Bob Newhart

Actor / Comedian

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The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation Presents

02:26

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About

About this interview

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.

All views expressed by interviewees are theirs alone and not necessarily those of the Television Academy.

"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."

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Highlights

Bob Newhart on his first comedy album, "The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart"

01:14

Bob Newhart on the creation of The Bob Newhart Show

05:13

Bob Newhart on "Larry, Darryl, and Darryl" from Newhart

02:13

Bob Newhart on the surprise ending of the Newhart series finale and the "red herring" ending that was written to elude the press

04:24

Bob Newhart on meeting Jack Benny and Benny's favorite Newhart routine

02:43

Bob Newhart on his proudest achievement (being inducted into the TV Academy Hall of Fame)

01:54

Full Interview

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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

06:44

Bob Newhart on changes made to try to improve the ratings of Bob; on the show's end

02:05

Bob Newhart Show, The (1961-62)

Bob Newhart on his short-lived variety show The Bob Newhart Show

07:59

Bob Newhart Show, The (1972-78)

Bob Newhart on the creation and casting of The Bob Newhart Show

05:13

Bob Newhart on taping the pilot of The Bob Newhart Show

02:15

Bob Newhart on the relationships between the central characters on The Bob Newhart Show

03:43

Bob Newhart on the cast of The Bob Newhart Show

09:49

Bob Newhart on the writers and directors on The Bob Newhart Show

03:28

Bob Newhart on the pilot and first episode of The Bob Newhart Show

01:49

Bob Newhart on the catchphrase "Hi, Bob!" from The Bob Newhart Show

00:56

Bob Newhart on similarities and differences between his TV wives on The Bob Newhart Show and on Newhart

01:13

Bob Newhart on specific episodes of The Bob Newhart Show

03:57

Bob Newhart on the final episode of The Bob Newhart Show

01:43

Bob Newhart on the writers wanting to make his wife on The Bob Newhart Show pregnant, and disagreeing with the story

01:23

Bob Newhart on the ongoing success of The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart

03:02

Bob Newhart on a photo of him with the cast of The Bob Newhart Show

00:20

Ed Sullivan Show, The aka Toast of the Town

Bob Newhart on first appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show

03:43

Bob Newhart on a photo of him on The Ed Sullivan Show

00:57

Emmy Awards, The (Primetime and Daytime)

Bob Newhart on his short-lived variety program, The Bob Newhart Show, winning an Emmy

01:22

Bob Newhart on his national big break at the 1960 Emmy Awards

03:11

Entertainers, The

Bob Newhart on appearing on The Entertainers

02:33

Bob Newhart on appearing on The Entertainers (cont.)

02:27

George & Leo

Bob Newhart on his fourth television series, George & Leo, with Judd Hirsch; on the chemistry of the cast never quite working

05:31

Bob Newhart on Les Moonves convincing him to return to television with George & Leo

03:26

Bob Newhart on a memorable, guest-star-laden episode of George & Leo with stars from The Bob Newhart Show, Newhart, and Taxi

02:17

Bob Newhart on the end of the series George & Leo

01:39

Murphy Brown

Bob Newhart on he and Marcia Wallace from The Bob Newhart Show appearing on Murphy Brown

00:51

Newhart

Bob Newhart on the creation of Newhart

04:25

Bob Newhart on the central characters and memorable storylines on Newhart

03:45

Bob Newhart on similarities and differences between his TV wives on The Bob Newhart Show and on Newhart

01:13

Bob Newhart on the cast of Newhart

04:36

Bob Newhart on the surprise ending of the Newhart series finale and the "red herring" ending that was written to elude the press

04:24

Bob Newhart on the pilot episode of Newhart

02:49

Bob Newhart on "Larry, Darryl, and Darryl" from Newhart

02:13

Bob Newhart on memorable storylines and episodes of Newhart

04:19

Bob Newhart on the writers and directors of Newhart

01:59

Bob Newhart on memorable guest stars on Newhart

03:57

Bob Newhart on how the last scene of the Newhart finale became one of TV's most memorable moments

