Hollywood is in mourning after the death of comedy icon Bob Newhart, who passed away on Thursday aged 94. Friends and colleagues of the multi-award-winning comedian have now taken to social media to pay tribute to Newhart, including directors Judd Apatow and Paul Feig, and several members of The Big Bang Theory cast and crew.
Apatow, who helmed the documentary Bob and Don: A Love Story alongside Michael Bonfiglio about the life-long friendship of Bob Newhart and fellow comedic icon Don Rickles, referred to Newhart as his “hero.”
“Bob Newhart was the kindest most hilarious man. He asked me to make a documentary about his friendship with Don Rickles. I was so lucky to get to spend that time with my hero. His brilliant comedy and gentle spirit made everyone he encountered so happy.”
Newhart’s wonderfully deadpan style was introduced to a new generation thanks to the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory, in which the comedian made several cameo appearances as Professor Proton, for which he received a Primetime Emmy Award. Co-creator of The Big Bang Theory, Bill Prady, described working with the actor as one of the great “honors” of his life.
“Hard to explain how important Bob Newhart was to every comedian and comedy writer who came after him. Working with him ever so briefly was one of the greatest joys and honors of my life.”
The Big Bang Theory Stars Pay Tribute to Bob Newhart
The Big Bang Theorystar Kaley Cuoco, who played Penny throughout the show’s run, said via her Instagram Story, “What a dream it was to witness the genius that was Bob Newhart. He was classy, kind, generous and absolutely hilarious. Every take — every time. Icon forever. … I will never forget you, Bob! Thank you for making our dreams come true!”
Her co-star Mayim Bialik, who starred as Amy, also paid tribute while reflecting on her childhood memories of watching Newhart on TV to working with him on The Big Bang Theory.
“As a child, the Bob Newhart Show provided countless hours of enjoyment for me – it constituted some of my earliest training in the art of sitcom. When I got to work with alongside him on TBBT, it was absolutely a dream come true. He was effortlessly professional, poised, hilarious and incredibly approachable. Working with Bob was working in the presence of a true comedy legend – the likes of whom we simple don’t see anymore. How he will be missed!”
Young Sheldon star Iain Armitage, who also starred as Sheldon Cooper alongside Newhart in the Big Bang Theory prequel series, wrote on his Instagram Story, “Thanks for being such an inspiring Professor Proton and such an incredible human being. Thinking of you and all who loved you today.”
President Joe Biden has also paid his respects to Newhart and thanked him for keeping “Americans laughing for decades.”
“Today, we mourn the loss of Bob Newhart, a comedy legend and beloved performer who kept Americans laughing for decades. Today, he was reunited with his wife Ginnie. My thoughts are with his children and grandchildren, and all those whose days were brightened by his work.”
Bob Newhart sadly passed away following complications caused by several short illnesses, his longtime publicist, Jerry Digney, confirmed. The actor and comedy icon will be sorely missed, and you can read more tributes from across movies, TV, and comedy below.