The Big Bang Theory Creators & Stars Honor Bob Newhart

Summary

The Big Bang Theorycreators and stars Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady, Mayim Bialik, Kevin Sussman, and Will Wheaton have paid tribute toBob Newhart following the celebrated comedian and actor’s passing. Known for his seriesThe Bob Newhart Showand his roles inThe Rescuers,Legally Blonde 2, andElf, Newhart portrayed Arthur Jeffries, otherwise known as Professor Proton in the sitcom series, an inspiration to both Jim Parson’s Sheldon Cooper and Johnny Galecki’s Leonard Hofstadter’s scientific careers. Newhart reprised the role of Proton multiple times across the series and for brief appearances inYoung Sheldon.

Following the sad news of Newhart’s passing breaking,The Big Bang Theoryco-creator Lorre opened up toDeadlineabout his time working with the actor, revealing how he finally convinced Newhart to join him andcelebrating him on both a professional level and as a friend.

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For years I begged Bob to appear on one of my shows. He always said no. But then he fell in love withThe Big Bang Theoryand said yes – with two provisions. One: his character had to have an arc that spanned several episodes. And two: he wanted to win an Emmy. We delivered on both. I got to work with a comedy legend. A master of the craft, and a kind and gentle man. I even got to call him a friend. How lucky am I?

Pradylater shared his own tribute on X, highlighting his experience with Newhart as a personal highlight of his life.

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BialikandSussman, who portrayed Amy Farrah Fowler and Stuart Bloom, cited Newhart as an inspiration and working with him as an honor.

When I had the extraordinary privilege of working in the same episodes as Bob Newhart, I stayed on the stage the whole time, just to watch him work. I mean, how could I not? He made it all look so easy, and holy shit he was so funny, even more than you think. One day, he and I ended up sitting next to each other during a break in production. In the industry, we call it ‘taking a five’ or ‘a quick ten’ or something like that. Just a little break for everyone to catch their breaths. A couple of the writers were there, I think, and maybe one or two other actors. And we all sat there, while Bob Newhart told stories about his life and career. It was amazing. This legend, just talking to us like it was no big deal, sharing these incredible experiences with us. I knew then that I would never forget it, that I would cherish that experience for the rest of my life.

I just read the news that Bob Newhart passed away at 94, and this memory has come back to me, like it was yesterday. He didn’t need to be kind. He didn’t need to tell us these stories. He didn’t owe us any of his time. And yet he did, and he loved it. Because he chose to do all those things, I have a gift that Bob Newhart gave me. I haven’t opened it in a while, but I took it out today, and I was grateful. Rest well, Bob.

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Sometimes Meeting Your Heroes Is Okay

Sheldon never stopped seeing Jeffries as someone to look up to.

As stated by Lorre,Newman’sThe Big Bang Theoryarcwas a multi-episode storyline that spanned multiple seasons, as Leonard stumbling on an advert for Proton to appear at birthday parties brings Jeffries into his and Sheldon’s world. Despite their idolization, however, Jeffries is cynical and broken, having lost his show, his wife, begun a one-sided feud with Bill Nye, and become a scientific community outcast. Yet, even with Sheldon’s abrasiveness, their appreciation of him does leave Jeffries touched, as he even asks Leonard and Sheldon to engage in science once more.

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However,Jeffries would later pass within the show’s universe, leading to season 7’s “The Proton Transmogrification”, leading to Sheldon having to grapple with processing the loss of his hero and how he can show his love to those still with him. Despite this, Newhart would return many more times through Sheldon as a mental guide when he needs aid during life’s difficult moments, as Sheldon never stopped seeing Jeffries as someone to look up to. While Newhart’sThe Big Bang Theoryroles perfectly played into his memorable deadpan stylings, Jeffrie’s arc stands as one of the series' most heartwarming inclusions.

For many viewers, Newhart’sThe Big Bang Theoryappearances may have been their first introduction to the actor’s trademark comedic stylings. Nevertheless, despite making only a total of11 appearances across the original series and its prequel,Newhart still embraced the role and left a memorable impact on audiences, providing a perfect juxtaposition with the series' two leading scientists that led to the typically withdrawn Sheldon opening up more. As such, Lorre, Prady, Bialik, Sussman, and Wheaton’s tributes are a welcome, touching celebration of a comedic legend.

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