01:02

Bob Newhart on the ongoing success of The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart

03:02

Bob Newhart on a photo of him with the cast of Newhart

00:22

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

04:24

Bob Newhart on how the last scene of the Newhart finale became one of TV's most memorable moments

01:02

Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In

Bob Newhart on a photo of him with the hosts of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In

00:55

Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The

Bob Newhart on guest-hosting The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

04:23

Topics

Advice

Bob Newhart on advice to aspiring performers

00:21

Characters & Catchphrases

Bob Newhart on the catchphrase "Hi, Bob!" from The Bob Newhart Show

00:56

Emmy Awards

Bob Newhart on his big break at the local Chicago Emmy Awards and recording his first comedy album

06:07

Fame and Celebrity

Bob Newhart on how fame has affected his career

01:15

First Big Break

Bob Newhart on his big break at the local Chicago Emmy Awards and recording his first comedy album

06:07

Bob Newhart on his national big break at the 1960 Emmy Awards

03:11

Historic Events and Social Change

Bob Newhart on his time in the service during The Korean War

02:06

Korean War

Bob Newhart on his time in the service during The Korean War

02:06

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

04:24

Pivotal Career Moments

Bob Newhart on his big break at the local Chicago Emmy Awards and recording his first comedy album

06:07

Bob Newhart on his national big break at the 1960 Emmy Awards

03:11

Pop Culture

Bob Newhart on the catchphrase "Hi, Bob!" from The Bob Newhart Show

00:56

Television Industry

Bob Newhart on how television has changed over the years

01:57

Bob Newhart on advice to aspiring performers

00:21

Bob Newhart on how fame has affected his career

01:15

War

Bob Newhart on his time in the service during The Korean War

02:06

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

04:24

Professions

Comedian

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Bob Newhart on his comedic style and how it has and hasn't work on TV over the years

00:53

Bob Newhart on performing and writing comedy routines

01:23

Bob Newhart on advice to aspiring performers

00:21

Performers

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Bob Newhart on his comedic style and how it has and hasn't work on TV over the years

00:23

Bob Newhart on performing and writing comedy routines

01:23

Bob Newhart on advice to aspiring performers

00:21

Genres

Comedy Series

Bob Newhart on the genesis, casting and production of The Bob Newhart Show

27:16

Bob Newhart on specific episodes of The Bob Newhart Show

13:43

Bob Newhart on the genesis and cast of Newhart

13:59

Bob Newhart on the cast, memorable storylines and episodes, and the crew of Newhart

15:17

Bob Newhart on his fourth television series, George & Leo, with Judd Hirsch

10:54

Bob Newhart on the creation and cast of his short-lived series Bob

08:49

Late Night

Bob Newhart on guest-hosting The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

04:23

Music Shows & Variety Shows/Specials

Bob Newhart on his short-lived variety show The Bob Newhart Show

07:59

People

Barry Kemp

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Bob Newhart on coming up with the premise for Newhart

02:35

Betty White

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Bob Newhart on changes made to try to improve the ratings of Bob - bringing on Betty White

01:24

Bill Daily

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Bob Newhart on casting Bill Daily on The Bob Newhart Show

00:22

Bob Newhart on the relationship between "Bob Hartley" and "Howard Borden" on The Bob Newhart Show

01:40

Bob Newhart on memorable guest stars on Newhart - Bill Daily

00:43

Bob Finkel

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Bob Newhart on his national big break at the 1960 Emmy Awards

03:11

Buck Henry

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Bob Newhart on appearing in the Buck Henry movie "First Family"

01:46

Buddy Hackett

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Bob Newhart on a photo of comedians at Buddy Hackett's house

00:55

Dean Martin

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Bob Newhart on a photo of him with Dean Martin; on his appearance on The Dean Martin Show

01:34

Dick Martin

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Bob Newhart on Dick Martin directing many episodes of The Bob Newhart Show

02:35

Bob Newhart on a photo of him with the hosts of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In

00:55

Don Rickles

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Bob Newhart on memorable guest stars on Newhart - Don Rickles

00:54

Ed Sullivan

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Bob Newhart on first appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show

