Bob Newhart Fooled Everyone

He Was A King Of Comedy

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Bob Newhart shot to fame for his stammering, deadpan standup comedy albums in the 1960s. What ensued was a decades-long TV and film career that delivered as many on-screen laughs as it did off-screen giggles. Plus a controversy—or two.

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

George Robert Newhart was born in 1929 and named after his father, a plumbing supply business owner. But having two Georges in the house was a recipe for chaos. To keep things simple, young Newhart opted to go by his middle name—Bob—a choice that would stick for life.

2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

If you told someone who knew young Bob Newhart that he'd become a stand up comedian, they probably would have laughed. One local historian called his conservative family "very Catholic". He attended a Jesuit prep school before enrolling at Loyola University Chicago, where he took a notably un-funny major: business management. 

But despite his buttoned-up education, comedy was always lurking in the background.

4. He Was A Terrible Accountant

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Before comedy paid the bills, Newhart worked as an accountant at United States Gypsum. But his approach to balancing the books could have been a comedy routine all its own. Rather than tracking down small financial discrepancies, he simply covered imbalances with his own money. As he later admitted, he “lacked the temperament” for accounting.

Fortunately, he found a better fit.

6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Newhart’s office prank calls were a hit, but when his co-conspirator moved to New York, he was left talking to himself. Instead of quitting, however, he doubled down, refining his one-sided conversations into a unique comedy routine. 

Without knowing it, he was developing the signature style that would take his life places he never imagined.

8. He Made Comedy Albums

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Unlike most comedians, Newhart didn’t need to hit the nightclub circuit to build an audience. Instead, he recorded his routines and let the albums do the work. Even in the studio, his deadpan delivery and imaginative one-sided conversations elicited peals of laughter. But there was something oddly familiar about it all.

9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Newhart’s stand-up routine was deceptively simple. He often played the “straight man” in imaginary phone conversations, letting the audience’s imagination infer the absurdity from the other end of the call. The format, equal parts awkward and hilarious, made his comedy stand out. 

But even still, his level of success was staggering.

10. His First Comedy Album Made History

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Fresh off the heels of his deal with Warner Bros, Newhart released his first ever comedy album, The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart. The album wasn’t just a success—it was a cultural phenomenon. Much to Newhart’s surprise, the album topped the Billboard charts, making him the first comedian to claim the number-one spot and netted him a Grammy for Album of the Year.

And that was just his opening act.

11. He Was #1 And #2

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Newhart struck gold again just six months later with The Button-Down Mind Strikes Back!, a follow-up album that won him another Grammy. At one point, both of his albums held the top two spots on the charts—a feat few musicians, let alone comedians, have ever pulled off. 

With his star power reaching unparalleled heights, his next move was inevitable.

12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

With his signature style cemented in comedy history, Newhart made the leap to television in 1961 with The Bob Newhart Show. The show was an instant success with critics, seeing Newhart snag an Emmy nomination and a Peabody Award. However, to everyone’s surprise, the show only lasted one season.

Audiences, however, weren’t ready to hang up the phone on Newhart just yet.

13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

When Newhart won the Peabody Award for The Bob Newhart Show, the judges didn’t hold back their praise. Calling him a “merry marauder” who looked more like a choirboy than a comedian, they credited his “gentle satire” for slaying the “dragons that stalk our society”. 

Clearly, a television screen was too small for his big talent.

14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Despite his show only running for one season, Hollywood came calling, casting Newhart in the film Hell Is for Heroes. Excited as Newhart was to be on the big screen, there was just one problem—he was making bigger money from stand-up! Desperate to get back on the road, he begged the director to write off his character. 

The director’s response was the best punchline.

15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Despite his best efforts, Newhart couldn’t joke his way out of Hell Is for Heroes. He spent the entire production thinking up ways to get written out of the script, only for director Don Siegel to tell him, “You're in it to the end, soldier”. That wasn’t the only seemingly lifelong commitment that Newhart made.

