his comedy routines. He became famous for his deadpan, soft-spoken style, playing the “straight man” in phone conversations, reacting to absurd situations.
This act made him a hit on the stand-up comedy scene and led to his hugely successful live comedy album, *The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart*. The album was the first comedy record to reach #1 on the Billboard Charts and became the 20th best-selling album of all time at that point.
It was also the first comedy album to win the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, and Newhart won the Grammy for Best New Artist. He continued to release successful albums throughout the ’60s and ’70s.
Newhart became a television staple and had his own variety show, *The Bob Newhart Show*, in 1961. Although it only ran for one season, it won the Emmy Award for Best Comedy Series.
His first sitcom, also called *The Bob Newhart Show*, was more successful, running for six seasons on CBS from 1972 to 1978. The show followed Newhart’s character, Chicago psychiatrist Dr. Bob Hartley, in his work and home life.
Newhart struck gold again with his second sitcom, *Newhart*, where he played Vermont innkeeper and talk show host Dick Loudon. This show ran from 1982 to 1990.
*Newhart* had one of the most memorable finales in TV history. It ended with Newhart’s character from *The Bob Newhart Show* waking up in bed next to his former co-star Suzanne Pleshette, suggesting that the entire *Newhart* series was just a dream.
Later sitcom vehicles like Bob and George & Leo had less success, running for just one season, but Newhart remained a fixture of television, with recurring roles on ER and Desperate Housewives.
He also had a memorable recurring role on the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory as former science TV host “Professor Proton.” He won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for the role — the long-overdue first-ever Emmy Award for the TV legend.
Later sitcom vehicles like Bob and George & Leo had less success, running for just one season, but Newhart remained a fixture of television, with recurring roles on ER and Desperate Housewives.
He also had a memorable recurring role on the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory as former science TV host “Professor Proton.” He won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for the role — the long-overdue first-ever Emmy Award for the TV legend.
Rest in peace to the comedy legend Bob Newhart, who gave us so many laughs and two classic sitcoms in his incredible career.
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Kelly Rizzo Shows Incredible Strength in the Face of Grief
Losing a spouse is an incredibly difficult experience, especially when they pass away. It brings immense grief and sadness that can be difficult to move on from. However, Kelly Rizzo, the widow of beloved Full House star Bob Saget, has shown incredible strength in facing her grief head-on.
After two years of mourning, Rizzo has decided to embark on a new chapter in her life – the world of dating. In January 2022, the world was shocked by Saget’s unexpected passing at the age of 65 due to accidental head trauma. Rizzo openly expressed her grief since then but now, she’s ready to take a step forward.
Initially, Rizzo shared that dating was not something she could even fathom, stating, “The thought of anything serious in the near future was just too complicated emotionally.” However, she also acknowledged the importance of companionship and expressed her openness to meeting someone and enjoying simple activities, such as going for a coffee or a hike.
Recently, Kelly Rizzo made her public debut with her new partner, Breckin Meyer. The couple appeared together at the Jam for Janie GRAMMY Awards Viewing Party and posed on the red carpet. Meyer is known for his roles in popular movies like Clueless and the live-action Garfield films.
Rizzo looked stunning in a body-hugging leopard-print dress, while Meyer went for a more casual look with gray khakis and a denim jacket. Their relationship has since been confirmed by the media.
It’s important to remember that healing is a personal journey, and everyone finds love in their own time. Kelly Rizzo’s willingness to open her heart again is a testament to her strength and resilience.
She had previously mentioned that dating was not something she was ready for, as the emotions attached to the idea were still overwhelming. However, she expressed her readiness to explore the possibility in the future.
As we celebrate this new chapter in Kelly Rizzo’s life, let’s also remember the love she shared with Bob Saget. They were married for four years until his passing in 2022. Moving on after losing a loved one is never easy, but we wish her the best of luck in finding happiness in whatever she pursues.
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