George Robert Newhart

Bob Newhart, born George Robert Newhart on September 5, 1929, in Oak Park, Illinois, was an iconic American comedian and actor celebrated for his deadpan delivery and stammering style. Raised in a Roman Catholic family with three sisters, Newhart graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 1952 with a bachelor's degree in business management. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War, an experience that would later inform his comedic perspective. After stints as an accountant and advertising copywriter, Newhart's career took a pivotal turn with the release of his 1960 comedy album, "The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart." This groundbreaking album soared to number one on the Billboard charts, making Newhart an overnight sensation and earning him a Grammy Award for Best New Artist.

Newhart solidified his place in television history with his successful sitcoms, "The Bob Newhart Show" (1972-1978) and "Newhart" (1982-1990), where he played the lovable Dr. Robert Hartley and innkeeper Dick Loudon, respectively. His film credits include memorable roles in "Catch-22," "Elf," and voicing Bernard in Disney's "The Rescuers." Married to Virginia "Ginnie" Quinn since 1963, the couple raised four children together, and Newhart was known for his dedication to his family and his love of baseball, particularly the Chicago Cubs. Throughout his illustrious career, he earned numerous accolades, including several Primetime Emmy Awards and the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2002. Bob Newhart's enduring legacy continues to inspire comedians and bring laughter to audiences worldwide, cementing his status as a beloved figure in American entertainment.