Bob Newhart, star of Elf and Big Bang Theory, dies aged 94

Legendary Hollywood comedian and actor Bob Newhart has died at the age of 94. The Grammy, Emmy, and Golden Globe winner's publicist confirmed the news on Thursday, local time, revealing Newhart died at his home in Los Angeles after battling a series of short illnesses.

Bob is best remembered for his two hit television shows, The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart, during the 70s and 80s after first launching his career in standup in the late 50s. He was known for his hesitant style of delivery and kept his voice barely above a whisper.

RELATED:

• Netflix fans divided as filming begins on season five of controversial show: 'Needs to end'

• Fans call out Emmys over 'ridiculous' 2024 nominations: 'Didn't deserve it'

• Emily in Paris fans call out 'big problem' with the Netflix show: 'Beyond repair'

For younger audiences, the actor is well known for his appearances in The Big Bang Theory as Professor Proton and the fan-favourite Christmas film Elf, where he played Will Ferrell's adoptive father. His work on The Big Bang Theory earned him his first Emmy and the star reprised his role in the spin-off Young Sheldon. He also famously appeared in an episode of The Simpsons as himself.

In 2023, to celebrate 20 years of Elf, Bob told CNN that the Christmas film holds a special place in his heart.

"Without question, the part of Papa Elf outranks, by far, any role I may have ever played," he said. "In my opinion, there has not been anything like it in the interim."

Speaking of his time in stand-up comedy, Bob once said, "When I first started out in stand-up, I just remember the sound of laughter. It's one of the great sounds of the world."

Also in 2003, he shared that he would continue to work as long as he could, saying, "It's been so much, 43 years of my life; (to quit) would be like something was missing."

Bob is survived by his four children Robert, Timothy, Jennifer and Courtney, whom he shared with his late wife Virginia Lillian ‘Ginnie’ Quinn, who died in April 2023, following a long illness.

Tributes pour in for Bob Newhart

Star Wars actor Mark Hamill took to social media to share a tribute to Bob, writing, "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."

Big Bang Theory co-creator Bill Prady also shared a photo of himself and Bob, sharing, "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 honours of my life."

Judd Apatow also shared a sweet tribute that read: "Bob Newhart made the world a better place for a really long time."

Ruth Buzzi added, "Seven decades of success as a comedian and not one disrespectful, vulgar or offensive joke. Comedy had a 'greatest generation', too; that classy era was led by the likes of Bob Newhart. My dear friend, rest in peace. See you down the road. XOXO Ruthie."

Josh Weinstein, a writer and producer on The Simpsons, shared, "Bob Newhart was among the kindest guest stars we ever had on The Simpsons and he was possibly the most revered. More writers came to his voice record for his spot on 'Bart the Fink' than I had ever seen. RIP to one of the founders of modern comedy."

The Simpsons and Elf fans share heartbreak over Bob Newhart's death

Fans of The Simpsons, Elf and The Big Bang Theory, to name a few, shared their heartbreak on social media, with one user writing, "RIP Bob Newhart - Professor Proton in the Big Bang Theory, Papa Elf in Elf and himself in The Simpsons paying a trademark deadpan tribute to Krusty when he faked his own death."

"Rest In peace Bob Newhart. I’ll miss his warm voice and comic timing onscreen," another fan wrote. "While I haven’t seen everything he’s done, I first knew him for his work in Elf and Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, and Blonde. Thank you for all you gave us."

"Elf is a near-perfect and brilliant comedy for many reasons, but one of its genius-level creative decisions was the hiring of the late Bob Newhart as Papa Elf," a third said.

"RIP Bob Newhart, who accidentally got roped into doing a eulogy on The Simpsons for Krusty the Clown, whom he’d never met and wasn’t actually dead," someone else added. "The delivery of every line of was stellar. One of The Simpsons best guest stars."

Want the latest celebrity news? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.