About
"I worked as an accountant for two-and-a-half years, then worked as a copywriter. People had always been saying, 'gee, you're funny. You think funny.' So I just decided I was gonna give it a try and see what happened."
In his two-and-a-half-hour interview, Bob Newhart (1929-2024) discusses his upbringing and early roots in comedy. He talks of his early job as an accountant and the boredom that accompanied the position, from which sprung his idea of ad-libbed phone call comedy and his first comedy album. He describes the bits and how his album led to his first television show, the variety program, The Bob Newhart Show. He shares the details of his first sitcom, also titled The Bob Newhart Show, which then led to roles in several movies. Part one concludes with a detailed discussion of his second successful series, Newhart. Part two of the interview continues with his next two sitcoms Bob and George & Leo. He talks about various cast members of his series, his Las Vegas performances, a pilot that he thought about doing in 2001, and his friends and family. Dan Pasternack conducted the interview in two sessions on May 29, 2001 in Westwood, CA and on June 15, 2001 in Bel Air, CA.
Highlights
Bob Newhart on his first comedy album, "The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart"
Bob Newhart on the creation of The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart on "Larry, Darryl, and Darryl" from Newhart
Bob Newhart on the surprise ending of the Newhart series finale and the "red herring" ending that was written to elude the press
Bob Newhart on meeting Jack Benny and Benny's favorite Newhart routine
Bob Newhart on his proudest achievement (being inducted into the TV Academy Hall of Fame)
Full Interview
Chapter 1
On his early years and influences; on his comedic influences
On his early comedy and early memories of television; on his time in the service
On developing his early routines, particularly the phone call bits; on his big break at the local Chicago Emmy Awards and recording his first comedy album
Chapter 2
On his early comedy routines, the success of his first album, and first television appearances; on his national big break at the 1960 Emmy Awards
On his second comedy album and Grammy wins
On starring in his short-lived variety series The Bob Newhart Show (1961-2); on appearing on The Entertainers
Chapter 3
On appearing on The Entertainers (cont.)
On the genesis, casting and production of The Bob Newhart Show; on the catchphrase/drinking game "Hi, Bob!"
On the writers and directors on The Bob Newhart Show
Chapter 4
On specific episodes of The Bob Newhart Show; on why the series ended; on appearing in the film "First Family"
On the genesis and cast of Newhart
Chapter 5
On "Larry, Darryl, and Darryl" from Newhart; on the pilot episode and memorable storylines and episodes; on the writers and directors of Newhart
On memorable guest stars on Newhart; on his professional and personal relationship with Johnny Carson
On the series finale of Newhart; on returning to stand-up comedy
Chapter 6
On life after Newhart; on the creation and cast of his short-lived series Bob
On Les Moonves convincing him to return to television again with George & Leo; on the premise and cast of the show; on his chemistry with Judd Hirsch and memorable episodes of the program
On the end of the series George & Leo; on appearing in another pilot for NBC; on playing himself, or what people interpret as himself
Chapter 7
On his current projects (2001) and doing stand-up comedy; on meeting Jack Benny and Benny's favorite Bob Newhart routine
On his proudest achievement (being inducted into the TV Academy Hall of Fame)
On how television has changed over the years; on the ongoing success of The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart; on advice to aspiring performers
On his film work in "Catch-22", "Cold Turkey", and "In & Out"
Chapter 8
On his role in the film "In & Out" contd.; on how he'd like to be remembered
B-roll photos from his career: on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Bob Newhart Show, Newhart, and more
Shows
Bob
Bob Newhart on the creation and cast of his short-lived series Bob
Bob Newhart on changes made to try to improve the ratings of Bob; on the show's end
Bob Newhart Show, The (1961-62)
Bob Newhart on his short-lived variety show The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart Show, The (1972-78)
Bob Newhart on the ongoing success of The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart
Bob Newhart on the creation and casting of The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart on taping the pilot of The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart on the relationships between the central characters on The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart on the cast of The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart on the writers and directors on The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart on the pilot and first episode of The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart on the catchphrase "Hi, Bob!" from The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart on similarities and differences between his TV wives on The Bob Newhart Show and on Newhart
Bob Newhart on specific episodes of The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart on the final episode of The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart on the writers wanting to make his wife on The Bob Newhart Show pregnant, and disagreeing with the story
Bob Newhart on a photo of him with the cast of The Bob Newhart Show
Ed Sullivan Show, The aka Toast of the Town
Bob Newhart on first appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show
Bob Newhart on a photo of him on The Ed Sullivan Show
Emmy Awards, The (Primetime and Daytime)
Bob Newhart on his short-lived variety program, The Bob Newhart Show, winning an Emmy
Bob Newhart on his national big break at the 1960 Emmy Awards
Entertainers, The
Bob Newhart on appearing on The Entertainers
Bob Newhart on appearing on The Entertainers (cont.)