03:43

Frank Oz

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Bob Newhart on director Frank Oz asking him to appear in the film "In & Out"

03:19

George Burns

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Bob Newhart on a photo of him with George Burns

00:53

Grant Tinker

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Bob Newhart on the creation of The Bob Newhart Show

04:30

Howard Hesseman

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Bob Newhart on Howard Hesseman's appearances on The Bob Newhart Show

00:54

Jack Benny

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Bob Newhart on his comedic influences

00:53

Bob Newhart on meeting Jack Benny and Benny's favorite Newhart routine

02:52

Bob Newhart on a photo of him with Jack Benny

01:00

James Burrows

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Bob Newhart on James Burrows liking the script for George & Leo

00:50

Jason Alexander

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Bob Newhart on memorable guest stars on Newhart - Jason Alexander

00:29

John Voldstad

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Bob Newhart on "Larry, Darryl, and Darryl" from Newhart

02:13

Johnny Carson

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Bob Newhart on memorable guest stars on Newhart - Johnny Carson

00:51

Bob Newhart on his personal and professional relationship with Johnny Carson

05:24

Bob Newhart on a photo of him meeting Johnny Carson

00:52

Jose Ferrer

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Bob Newhart on memorable guest stars on Newhart - Jose Ferrer

00:13

Judd Hirsch

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Bob Newhart on his fourth television series, George & Leo, with Judd Hirsch; on his chemistry with Judd Hirsch

01:22

Julia Duffy

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Bob Newhart on Julia Duffy as "Stephanie Vanderkellen" on Newhart

01:44

Bob Newhart on a memorable moment from Newhart

01:16

Leslie Moonves

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Bob Newhart on Les Moonves convincing him to return to television with George & Leo

03:26

Lisa Kudrow

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Bob Newhart on working with Lisa Kudrow on his short-lived series Bob

00:23

Lorenzo Music

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Bob Newhart on the creation and casting of The Bob Newhart Show

04:30

Marcia Wallace

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Bob Newhart on casting Marcia Wallace on The Bob Newhart Show

00:19

Bob Newhart on Marcia Wallace as "Carol Kester" on The Bob Newhart Show

01:17

Bob Newhart on he and Marcia Wallace from The Bob Newhart Show appearing on Murphy Brown

00:51

Mary Frann

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Bob Newhart on the expectations placed upon Mary Frann as his wife in Newhart

00:43

Bob Newhart on working with Mary Frann on Newhart

00:35

Mike Nichols

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Bob Newhart on appearing in the Mike Nichols film "Catch-22"

05:02

Nikita Khrushchev

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Bob Newhart on a comedy routine about Nikita Khruschev

00:38

Norman Lear

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Bob Newhart on appearing in the Norman Lear film "Cold Turkey"

03:37

Penny Marshall

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Bob Newhart on Penny Marshall's appearance on The Bob Newhart Show

00:20

Peter Bonerz

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Bob Newhart on casting Peter Bonerz on The Bob Newhart Show

00:08

Bob Newhart on Peter Bonerz's character "Dr. Jerry Robinson" on The Bob Newhart Show

01:10

Peter Scolari

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Bob Newhart on Peter Scolari as "Michael Harris" on Newhart

00:55

Richard Pryor

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Bob Newhart on a photo of him with Richard Pryor and his friendship with the comedian

01:57

Suzanne Pleshette

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Bob Newhart on the relationship between "Bob Hartley" and "Emily Hartley" on The Bob Newhart Show

01:18

Bob Newhart on casting Suzanne Pleshette as his wife on The Bob Newhart Show

00:36

Bob Newhart on considering re-vamping The Bob Newhart Show for a second run

01:50

Tom Poston

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Bob Newhart on Tom Poston's appearances on The Bob Newhart Show

00:54

Bob Newhart on Tom Poston as "George Utley" on Newhart

01:57

Tony Papenfuss

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Bob Newhart on "Larry, Darryl, and Darryl" from Newhart

02:13

William Sanderson

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Bob Newhart on "Larry, Darryl, and Darryl" from Newhart

02:13