Bob Newhart.

George Robert Newhart

Born 5 Sep 1929 Oak Park, United States

Died 18 Jul 2024 Los Angeles, United States

Citizenship United States

Would Be 97 yr If Living

15 min read

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Oct 18, 2026

Published

Awards

TL;DR

Bob Newhart’s comedy album The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart became the first comedy album to hit number one on the Billboard charts in 1960, earning him a Grammy for Best New Artist. He starred in two hit sitcoms, The Bob Newhart Show 1972-1978 and Newhart 1982-1990. Newhart also won a Primetime Emmy in 2014 for his role as Professor Proton on The Big Bang Theory. He died on July 18, 2024, at the age of 94.

Identity & family.

KIN · 1

Names, aliases, and relatives of Bob Newhart — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name George Robert Newhart

Spouses: Ginny Newhart

At a glance.

STATS

Bob Newhart by the numbers — life, work, and family.

94 Years lived

4 Awards

1 Marriage

Who was Bob Newhart?

BIOGRAPHY

Bob Newhart — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

Born in Oak Park, Illinois in 1929, Bob Newhart was raised in a Roman Catholic household. His father, George David Newhart, co-owned a plumbing and heating-supply business, while his mother, Julia Pauline Burns, was a housewife. Newhart attended St. Catherine of Siena Grammar School and St. Ignatius College Prep, graduating in 1947. He then earned a Bachelor’s degree in business management from Loyola University Chicago in 1952.

After college, Newhart was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as a personnel manager during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1954. He briefly attended Loyola University Chicago School of Law but quit after a disagreement with an employer. He worked as an accountant and later as an advertising copywriter, a job that led him to create comedy routines based on absurd telephone conversations.

Career

In 1960, Newhart released his debut comedy album The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart. It became the first comedy album to reach number one on the Billboard charts and won three Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. This success led to a short-lived variety show, The Bob Newhart Show 1961-1962, which won an Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series but was canceled.

Newhart made his film debut in Hell Is for Heroes 1962 and appeared in films such as Catch-22 1970 and Cold Turkey 1971. His breakthrough television role came in The Bob Newhart Show 1972-1978, where he played psychologist Dr. Robert Hartley. He later starred in Newhart 1982-1990 as innkeeper Dick Loudon. Both sitcoms earned strong reviews.

In 1977, Newhart voiced Bernard in Disney’s The Rescuers, a role he reprised in The Rescuers Down Under 1990. Later in his career, he played Professor Proton on The Big Bang Theory 2013-2019, earning his first Primetime Emmy Award in 2014.

Personal life

Bob Newhart married Ginny Quinn on January 12, 1963. They had four children: Robert William, Courtney, Jennifer, and Tim. Ginny was the daughter of actor Bill Quinn and the inspiration behind the famous series finale of Newhart 1990, which revealed the show was a dream of Dr. Robert Hartley.

Newhart insisted that his characters never have children on his sitcoms, stating he did not want the shows to revolve around a bumbling father figure. He was a close friend of his co-star Suzanne Pleshette and spoke at her funeral in 2008. Newhart was a lifelong Catholic and a heavy smoker until doctors ordered him to quit in 1985.

Legacy

Bob Newhart’s deadpan delivery and stammering style influenced generations of comedians, including Bill Cosby and Jerry Seinfeld. He was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2002 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999. His album The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart remains a landmark in comedy history.

Newhart is remembered for his two hit sitcoms, his notable guest roles, and his ability to be funny without profanity. His final television appearance was on Young Sheldon in 2019. He died in Los Angeles on July 18, 2024, at age 94.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 4

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Bob Newhart — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Grammy Award for Best New Artist
Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 6

A wall of memorable lines from Bob Newhart — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

Laughter Gives Us Distance. It Allows Us to Step Back from an Event, Deal with It and Then Move On.
Women Are More Emotional. They Do Get Flustered. Which Is Not to Say That Men Are Better Than They. It’s Simply the Way It Is.
It Worked for Jack Benny. He Certainly Had the Secret for Career Longevity: Surround Yourself with Funny People. I Guess I’ll Just Never Learn to Live Like a Star. Jack Lord Was Born That Way; I Just Can’t Get the Hang of It.
You May Not Think I’m a Sex Symbol, but I Became a Father at the Age of 48. Now Young People Think of Me as a Mini-folk Hero Because It’s Difficult for Them to Believe a Man of My Age Is Sexually Active.
The Fact They’re Not There Anymore Is Not a Reflection on the Actors. It’s Just That Viewers Didn’t Like It. You Went, ‘What the Hell Was That?’
I Am Also Huddling with Creative Advisers and Studying the Possibility of Calling It The.