16. He Married Into Show Business

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Newhart was a newbie to show business, but, in 1963, he married Hollywood royalty. His bride, Virginia “Ginnie” Quinn, was the daughter of Hollywood character actor Bill Quinn. The two had met through their mutual friend, comedian Buddy Hackett, who claimed he had the perfect woman for Bob. 

Turns out, he was right—the couple stayed together for 60 years.

17. He Had A Big Catholic Family

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Over the course of their marriage, Bob and Ginnie had four children—Robert, Timothy, Jennifer, and Courtney—and later, 10 grandchildren. As devout Catholics, they raised their kids in the faith and kept family at the center of their lives. Of course, being a family man never stopped Newhart from performing.

Particularly if his audience members were even more famous than he was.

19. He Made A Demanding Debut

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

With his fame only continuing to grow, MTM Enterprises approached Newhart for a second TV series, again called The Bob Newhart Show. But this time, to ensure the series lasted longer than a season, Newhart had two demands: 

First, he had them make his character a psychologist instead of a psychiatrist, so the show wouldn't be mocking the seriously mentally ill. Second, he insisted his character have no kids to avoid the tired trope of the bumbling sitcom dad.

His instincts paid off.

20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Paired with Suzanne Pleshette as his TV wife, Newhart brought his subtle humor to the role of psychologist Bob Hartley in his new show. The Bob Newhart Show became a staple of CBS’s powerhouse Saturday night lineup, alongside classics like M*A*S*H and The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

It was an instant hit with audiences—and a riot behind the scenes.

21. He Was A Good Boss

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Despite playing the “straight man” on his new hit TV series, Newhart was nothing but laughs behind the scenes. His co-star, Marcia Wallace, later recalled how well the cast got along, and Newhart himself grew close to both Wallace and Pleshette. Unlike his character, he didn’t need therapy. But, he did need some help.

22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

For all his talent, Newhart had one major weakness: remembering his lines. Rather than risk flubbing jokes and ruining a take, Newhart wrote his lines on cue cards and hid them in secret spots around the set. Funny enough, he managed to ruin take after take thanks to another little quirk of his.

23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

As the king of deadpan humor, Newhart could keep a straight face better than anyone. But even he had his limits. Scenes that he filmed with Merie Earle, who played his patient Mrs Loomis, turned into laugh riots. Earle’s delivery was so unintentionally funny that Newhart often broke character and broke in peals of laughter, forcing multiple takes just to get through a scene.

At times, however, he was serious as a stroke.

24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

By 1977, The Bob Newhart Show was winding down, but the producers weren’t ready to let it go. In a desperate ploy, they pitched a plot twist: a pregnancy for Newhart’s on-screen wife. Newhart, still committed to keeping his show free of sitcom dad clichés, balked at the idea. 

“I told the creators I didn't want any children,” he said. But this time, no one was listening.

25. He Asked A Pointed Question

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Despite Newhart’s objections, the show’s producers went ahead and put together a script that put a bun in his on-screen wife’s proverbial oven. When Newhart read the defiant script, he conceded that it was hilarious—and so was his answer. Coolly, the TV comedian replied, “Who are you going to get to play Bob?”

But the joke was on Newhart.

26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

While his on-screen wife was possibly going to be dealing with a fictional pregnancy, Newhart was dealing with the real thing. In late 1977, his wife gave birth to their daughter, Jenny. The timing caused Newhart to miss several episodes. In the end, however, it gave him a brilliant idea.

27. His Nightmare Came True

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Even though Newhart shot down the pregnancy plot line, he still found a way to make the show’s producers happy—sort of. In one episode, his on-screen wife revealed she was expecting. But before wheeling her into the delivery room, the audience learned the whole thing was just a dream sequence—a terrible nightmare in Newhart’s character’s imagination.

He was less tactful in dealing with other on-screen disagreements.

28. He Had A Canine Critic

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Marcia Wallace, who played Carol on The Bob Newhart Show, recalled Newhart’s unique way of rejecting bad lines. Instead of complaining to the writers directly, he’d kneel down and read the line to her dog, Maggie. If Maggie yawned, Newhart would shrug and say, “See, I told you it’s not funny!”

