Comedian Bob Newhart passed away this week at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy filled with big laughs and heartwarming performances. While many TV fans remember him best for his self-titled sitcoms, “The Bob Newhart Show” and “Newhart,” a younger generation became familiar with the comedic actor through his roles in “Elf” and CBS’s “The Big Bang Theory.” The latter role paved the way for his final on-screen appearance, where he reprised his beloved character, Professor Proton, in the show’s prequel series, “Young Sheldon.”
Newhart first joined “The Big Bang Theory” in season 6, playing a science expert reminiscent of Mr. Wizard or Bill Nye who shared his curiosity with the world, including young Sheldon and Leonard. Although the TV host turned party performer ends up in the hospital during his first appearance, Newhart reprised the character five more times throughout the series, often in episodes with titles highlighting his memorable nickname. Before signing on, Newhart told The Hollywood Reporter that he gave series creator Chuck Lorre two conditions for his agreement. First and foremost, he insisted on having a studio audience to work with.
Newhart loved a live audience
“I had only two conditions that were paramount: No. 1, my scenes had to be taped live,” the comedian recalled in a 2013 interview. He explained, “There’s a tendency to pre-tape a lot of stuff and add a laugh track, and you lose something. With ‘Newhart,’ ‘Lucy,’ ‘Honeymooners,’ ‘Mary Tyler Moore,’ and ‘All in the Family,’ it was always done in front of a live audience.” It’s hard to argue with that, as Newhart mentioned some of the greatest sitcoms of all time. He also admitted that his own performance is fueled by the experience of working in front of a crowd. “I always felt that the live audience gave it adrenaline,” he told THR. “That’s the only way I function.”
Fortunately, “The Big Bang Theory” was one of the few shows in the 2010s still using live studio audiences, making it easy to meet Newhart’s request. His second condition was that Professor Proton have a “semi-recurring role.” While Newhart didn’t specify whether he was concerned about appearing too frequently or too infrequently, he noted that Lorre agreed to the arrangement and soon contacted him with the concept for his character. Newhart and Lorre had known each other for years before Professor Proton was created, with Newhart being familiar with Lorre’s work on “Roseanne” and “Cybil.” In fact, the two had crossed paths on the studio lot during the filming of “The Bob Newhart Show.”
Professor Proton won Newhart his only primetime Emmy
Chuck Lorre was a familiar face on the studio lot during the filming of “The Bob Newhart Show,” often dropping by for lunch and spending time on the set. Newhart fondly recalled, “Chuck was on the lot when we were doing ‘The Bob Newhart Show’ and at lunch, he’d come to our stage and sit there. We’ve been going back and forth, and we never could find a project that we could both agree on until ‘The Big Bang Theory.'” Their longstanding connection finally found a perfect match with the opportunity to collaborate on the hit CBS sitcom.
When Lorre expressed interest in bringing Newhart onto one of his shows, he asked, “What would it take?” This question sparked the conversation that eventually led to the creation of Professor Proton. Newhart was drawn to “The Big Bang Theory” for its intelligence and quick, modern comedic rhythm, which made him eager to join the cast. His conditions for joining the show were straightforward: he wanted his scenes to be taped in front of a live studio audience and preferred that Professor Proton be a “semi-recurring role.” Newhart didn’t specify whether he was concerned about appearing too often or too infrequently, but Lorre agreed to the terms, and soon, the idea for Professor Proton was born.
Newhart’s portrayal of Professor Proton became a memorable part of “The Big Bang Theory.” The character, a nod to science experts like Mr. Wizard and Bill Nye, added a touch of nostalgia and humor to the show. Over the following seasons, Newhart’s Professor Proton made several appearances, each eagerly anticipated by fans. In one memorable episode, he returned alongside Bill Nye, his character’s nemesis, adding a delightful layer of comedy to the storyline. In another episode with a “Star Wars” theme, Newhart appeared as a Force Ghost, interacting with Jim Parsons’ Sheldon, showcasing the character’s versatility and charm.
One episode even paid homage to the iconic surprise ending of “Newhart,” adding a touch of nostalgia for long-time fans. Although Newhart’s appearances on “The Big Bang Theory” were brief, his impact was significant. His role as Professor Proton not only entertained audiences but also cemented a unique place in Newhart’s filmography. The character’s presence, even when he wasn’t on screen, continued to influence the show’s dynamics, particularly in the prequel series “Young Sheldon,” where Newhart’s portrayal loomed large as an inspirational figure for the young Sheldon Cooper.
Remarkably, Newhart’s role in “The Big Bang Theory” was the only time in his illustrious career that he received a Primetime Emmy nomination. This accolade highlighted the significance of his contribution to the series and the lasting impression he left on the world of television. Newhart’s portrayal of Professor Proton was not just a return to familiar comedic roots but a celebration of his ability to connect with audiences across generations, blending his classic humor with the modern appeal of “The Big Bang Theory.”
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