Bob Newhart, the actor and comedian known for his roles in “Elf” and “Legally Blonde,” has died at the age of 94. His career began with regular appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show” before he transitioned into acting, starring in films like “Catch-22” and “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour.”
Born in Oak Park, Illinois, on September 5, 1929, Newhart’s early education was at Roman Catholic schools in Chicago, and he graduated from St. Ignatius College Prep in 1947. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Loyola University Chicago in 1952. After graduation, Newhart served as a personnel manager during the Korean War until his release in 1954.
Newhart’s TV career took off with “The Bob Newhart Show,” where he played Chicago psychologist Robert Hartley. He later starred as Vermont innkeeper Dick Loudon on “Newhart.” In the 1990s, he appeared in the sitcoms “Bob” and “George & Leo.” His voice work includes Bernard in Disney’s “The Rescuers” and “The Rescuers Down Under.”
He won his first Primetime Emmy Award for his role as Professor Proton on “The Big Bang Theory” from 2013 to 2018. His debut comedy album, “The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart,” became a hit in 1960, topping the Billboard pop album chart.
In her youth, Hollywood celebrated her as a true beauty: With her flowing blonde hair and striking blue eyes, the actress was considered one of the most beautiful stars in the film industry
Kathleen Turner rose to fame in the 1980s, known for her captivating presence and beauty. Many consider her to be one of Hollywood’s most impressive actresses, and her resilience has helped her navigate the ups and downs of her career and personal life.
Growing up in a family of four, Kathleen faced hardships from an early age, including the sudden death of her father while mowing the lawn in Hampstead. Just a month later, her family was forced to leave the UK and moved to Springfield, Missouri, where she continued to grieve.
As an adult, Kathleen found solace in New York while pursuing acting. At first she enjoyed stage work, but her big break came in 1981 with the role of a femme fatale in “Body Heat”. A few years later, she co-starred with Michael Douglas in “Romancing the Stone”, where the chemistry between them sparked romantic feelings, even though Douglas was separated from his wife at the time.
Kathleen married real estate developer Jay Weiss in 1984 and they had their daughter Rachel Ann in 1987. However, their marriage faced challenges as they raised their child. Kathleen felt the pressure of balancing work and family, which led to feelings of guilt and oppression.
In 2005, he starred in the Broadway revival of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” Their marital problems worsened. Eventually, the couple divorced amicably and Kathleen received a Tony Award nomination for her role in the play.
She had a successful film career in the 1980s and received an Oscar nomination for “Peggy Sue Got Married”. However, the 1990s brought health problems when Kathleen developed rheumatoid arthritis, which caused severe pain and limited her mobility. She found herself in an identity crisis and questioned her future as an actress.
She initially turned to drugs and alcohol to cope, but after a short stay in rehab, she found that her problems were manageable with better medication tracking. Today, she practices yoga and Pilates to stay active and manage her pain.
As she grew older, Kathleen focused more on theater and returned to her roots. In her forties, she acted in productions such as Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. She also devoted herself to causes she believed in, such as volunteering for Amnesty International and Planned Parenthood.
A lifelong feminist, Kathleen Turner uses her platform to empower women and support them on their journey to independence. Her philosophies are highlighted in Gloria Feldt’s 2008 memoir, Send Yourself Roses, where she reflects on women’s empowerment. What do you think about Kathleen Turner’s inspiring journey? Share it in the comments!
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