Newhart was ready to move on to funnier pastures anyway.

29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

By 1982, Newhart was ready for a new sitcom. Teaming up with new producers and writers, he created Newhart, playing Vermont innkeeper and TV host Dick Loudon. Just as with The Bob Newhart Show, it became an instant hit, racking up viewers and Emmy nominations. 

However, an unexpected event nearly ended the show—and Newhart’s life—prematurely.

30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Newhart had few vices in life—but the one he did have nearly cost him everything. In 1985, he was diagnosed with secondary polycythemia from his decades-long habit of smoking more than a chimney in the North Pole. Newhart’s doctors gave him a strict order: quit immediately. 

Fortunately, Newhart was able to kick the habit before it had him kicking the bucket. And just in time to make TV history.

31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

By 1990, after eight seasons and nearly 200 episodes, Newhart’s ratings had started to slip and Newhart was brainstorming ideas for a fitting finale. And what a finale it would be. TV Guide later ranked the series finale of Newhart as the best series ending in television history—one final stroke of genius from Newhart and his team.

But it took some careful planning to pull off.

32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

To keep the show’s surprise ending under wraps, Newhart orchestrated a clever ploy. Before the final episode aired, he leaked a completely fake conclusion to the series to the press, ensuring that his real twist stayed a secret until the moment it hit the airwaves. The fake ending was so plausible that everyone believed it.

34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Thanks to Newhart’s clever ruse, his namesake show delivered one of TV’s most unexpected endings. In the series finale, Newhart’s character wakes up next to Suzanne Pleshette—his wife from The Bob Newhart Show—revealing that the entire Newhart series had been the bizarre dream of his Robert Hartley character.

The show then ended with the classic one-liner from Pleshette: “That’s what you get for eating Japanese food before bed”.

35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Newhart’s legendary series finale wasn’t actually Newhart’s idea. His wife thought it up! Frustrated by CBS’s constant time-slot changes, Newhart had been venting about the network when his wife jokingly made the offhand suggestion. But the rest of the show was all Newhart’s brainchild—and voice.

36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Viewers who watched Newhart until the very end may have noticed something peculiar. During the iconic MTM Productions closing logo where a lion roars ferociously, Newhart didn’t follow the script. Instead of the usual “roar”, Newhart redubbed the audio himself with a hilariously wimpy “meow”.

He may have been running out of ideas.

38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Newhart had resigned himself to cameos when he received the script for a film he knew would be an instant classic: Elf. While others may have doubted the off-beat Will Ferrell script, Newhart knew that it was going to become a film that audiences would watch and rewatch every Christmas. But he wasn’t only about the laughs.

39. He Took A Dramatic Turn

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Throughout his entire career, Newhart performed in comedies…as a comedian. But in 2003, he shocked audiences by stepping into a rare dramatic role on the classic series ER. His bold move to drama paid off. His performance was so compelling that it earned him his first Primetime Emmy nomination in nearly 20 years.

He was stepping outside of his comfort zone in more ways than one.

40. He Risked It All For A Gag

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

At the 2006 Primetime Emmy Awards, Newhart found himself in a peculiar predicament. As part of a comedic bit, he was locked in an airtight glass case with only three hours of oxygen. If the awards show ran over time (which they almost always do), well…let’s just say the stakes had never been higher for an Emmy ceremony.

41. He Lived To Tell The Tale

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Fortunately, Newhart “survived” his Emmy ordeal. The show wrapped up within the time limit, and he was released from his “life-threatening” situation just in time to present the award for Outstanding Comedy Series. For a guy known for his dry humor, this was perhaps the most literal example of “deadpan” comedy.

42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Throughout his career, Newhart worked with and befriended scores of other comedians, but none meant as much to him as Don Rickles. The two often vacationed together, appeared on The Tonight Show side-by-side, and even guest-starred on each other’s sitcoms. 

Their friendship was so legendary that it became the subject of a 2023 documentary, Bob & Don: A Love Story.