George & Leo
Bob Newhart on his fourth television series, George & Leo, with Judd Hirsch; on the chemistry of the cast never quite working
Bob Newhart on Les Moonves convincing him to return to television with George & Leo
Bob Newhart on a memorable, guest-star-laden episode of George & Leo with stars from The Bob Newhart Show, Newhart, and Taxi
Bob Newhart on the end of the series George & Leo
Murphy Brown
Bob Newhart on he and Marcia Wallace from The Bob Newhart Show appearing on Murphy Brown
Newhart
Bob Newhart on the ongoing success of The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart
Bob Newhart on the creation of Newhart
Bob Newhart on the central characters and memorable storylines on Newhart
Bob Newhart on similarities and differences between his TV wives on The Bob Newhart Show and on Newhart
Bob Newhart on the cast of Newhart
Bob Newhart on the surprise ending of the Newhart series finale and the "red herring" ending that was written to elude the press
Bob Newhart on the pilot episode of Newhart
Bob Newhart on "Larry, Darryl, and Darryl" from Newhart
Bob Newhart on memorable storylines and episodes of Newhart
Bob Newhart on the writers and directors of Newhart
Bob Newhart on memorable guest stars on Newhart
Bob Newhart on how the last scene of the Newhart finale became one of TV's most memorable moments
Bob Newhart on a photo of him with the cast of Newhart
Newhart: "The Last Newhart"
Bob Newhart on the surprise ending of the Newhart series finale and the "red herring" ending that was written to elude the press
Bob Newhart on how the last scene of the Newhart finale became one of TV's most memorable moments
Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In
Bob Newhart on a photo of him with the hosts of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In
Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The
Bob Newhart on guest-hosting The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
Topics
Advice
Bob Newhart on advice to aspiring performers
Characters & Catchphrases
Bob Newhart on the catchphrase "Hi, Bob!" from The Bob Newhart Show
Classic TV Series Episodes
Bob Newhart on the pilot and first episode of The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart on the surprise ending of the Newhart series finale and the "red herring" ending that was written to elude the press
Emmy Awards
Bob Newhart on his big break at the local Chicago Emmy Awards and recording his first comedy album
Fame and Celebrity
Bob Newhart on how fame has affected his career
First Big Break
Bob Newhart on his big break at the local Chicago Emmy Awards and recording his first comedy album
Bob Newhart on his national big break at the 1960 Emmy Awards
Historic Events and Social Change
Bob Newhart on his time in the service during The Korean War
Korean War
Bob Newhart on his time in the service during The Korean War
Memorable Moments on Television
Bob Newhart on the surprise ending of the Newhart series finale and the "red herring" ending that was written to elude the press
Pivotal Career Moments
Bob Newhart on his big break at the local Chicago Emmy Awards and recording his first comedy album
Bob Newhart on his national big break at the 1960 Emmy Awards
Pop Culture
Bob Newhart on the catchphrase "Hi, Bob!" from The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart on the pilot and first episode of The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart on the surprise ending of the Newhart series finale and the "red herring" ending that was written to elude the press
Television Industry
Bob Newhart on how television has changed over the years
Bob Newhart on advice to aspiring performers
Bob Newhart on how fame has affected his career
Bob Newhart on the pilot episode of Newhart
War
Bob Newhart on his time in the service during The Korean War
We Cried
Bob Newhart on the surprise ending of the Newhart series finale and the "red herring" ending that was written to elude the press
Professions
Comedian
Bob Newhart on performing and writing comedy routines
Bob Newhart on advice to aspiring performers
Bob Newhart on his comedic style and how it has and hasn't work on TV over the years
Performers
Bob Newhart on performing and writing comedy routines
Bob Newhart on advice to aspiring performers
Bob Newhart on his comedic style and how it has and hasn't work on TV over the years
Genres
Comedy Series
Bob Newhart on the genesis, casting and production of The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart on specific episodes of The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart on the genesis and cast of Newhart
Bob Newhart on the cast, memorable storylines and episodes, and the crew of Newhart