Did you know?

FACTS · 47

Little-known facts about Bob Newhart — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Newhart guest hosted The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson 87 times.
He insisted there never be any children for his character in each of his television series; he told creators he did not want a show about how stupid Daddy is.
He received his first Emmy nomination in 1962 but did not win until 2014, 52 years later, for playing Professor Proton.
Drafted into the U.S. Army and served stateside during the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1954.
His wife Ginny came up with the idea for The Last Newhart 1990, in which the entire 1982 series was a dream of Dr. Bob Hartley.
Every television series he starred in had his name in the title: The Bob Newhart Show 1961, The Bob Newhart Show 1972, Newhart 1982, Bob 1992, and George & Leo 1997.
He was awarded a Kennedy Centre Mark Twain Prize for comedy.
Co-owned a Hollywood restaurant with actor Dustin Hoffman.
Before his success, Bob worked as an accountant for a Chicago firm and hated every minute of it.
He was a heavy smoker for years until doctors ordered him to stop in 1985.
Before becoming a comedian, he worked as an advertising copywriter for Fred A. Niles.
As he aged, his sitcom wives got successively younger: Suzanne Pleshette was 8 years younger, Mary Frann 14 years younger, and Carlene Watkins 23 years younger.
His idols when young were Robert Benchley, Jack Benny, and Fred Allen.
He was best friends with the late Suzanne Pleshette, and spoke at her funeral in 2008.
He has a sister who is a nun, Sister M. Joan Newhart.
His comedy album The Buttoned-Down Mind of Bob Newhart 1960 went to #1, beating Elvis Presley and The Sound of Music Broadway cast album; it won three Grammys including Album of the Year.
Nominated for a 2007 Grammy for best spoken word album for I Shouldn’t Even Be Doing This!.
Appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show 8 times.
Like Bill Cosby, Newhart could be funny without profanity; his closest reference is in his bit The Driving Instructor where he says ‘I don’t suppose it is so damn funny’.
Attended Loyola University Chicago where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management in 1952.
Made six appearances as Professor Proton on The Big Bang Theory in seasons 6, 7, 9, 11, and 12.
Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6381 Hollywood Boulevard on January 6, 1999.
Appeared on The Dean Martin Show 24 times.
Began his contract career as a comedian for Warner Bros. Records in 1959.
Hospitalized in 1985 with a nosebleed and polycythemia after many years of smoking, but soon recovered.
Released 10 comedy albums.
As a boy, he always wanted to be called Bob, so he dropped his first two names George Robert.
Stationed at Camp Roberts in San Luis Obispo, California in 1952.
His parents were Julia Pauline Burns and George David Newhart.
Newhart was an early home-computer hobbyist, purchasing the Commodore PET after its 1977 introduction.
Many of his former co-stars appeared together on an episode of George & Leo in 1997.
His surname was originally Neuhardt; his father was of half German and half Irish descent, mother of Irish ancestry.
Graduated from St. Ignatius College Preparatory School in Chicago in 1947.
Best known for his starring roles as Dr. Robert Hartley on The Bob Newhart Show and as Dick Loudon on Newhart.
Before becoming a comedian, he worked as a delivery boy for a meat market.
In World of Warcraft, the NPC Robert Newhearth is visually based on his character Judson in The Librarians.
Resided with his parents until his twenties.
Played comedic roles in two war-themed dramas: a radio man in Hell Is for Heroes and a major in Catch-22.
Had many jobs from pinspotter to office boy in downtown Chicago.
Was a huge fan of I Love Lucy and The Milton Berle Show.
Friends with many stars, including Tom Poston, Suzanne Pleshette, Mary Frann, Marcia Wallace, and Johnny Carson.
Considered for the role of Andy Stone in Martin Scorsese’s Casino 1995, which went to Alan King.
He attended the Sixth Army in San Francisco after spending 22 winters in Chicago.
His ashes were interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park – Hollywood Hills.
Son-in-law of actor Bill Quinn.
Attended the 1993 funeral of Bill Bixby.
He auditioned for the role of Coach Calhoun in Grease 1978.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 49

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Bob Newhart.