43. He Finally Won An Emmy

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

After decades in the business and a handful of hit TV shows, it shocked audiences to learn that Newhart had nothing to show for it—at least nothing golden. That is, until 2013 when he finally clinched his first Primetime Emmy Award. His winning performance? A guest role as Professor Proton on The Big Bang Theory. 

Funny enough, he almost passed on the opportunity.

44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Newhart wasn’t going to settle for a one-and-done cameo when the producers of The Big Bang Theory came calling. He only agreed to play Professor Proton in the hit series if the producers agreed to one condition: He had to have a recurring role. The show delivered, bringing him back for six episodes—and even finding a way to keep his character alive in the popular spinoff Young Sheldon.

He was, after all, a living legend.

45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

That hesitant, stammering delivery that became part of Newhart’s comedic trademark wasn’t an act. “Truly, that's…the…way I talk,” he once said. But instead of trying to change it, he leaned into it—turning his natural rhythm into a masterclass in comedic timing that delighted audiences for decades. Right up until the very end.

46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

On July 18, 2024, Newhart delivered his final punchline when he passed on at the age of 94. Tributes poured in from his adoring co-stars and fans—including from President Joe Biden! The president called him “a comedy legend and beloved performer who kept Americans laughing for decades”. 

In the end, Newhart revealed the secret to his comedic genius.

47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

If there was one rule Newhart lived by—apart from never playing a hapless sitcom dad and always naming shows after himself—it was this: “Tension is very important to comedy. And the release of the tension—that's the laugh”.

48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Bob Newhart's enviable career may never have happened if not for his conscience. After earning his degree in business, Newhart briefly pursued a legal career at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. However, his ambitions took a turn when one of his superiors asked him to perform an unspecified “unethical act” during his internship. 

Instead of compromising his integrity, he walked away—and towards an unexpected future in comedy.

49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

1. He Chose To Be “Bob”, 2. He Didn’t Learn Comedy In School, 4. He Was A Terrible Accountant, 6. He Kept The Jokes Rolling, 8. He Made Comedy Albums, 9. He Perfected The Art Of Talking To Himself, 10. His First Comedy Album Made History, 11. He Was #1 And #2, 12. He Got His Own TV Show—And Then Lost It, 13. He Was A “Merry Marauder”, 14. He Wanted To Get Out Of Hell, 15. He Had To Stick It Out To The Bitter End, 16. He Married Into Show Business, 17. He Had A Big Catholic Family, 19. He Made A Demanding Debut, 20. He Landed A Saturday Night Hit, 21. He Was A Good Boss, 22. He Couldn’t Remember His Lines, 23. He Couldn’t Keep a Straight Face, 24. He Didn’t Want Any Children—On Set, That Is, 25. He Asked A Pointed Question, 26. He Was A Sitcom Dad—For Real, 27. His Nightmare Came True, 28. He Had A Canine Critic, 29. He Landed Another Sensational Sitcom, 30. He Smoked Himself Into The ER, 31. He Had The Best Series Finale In TV History, 32. He Leaked Fake Stories To The Press, 34. He Was Dreaming The Whole Time, 35. His Wife Deserved All The Credit, 36. He Roared Like A…Wet Cat, 38. He Knew Elf Was A Classic From The Start, 39. He Took A Dramatic Turn, 40. He Risked It All For A Gag, 41. He Lived To Tell The Tale, 42. He Had A Lifelong Bromance, 43. He Finally Won An Emmy, 44. He Wouldn’t Simply Do A Cameo, 45. He Turned A Stammer Into A Superpower, 46. He Laughed With Us For 94 Years, 47. He Knew The Secret To Comedy, 48. He Had Strong Ethical Standards, 49. He May Have Been A Plagiarist

Late in his career, Newhart’s signature one-sided phone call routine had become legendary—but not without controversy. In a 2012 interview, fellow comedian Shelley Berman threw shade at Newhart, accusing him of ripping off the one-sided phone call act. The claim sparked debate, but Newhart had his response at the ready.

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