Bob Newhart on his fourth television series, George & Leo, with Judd Hirsch
Bob Newhart on the creation and cast of his short-lived series Bob
Late Night
Bob Newhart on guest-hosting The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
Music Shows & Variety Shows/Specials
Bob Newhart on his short-lived variety show The Bob Newhart Show
People
Jason Alexander
Bob Newhart on memorable guest stars on Newhart - Jason Alexander
Jack Benny
Bob Newhart on meeting Jack Benny and Benny's favorite Newhart routine
Bob Newhart on his comedic influences
Bob Newhart on a photo of him with Jack Benny
Peter Bonerz
Bob Newhart on casting Peter Bonerz on The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart on Peter Bonerz's character "Dr. Jerry Robinson" on The Bob Newhart Show
George Burns
Bob Newhart on a photo of him with George Burns
James Burrows
Bob Newhart on James Burrows liking the script for George & Leo
Johnny Carson
Bob Newhart on memorable guest stars on Newhart - Johnny Carson
Bob Newhart on his personal and professional relationship with Johnny Carson
Bob Newhart on a photo of him meeting Johnny Carson
Bill Daily
Bob Newhart on casting Bill Daily on The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart on the relationship between "Bob Hartley" and "Howard Borden" on The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart on memorable guest stars on Newhart - Bill Daily
Julia Duffy
Bob Newhart on a memorable moment from Newhart
Bob Newhart on Julia Duffy as "Stephanie Vanderkellen" on Newhart
Jose Ferrer
Bob Newhart on memorable guest stars on Newhart - Jose Ferrer
Bob Finkel
Bob Newhart on his national big break at the 1960 Emmy Awards
Mary Frann
Bob Newhart on the expectations placed upon Mary Frann as his wife in Newhart
Bob Newhart on working with Mary Frann on Newhart
Buddy Hackett
Bob Newhart on a photo of comedians at Buddy Hackett's house
Buck Henry
Bob Newhart on appearing in the Buck Henry movie "First Family"
Howard Hesseman
Bob Newhart on Howard Hesseman's appearances on The Bob Newhart Show
Judd Hirsch
Bob Newhart on his fourth television series, George & Leo, with Judd Hirsch; on his chemistry with Judd Hirsch
Barry Kemp
Bob Newhart on coming up with the premise for Newhart
Nikita Khrushchev
Bob Newhart on a comedy routine about Nikita Khruschev
Lisa Kudrow
Bob Newhart on working with Lisa Kudrow on his short-lived series Bob
Norman Lear
Bob Newhart on appearing in the Norman Lear film "Cold Turkey"
Penny Marshall
Bob Newhart on Penny Marshall's appearance on The Bob Newhart Show
Dean Martin
Bob Newhart on a photo of him with Dean Martin; on his appearance on The Dean Martin Show
Dick Martin
Bob Newhart on Dick Martin directing many episodes of The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart on a photo of him with the hosts of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In
Leslie Moonves
Bob Newhart on Les Moonves convincing him to return to television with George & Leo
Lorenzo Music
Bob Newhart on the creation and casting of The Bob Newhart Show
Mike Nichols
Bob Newhart on appearing in the Mike Nichols film "Catch-22"
Frank Oz
Bob Newhart on director Frank Oz asking him to appear in the film "In & Out"
Tony Papenfuss
Bob Newhart on "Larry, Darryl, and Darryl" from Newhart
Suzanne Pleshette
Bob Newhart on the relationship between "Bob Hartley" and "Emily Hartley" on The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart on casting Suzanne Pleshette as his wife on The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart on considering re-vamping The Bob Newhart Show for a second run
Tom Poston
Bob Newhart on Tom Poston's appearances on The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart on Tom Poston as "George Utley" on Newhart
Richard Pryor
Bob Newhart on a photo of him with Richard Pryor and his friendship with the comedian
Don Rickles
Bob Newhart on memorable guest stars on Newhart - Don Rickles
William Sanderson
Bob Newhart on "Larry, Darryl, and Darryl" from Newhart
Peter Scolari
Bob Newhart on Peter Scolari as "Michael Harris" on Newhart
Ed Sullivan
Bob Newhart on first appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show
Grant Tinker
Bob Newhart on the creation of The Bob Newhart Show
John Voldstad
Bob Newhart on "Larry, Darryl, and Darryl" from Newhart
Marcia Wallace
Bob Newhart on casting Marcia Wallace on The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart on Marcia Wallace as "Carol Kester" on The Bob Newhart Show
Bob Newhart on he and Marcia Wallace from The Bob Newhart Show appearing on Murphy Brown
Betty White
Bob Newhart on changes made to try to improve the ratings of Bob - bringing on Betty White