Bob Newhart, Award-Winning Actor From ‘The Big Bang Theory,’ ‘Elf,’ Dies At 94

Renowned comedian and sitcom star Bob Newhart has passed away at the age of 94, according to multiple outlets.

He died from natural causes after experiencing a few brief illnesses at his Los Angeles home on Thursday morning. His publicist, Jerry Digney, stated that Newhart was with his family at the time of his passing.

RELATED: Shannen Doherty, Star of ‘Beverly Hills 90210’ And ‘Charmed,’ Dies At 53 After Long Battle With Breast Cancer

Journey Gunderson, National Comedy Center Executive Director released a statement after his passing. “Bob Newhart’s groundbreaking work in stand-up and television – and his beloved deadpan delivery – have left an indelible mark on the art form of comedy and will be treasured by comedy fans for generations to come. We are proud to celebrate and preserve his extraordinary work at National Comedy Center.”

Newhart started his comedy career in the 1950s and gained recognition with the release of his comedy album “The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart” in 1960.

He was later awarded the Grammy Award for album of the year. “When I first started out in stand-up, I just remember the sound of laughter,” he once said. “It’s one of the great sounds of the world.”

In 1961, Newhart made the move to television with the debut of “The Bob Newhart Show.” The half-hour variety program aired for one season before being canceled, despite receiving multiple award nominations.

RELATED: Ruth Westheimer, Sex Therapist Known As ‘Dr. Ruth,’ Dies At Age 96

In 1972, a decade later, Newhart launched another successful series titled “The Bob Newhart Show.” This show ran until 1978 and followed the comedian as a Chicago psychologist living with his wife.

Later on, in a different series called “Newhart,” Newhart starred as a New York writer who sets out to revive a deserted Vermont inn.

The final episode of “Newhart” is widely discussed in the sitcom realm. In the finale, Newhart’s character wakes up next to his wife, played by Mary Frann, and reveals that he had a bad dream. However, instead of Frann, he sees Suzanne Pleshette, who portrayed his wife Emily in “The Bob Newhart Show.”

The entire premise of the “Newhart” series was revealed to be a dream sequence from “The Bob Newhart Show.”

The post Bob Newhart, Award-Winning Actor From ‘The Big Bang Theory,’ ‘Elf,’ Dies At 94 appeared first on Hollywood Unlocked .