New York:
Bob Newhart, the American stand-up performer whose comedy made him one of the biggest TV stars of his era, has died, his publicist announced Thursday. He was 94 years old.
The decorated Chicago icon was an accountant before striking comedy gold, acclaimed for his dry, deadpan delivery.
He died at his home in Los Angeles after a series of short illnesses, his longtime publicist, Jerry Digney, said in a statement.
Born September 5, 1929, in suburban Illinois, Newhart studied business administration before being drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War.
He briefly studied law before quitting his job and getting work as an accountant while working as an actor and comedy writer.
He eventually signed with Warner Bros. Records, and “The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart” became the music industry’s first comedy album to reach the top of the sales charts.
It earned him prestigious Grammys for Best New Artist and Best Album, and helped launch his television career.
He starred in two long-running sitcoms in the 1970s and 1980s, and made guest appearances into his 90s.
Newhart appeared as a recurring guest on “The Big Bang Theory” and also starred as Papa Elf in the Christmas film “Elf.”
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