Bob Newhart died on Thursday at his home in Los Angeles, ET confirmed. He was 94.
Bob Newhart’s death on Thursday sent a ripple effect across Hollywood and beyond from those deeply impacted by his unparalleled humor that transcended generations.
Newhart — who died at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 94 — is being remembered by those who worked alongside him and those who admired him from afar. Newhart, of course, will forever be remembered for his appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show and his stand-up comedy album, The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart, which became the first of its genre to hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts. The album also earned him two GRAMMYs for Album of the Year and Best New Artist.
He earned an Emmy nomination as well as a Peabody Award for his variety program, The Bob Newhart Show, as well as numerous memorable appearances, such as in Will Ferrell’s 2003 Christmas classic, Elf.
In a statement to ET, ER star Noah Wyle shared, “Heroes frequently disappoint when you meet them. Bob didn’t. I will be forever grateful for the time I got to spend with him — laughing, globetrotting, telling stories and trying to save the world. I join the multitudes in mourning his passing. Heaven just got a whole lot funnier.”
In an exclusive tribute message to ET, Judd Hirsch, Newhart’s George and Leo counterpart, said, “Bob Newhart. What would I say to him if he was still here? Well, first I would thank him for being the human being he was, one of the kindest actors I ever played with on television. Great comedian. Man of our time.”
“I remember every time we shot that show — George and Leo — he would come to me and say, ‘I understand you have to catch a red eye back to New York to see your little girl.’ I said, ‘Yeah, whenever I can I will.’ He said, ‘You will every time.’ That promise was made 22 times,” Hirsch continued. “I thank you for being the man you were. I’m very proud to be part of your legacy. Adios, my friend. Rest well.”
Two and a Half Men star Jon Cryer took to X, sharing, “One of the greats. Truly. I’m so grateful to have his work and artistry in my life.”
Newhart appeared on six episodes of The Big Bang Theory — which brought him his first Emmy in 2013 for guest acting — and his co-star, Kaley Cuoco, took to her Instagram Story to remember the comedy giant.
“I will never forget you, Bob! Thank you for making our dreams come true!” she wrote over a photo of the cast alongside a smiling Newhart.
In another snap showing Cuoco and Newhart, she wrote, “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.”
Mark Hamill also tweeted, “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.”
Director Judd Apatow walked down memory lane recalling his fond experience with Newhart, while also sharing a link to his short documentary for The New Yorker on Newhart and the late Don Rickles dubbed Bob and Don: A Love Story.
“Bob Newhart was the kindest most hilarious man. He asked me to make a documentary about his friendship with Don Rickles,” Apatow tweeted. “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.”
