Jamie Lee Curtis, Judd Apatow, Paul Feig and The Big Bang Theory cast and crew members, including Kaley Cuoco, Mayim Bialik and Bill Prady, are among those across Hollywood paying tribute to Bob Newhart, who died Thursday morning at age 94.
Newhart, a beloved stand-up performer known for his iconic deadpan humor highlights on two CBS sitcoms, died after a series of short illnesses, his longtime publicist, Jerry Digney, shared with The Hollywood Reporter.
Apatow, who co-directed Bob and Don: A Love Story about the life-long friendship of Newhart and Don Rickles, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “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.”
Prady, co-creator of The Big Bang Theory, where Newhart guest starred as Arthur Jeffries, wrote on social media, “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.”
Cuoco, who played Penny on Big Bang, shared on 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!”
Bialik, who starred as Amy on the beloved CBS sitcom, wrote in a statement to THR, “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!”
Kunal Nayyar, who played Raj on Big Bang, added in a tribute on his Instagram Story, “Professor Proton. Our dearest Bob Newhart. RIP. Miss you forever.”
Iain Armitage, who starred as Sheldon Cooper on Young Sheldon, where Newhart also appeared as Professor Proton, 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.”
Noah Wyle, who starred in The Librarian film series with Newhart, shared in a tribute, “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.”
Curtis wrote in a tribute on her Instagram, “They will be laughing wherever people go when they leave us. God, he was funny! Bob Newhart. You will be missed!”
Filmmaker Feig remembered Newhart on X, writing, “And we lose another comedy legend. I had the honor of doing a guest role on Newhart & got to spend the week listening to the great Bob Newhart making us all laugh. A brilliant standup & comedic actor, he was truly one of a kind. His legacy will live on.”
National Comedy Center executive director Journey Gunderson shared in a statement to THR, “Bob Newhart’s groundbreaking work in stand-up and television – and his beloved deadpan delivery – have left an indelible mark on the art form of comedy and will be treasured by comedy fans for generations to come. We are proud to celebrate and preserve his extraordinary work at National Comedy Center.”