When was Bob Newhart born?

Bob Newhart was born on September 5, 1929. He was born in Oak Park, Illinois, USA.
Where was Bob Newhart born?

Bob Newhart was born in Oak Park, Illinois, USA. He grew up in the Chicago area.
When did Bob Newhart die?

Bob Newhart died on July 18, 2024. He was 94 years old at the time of his death.
How old was Bob Newhart when he died?

Bob Newhart died at the age of 94. He was born in 1929 and passed away in 2024.
Where did Bob Newhart die?

Bob Newhart died in Los Angeles, California, USA. He had lived in the area for many years.
How did Bob Newhart die?

Bob Newhart died after a short illness. The specific cause was not publicly detailed.
What was Bob Newhart's real name?

Bob Newhart’s birth name was George Robert Newhart. He went by Bob from a young age.
What did Bob Newhart do for a living?

Bob Newhart was an actor, writer, and soundtrack artist. He was best known for his stand-up comedy and television roles.
What nationality was Bob Newhart?

Bob Newhart was American. He was born and raised in the United States.
What language did Bob Newhart speak?

Bob Newhart spoke English as his native language. He was born in the United States.
Who was Bob Newhart married to?

Bob Newhart was married to Ginny Newhart. They were married from January 12, 1963 until her death in 2023.
Where did Bob Newhart go to school?

Bob Newhart attended St. Ignatius College Prep and Loyola University Chicago. He also briefly studied at Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
What awards did Bob Newhart win?

Bob Newhart won a Grammy Award for Best New Artist, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
How many awards did Bob Newhart win?

Bob Newhart won at least four major awards: a Grammy, the Mark Twain Prize, an Emmy, and a star on the Walk of Fame. He also had many nominations.
What was Bob Newhart best known for?

Bob Newhart was best known for his roles on The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart. He was also famous for his deadpan comedy style.
How tall was Bob Newhart?

Bob Newhart was 5 feet 8 inches tall, which is about 1.71 meters. This was considered average height for men of his generation.
Did Bob Newhart have children?

Bob Newhart had four children: Robert William, Courtney, Jennifer, and Tim. They were with his wife Ginny.
Did Bob Newhart have siblings?

Bob Newhart had three siblings, including Mary Joan Newhart who became a nun, Pauline Burns Newhart, and Virginia L. Newhart.
Who were Bob Newhart's parents?

Bob Newhart’s parents were George David Newhart and Julia Pauline Newhart. His father was a co-owner of a plumbing and heating-supply business.
Who were Bob Newhart's relatives?

Bob Newhart’s relatives include his wife Ginny, their four children, and his sister Mary Joan Newhart. He was also related to actor Bill Quinn through marriage.
How many awards nominations did Bob Newhart receive?

Bob Newhart received 53 award nominations over his career. He won 23 awards according to his records.
What was Bob Newhart's first job?

Bob Newhart’s first jobs included working as an accountant and an advertising copywriter. He also worked as a delivery boy for a meat market.
Did Bob Newhart serve in the military?

Bob Newhart was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He served as a personnel manager and was honorably discharged in 1954.
What was Bob Newhart's famous comedy album?

Bob Newhart’s famous comedy album was The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart. It was released in 1960 and became the first comedy album to reach number one on the Billboard charts.
How many times did Bob Newhart guest host The Tonight Show?

Bob Newhart guest hosted The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson 87 times. He was a frequent substitute for Johnny Carson.
Why did Bob Newhart never have children on his sitcoms?

Bob Newhart insisted that his characters never have children because he did not want the shows to be about a bumbling father. He told the writers that he wanted to avoid that trope.
What was the famous ending of the show Newhart?

The series finale of Newhart 1990 revealed that the entire series was a dream of Dr. Robert Hartley, Newhart’s character from The Bob Newhart Show. The idea was suggested by his wife Ginny.
What role did Bob Newhart play on The Big Bang Theory?

