Bob Newhart kept America laughing during the 1970s, with his deadpan humor and quirky habits as the Chicago psychologist Dr. Bob Hartley, on The Bob Newhart Show. Newhart continued his career as innkeeper Dick Loudon, in the sitcom Newhart, and in stand-up routines. He is still a much loved comedian after 50 years in show business, and was inducted into The National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2009.

George Robert Newhart was born on September 5, 1929, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Julia and George Newhart. He served in the Korean War and landed jobs in accounting and as a copywriter, after his tour of duty ended. In 1959, Newhart came to the attention of Warner Bros. after he sent numerous recorded comedy routines to radio deejay Dan Sorkin, who passed them along to the studio.

In the following years, Newhart began a stand-up comedy routine, a film career and an NBC variety show, before hitting the big time with sitcoms.

His comedy album, The Button-Downed Mind of Bob Newhart, rose to the top of the Billboard charts in 1961, and earned Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards, when Newhart was also honored as Best New Artist.
Although primarily known for his television roles, Newhart acted in such notable films as On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, Catch-22, Elf, Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde and First Family.

The funny man, who is known for his stammer and one-sided phone call shtick,  is also a family man, who made his marriage work despite living and working in Tinseltown, the land of celebrity divorces. He points to laughter as the reason for the longevity of his marriage, and credits comedian Buddy Hackett with introducing him to his wife Virginia, after he set them up on a blind date.
Newhart has not just entertained us for all these years, but has also garnered the highest approval of his peers, with six Emmy nominations and seven Golden Globe nods, including his win in 1962 for Best Male TV Star. At the age of 80, Newhart shows no sign of slowing down, which is a good thing for all of us.