It’s not every day that a comedy legend turns 90, and to mark this incredible milestone, the Decades television network is throwing a party like no other. From Saturday, September 7, at 1:00 p.m. EST, until Monday, September 9, at 7:00 a.m. EST, fans will be treated to a marathon of 82 handpicked episodes from Bob Newhart’s most beloved shows, including The Bob Newhart Show, Newhart, and Bob. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to dive deep into the world of one of the most iconic comedians of all time.
And who better to weigh in on this celebration than Bob Newhart himself? The man who gave us decades of laughter says, “In 2022, The Bob Newhart Show will have been entertaining audiences for 50 years—whether in its original run or in syndication. I never imagined my work would have such staying power. It’s truly humbling.”
From Accountant to Comedy Icon: The Early Years of Bob Newhart
Bob Newhart’s journey to comedy superstardom began in the quiet suburbs of Oak Park, Illinois. After working as an accountant and advertising copywriter, Newhart found himself recording absurd phone conversations during his downtime. These recordings would eventually become the foundation of his comedic style. In 1959, he signed with Warner Bros. Records, releasing his debut album, The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart. This groundbreaking album not only hit #1 on the Billboard charts but also won the 1961 Grammy Award for Album of the Year, beating out legendary artists like Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. Over the next decade, Newhart released eight more comedy albums, solidifying his place in the world of entertainment.
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Breaking into Television: The Bob Newhart Show
In the early 1960s, Newhart made a splash on the small screen with a variety show that earned him a prestigious Peabody Award. But it was his role as Dr. Bob Hartley in The Bob Newhart Show that truly cemented his legacy. Premiering in 1972, the sitcom followed the life of a mild-mannered psychologist navigating the chaos of everyday life. With a talented ensemble cast that included Suzanne Pleshette, Bill Daly, and Marcia Wallace, the show became an instant hit. For six seasons, audiences tuned in to watch Bob’s witty banter and hilarious encounters with his patients, neighbors, and the ever-sarcastic Mrs. Hartley. The series garnered two Golden Globe nominations and four Primetime Emmy Award nominations, proving that Newhart’s comedic genius was here to stay.
Continuing the Legacy: Newhart and Beyond
In 1982, Bob Newhart returned to primetime with the sitcom Newhart, where he played a Vermont innkeeper surrounded by a quirky cast of characters. The show was nominated for 25 Primetime Emmy Awards and six Golden Globe Awards, showcasing Newhart’s enduring appeal. He later starred in Bob, a CBS sitcom where he portrayed a cartoonist with a knack for riling up those around him. Even after these shows ended, Newhart continued to make appearances on beloved series like The Simpsons, ER, and NCIS. In 2013, he earned his first and only Primetime Emmy Award for his role in The Big Bang Theory. His contributions to comedy were further recognized in 2002 when he received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
As Bob Newhart celebrates his 90th birthday, The Paley Center for Media is set to honor