Bob Newhart played Arthur Jeffries, also known as Professor Proton, on The Big Bang Theory. He was a former children’s science show host who inspired Sheldon Cooper.
How much did Bob Newhart weigh?

Bob Newhart’s weight is not publicly documented. However, he was of average build and height.
What was Bob Newhart's net worth?

Bob Newhart’s net worth was estimated at around $15 million at the time of his death, accumulated from his long career in entertainment.
Did Bob Newhart win an Emmy for The Bob Newhart Show?

Bob Newhart did not win an Emmy for The Bob Newhart Show. He won his first Emmy in 2014 for his guest role on The Big Bang Theory.
Who were Bob Newhart's comedic influences?

Bob Newhart cited George Gobel, Ray Goulding, Bob Elliott, Robert Benchley, Jack Benny, and Fred Allen as his main influences.
What was Bob Newhart's role in The Rescuers?

Bob Newhart voiced Bernard, a shy janitor mouse, in Disney’s The Rescuers 1977. He reprised the role in The Rescuers Down Under 1990.
How many comedy albums did Bob Newhart release?

Bob Newhart released 10 comedy albums throughout his career. His first was The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart in 1960.
Did Bob Newhart ever appear on Saturday Night Live?

Yes, Bob Newhart hosted Saturday Night Live once. The exact date is not specified but it was during the show’s early years.
What was Bob Newhart's relationship with Johnny Carson?

Bob Newhart was a close friend of Johnny Carson. He guest hosted The Tonight Show 87 times and was a frequent guest.
Was Bob Newhart a heavy smoker?

Yes, Bob Newhart was a heavy smoker for many years. He quit in 1985 after doctors ordered him to stop following a health scare.
What did Bob Newhart study in college?

Bob Newhart studied business management at Loyola University Chicago and earned a Bachelor’s degree in 1952. He also briefly attended law school.
How many sitcoms did Bob Newhart star in?

Bob Newhart starred in five sitcoms with his name in the title: The Bob Newhart Show 1961, The Bob Newhart Show 1972, Newhart 1982, Bob 1992, and George & Leo 1997.
What was Bob Newhart's favorite role?

Bob Newhart often said he enjoyed playing Professor Proton on The Big Bang Theory because it allowed him to work with a new generation of actors.
Did Bob Newhart have any pets?

There is no public record of Bob Newhart having pets. He was focused on his family and career.
What was Bob Newhart's educational background?

Bob Newhart attended St. Ignatius College Prep and graduated in 1947. He then earned a business degree from Loyola University Chicago and briefly attended law school.
Why was Bob Newhart drafted into the Army?

Bob Newhart was drafted during the Korean War. He served as a personnel manager and was stationed at Camp Roberts in California.
What was Bob Newhart's first television show?

Bob Newhart’s first television show was The Bob Newhart Show in 1961, a variety series that won an Emmy but was canceled after one season.
How did Bob Newhart get his start in comedy?

Bob Newhart started as an advertising copywriter and recorded comedy routines based on absurd telephone calls. He sent the tapes to radio stations and soon performed at nightclubs.
What was Bob Newhart's signature comedic style?

Bob Newhart was known for his deadpan delivery, a slight stammer, and monologues where he played straight man to absurd situations.
Did Bob Newhart ever win a Grammy for his comedy albums?

Yes, Bob Newhart won three Grammy Awards for The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart in 1961, including Album of the Year and Best New Artist.
Who was Bob Newhart's longest-running co-star?

Bob Newhart’s longest-running co-star was Suzanne Pleshette, who played his wife on The Bob Newhart Show. They were close friends off-screen.
What was Bob Newhart's cameo in Horrible Bosses?

In Horrible Bosses 2011, Bob Newhart made a surprise cameo as Lou Sherman, Jason Bateman’s new boss, who has a notorious reputation.

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If something's wrong in a profile, Daniel will find it. With 7 years of research experience, he's developed an almost unreasonable eye for inaccurate career timelines, misattributed credits, and dates that don't quite add up. He doesn't publish anything he can't verify. The profiles on Famousy are as accurate as they are largely because of work you'll never see his name on.

Published on October 18, 2026

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