Tributes flow for Bob Newhart
Bob Newhart has died aged 94.
The comedian and actor was best known for the television shows, The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart, and also starred in Elf and Big Bang Theory.
His publicist, Jerry Digney confirmed that Newhart died in Los Angeles on Thursday morning local time, following a series of short illnesses.
Digney called the star's passing the “end of an era in comedy”.
Tributes have been pouring in for the "truly one-of-a-kind" talent, with Newhart co-star Julia Duffy sharing a special tribute on X, alongside an old cast photo.
"Second most important man in my life," she began, while also referencing the loss of her son.
"Glad they're together but I feel so alone now. #RIPBOB. How I will miss being teased. I love you."
Second most important man in my life. Glad they're together but I feel so alone now. #RIPBOB. How I will miss being teased. I love you.💔 pic.twitter.com/edXgWzSfgX
— julia duffy (@mybadauditions) July 18, 2024
Star Wars actor Mark Hamill also took the platform to share his condolences.
"From his groundbreaking stand-up to his two classic sitcoms he gave us a lifetime of laughter," he wrote alongside an image of Newhart.
"Truly one-of-a-kind. Thank you Bob Newhart! #RIP."
From his groundbreaking stand-up to his two classic sitcoms he gave us a lifetime of laughter. Truly one-of-a-kind. Thank you Bob Newhart!#RIP pic.twitter.com/NlkJNuOw80
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) July 18, 2024
Bill Prady, the co-creator of The Big Bang Theory also paid tribute to the actor and shared what a delight it was to work with the comedian.
"Hard to explain how important Bob Newhart was to every comedian and comedy writer who came after him," he wrote in a tribute, with a photo of the pair.
"Working with him ever so briefly was one of the greatest joys and honors of my life."
Newhart was originally an accountant and advertising copywriter.
He first rose to fame in the 1960's following the release of his comedy album, The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart, which was one of the best-selling albums of the year, and landed him a Grammy Award.
In 1972, The Bob Newhart Show debuted, and ten years later, he debuted Newhart, which still has one of the most famous series finale in TV history, for the unexpected twist that tied the two shows together.
Newhart was also a frequent guest and regular fill-in host on the Tonight Show during that era.
Images: Jim Ruymen/UPI/ Shutterstock Editorial