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Newhart as Papa Elf in the 2003 film, Elf. Alamy Stock Photo

Joe Biden, Conan O'Brien and others pay tribute to Bob Newhart after veteran comedian's death

He had received three Grammy Awards, an Emmy and a Golden Globe award across his career.

TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN paid to comedian and actor Bob Newhart, who passed away at the age of 94 yesterday morning following a series of short illnesses. 

Newhart, who would be perhaps best known to younger generations through his role as Papa Elf in Will Ferrell’s classic Christmas film Elf, held roles in sitcom The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, The Bob Newhart Show, Newhart, and Desperate Housewives, among many others. 

He had received three Grammy Awards, an Emmy and a Golden Globe award across his career.

He lost his wife Ginnie Newhart, whom he had married in 1963, in April of 2023 after her battle with illness. They had just celebrated 60 years of marriage.

Jamie Lee Curtis, US President Joe Biden, director Judd Apatow and Conan O’Brien were among those to pay tribute to the American comedian and actor. Alec Baldwin, Paul Feig, Mark Hamill also issued their condolences publicly.

Bill Prady, co-creator of the Big Bang Theory in which Newhart guest-starred, said that it is “hard to explain” how important Newhart was to every comedian and comedy writer who came after him.

“Working with him ever so briefly was one of the greatest joys and honours of my life.”

In a post on X, Judd Apatow described Newhart as the “kindest most hilarious man”. They had previously worked together when Apatow had made a short documentary on his friendship with Don Rickles.

“I was so lucky to get to spend that time with my hero,” he said. “His brilliant comedy and gentle spirit made everyone he encountered so happy.”

He is survived by his four children, Courtney, Timothy, Robert and Jennifer, and his ten grandchildren.

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    Mute John Fagan
    Favourite John Fagan
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    Jul 19th 2024, 2:34 PM

    Really one of the funniest guys ever. Sad to see him go.

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    Mute Stanley Marsh
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    Jul 19th 2024, 2:36 PM

    Legend.

    Brilliant as Professor Proton in Big Bang Theory.

    125
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    Mute gordon o loughlin
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    Jul 19th 2024, 3:37 PM

    @Stanley Marsh: his dead pan wit in the big bang was epic.

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    Mute Stanley Marsh
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    Jul 19th 2024, 4:29 PM

    @gordon o loughlin: His reaction to Leonard having a hot girlfriend like Penny…

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    Mute Damien O'Sullivan
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    Jul 19th 2024, 9:46 PM

    @Stanley Marsh: So funny. Dry wit playing off Sheldons character was comedy gold. RIP.

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    Mute Netty T
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    Jul 19th 2024, 2:51 PM

    I grew up watching The Bob Newhart Show. He was a wonderful comedian and talent and I hope he is resting easy now.

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    Mute Karen Marten
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    Jul 19th 2024, 2:36 PM

    Ah he was great as papa elf .

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    Mute calvin sweeney
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    Jul 19th 2024, 2:42 PM

    His monologue in the Simpsons, RIP Bob

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    Mute gordon o loughlin
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    Jul 19th 2024, 3:37 PM

    What sad news
    An amazing comedian and will be sorely missed.
    Rip bob

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    Mute Paul O'Mahoney
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    Jul 19th 2024, 4:31 PM

    If anyone can try and get to listen to his ” bus driver training”sketch, it was audio and on one of his albums, but it explains how brilliant he was.

    He had a good innings and is how with his wife and Rickles who was his life long friend .

    Thanks Bob

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    Mute Phillip Smyth
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    Jul 19th 2024, 3:15 PM

    Absolute great character so funny.

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    Mute Sean Money
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    Jul 19th 2024, 4:09 PM

    He made will ferrell

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    Mute Mick Scanlan
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    Jul 19th 2024, 6:33 PM

    A comedic genius which are few and far between

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    Mute Jack Hayes
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    Jul 19th 2024, 2:41 PM

    Hell is For Heroes

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    Mute Sean O'Dhubhghaill
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    Jul 19th 2024, 4:43 PM

    I don’t like Country & Western music, but I don’t denigrate people who do. And ‘to denigrate’ means ‘to put down’.

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    Mute Phillip Smyth
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    Jul 19th 2024, 5:32 PM

    94 not out must’ve done something right, not like some of the comedians on hereJMO.

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    Mute S Suilleabhain
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    Jul 19th 2024, 5:04 PM

    A great age to say terra

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