Legendary Comedian and Sitcom Star Bob Newhart Dies at 94

Comedian and actor Bob Newhart, renowned for his roles in "Elf" and "The Big Bang Theory," has died at the age of 94. Newhart's death was confirmed on Thursday, following a series of short illnesses. Known for his deadpan comedic delivery, Newhart's career spanned over several decades and included a wide range of television, film, and standup comedy performances. He gained initial fame with his Grammy Award-winning comedy album, "The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart," which was the first comedy album to reach No. 1 on the Billboard charts.

Newhart starred in two popular sitcoms, "The Bob Newhart Show" from 1972 to 1978, and "Newhart" in the 1980s. He also made notable appearances in shows like "The Simpsons," "NCIS," "ER," "Mad TV," and "Murphy Brown." His role as Professor Proton on "The Big Bang Theory" earned him his first Emmy Award in 2013. Born George Robert Newhart in Oak Park, Illinois, he served in the Korean War and later transitioned from accounting to comedy, signing with Warner Brothers Records after his improvisational routines caught attention. Fans and colleagues have paid tribute to Newhart on social media, celebrating his enduring impact on comedy and television.