Television Legend And Rescuers Actor Bob Newhart Passes Away

It is a sad day for those who grew up watching daytime television in the 1970s. It is also a sad day for those who are fans of Disney films from that era. Actor and comedian Bob Newhart has sadly passed away at the age of 94. 

Born in September of 1929, Newhart rose to prominence in the early 1960s due to his appearances on multiple comedy albums. He would later become a household name when in 1972 her starred in his own sitcom The Bob Newhart Show playing psychiatrist Dr. Robert Hartley. The series ran for six seasons for a total of 142 episodes.



During that time, Newhart was cast in the 1977 cult classic Disney film The Rescuers as one of the lead characters, Bernard. Bernard, along with Miss Bianca (Eva Gabor), are two mice who are members of the Rescue Aid Society (R.A.S.) and set out to help a young girl named Penny, who was kidnapped and held against her will by two criminals who wanted to use her to find a lost diamond.

The film was a sleeper hit of that era and went on to gross $169 Million against a $7.5 Million budget. Both Newhart and Eva would return thirteen years later to do the sequel The Rescuers Down Under, which sadly didn’t do that well at the box office but is still enjoyed by those who grew up with it.



Newhart would later get another series titled Newhart, playing inn owner Dick Loudon. The show ran for eight seasons for 184 episodes and is notable for the finale, where it was revealed that the whole show was the dream of Robert Hartley.

Later generations would know Newhart for playing Papa Elf in the 2003 Christmas comedy Elf and as the recurring character Arthur Jeffries, aka Dr. Proton, in the popular sitcom The Big Bang Theory. 

Many will remember his impact and legacy on the world of entertainment. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends in these difficult times. He will be missed. 

Source: The Hollywood Reporter