The Big Bang Theory Creators & Stars Honor Bob Newhart

Summary Bob Newhart's passing prompted heartfelt tributes from Big Bang Theory creators and stars.

Newhart's role as Professor Proton impacted Sheldon and Leonard, inspiring their scientific careers.

Newhart's comedic impact extended beyond The Big Bang Theory, influencing cast members in different ways.

The Big Bang Theory creators and stars Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady, Mayim Bialik, Kevin Sussman, and Will Wheaton have paid tribute to Bob Newhart following the celebrated comedian and actor's passing. Known for his series The Bob Newhart Show and his roles in The Rescuers, Legally Blonde 2, and Elf, Newhart portrayed Arthur Jeffries, otherwise known as Professor Proton in the sitcom series, an inspiration to both Jim Parson's Sheldon Cooper and Johnny Galecki's Leonard Hofstadter's scientific careers. Newhart reprised the role of Proton multiple times across the series and for brief appearances in Young Sheldon.

Following the sad news of Newhart's passing breaking, The Big Bang Theory co-creator Lorre opened up to Deadline about his time working with the actor, revealing how he finally convinced Newhart to join him and celebrating him on both a professional level and as a friend.

For years I begged Bob to appear on one of my shows. He always said no. But then he fell in love with The Big Bang Theory and said yes – with two provisions. One: his character had to have an arc that spanned several episodes. And two: he wanted to win an Emmy. We delivered on both. I got to work with a comedy legend. A master of the craft, and a kind and gentle man. I even got to call him a friend. How lucky am I?

Prady later shared his own tribute on X, highlighting his experience with Newhart as a personal highlight of his life.

Bialik and Sussman, who portrayed Amy Farrah Fowler and Stuart Bloom, cited Newhart as an inspiration and working with him as an honor.

Wheaton took to Facebook to share a heartfelt statement celebrating Newhart.

When I had the extraordinary privilege of working in the same episodes as Bob Newhart, I stayed on the stage the whole time, just to watch him work. I mean, how could I not? He made it all look so easy, and holy shit he was so funny, even more than you think. One day, he and I ended up sitting next to each other during a break in production. In the industry, we call it ‘taking a five’ or ‘a quick ten’ or something like that. Just a little break for everyone to catch their breaths. A couple of the writers were there, I think, and maybe one or two other actors. And we all sat there, while Bob Newhart told stories about his life and career. It was amazing. This legend, just talking to us like it was no big deal, sharing these incredible experiences with us. I knew then that I would never forget it, that I would cherish that experience for the rest of my life. I just read the news that Bob Newhart passed away at 94, and this memory has come back to me, like it was yesterday. He didn’t need to be kind. He didn’t need to tell us these stories. He didn’t owe us any of his time. And yet he did, and he loved it. Because he chose to do all those things, I have a gift that Bob Newhart gave me. I haven’t opened it in a while, but I took it out today, and I was grateful. Rest well, Bob.

Bob Newhart Is One Of The Big Bang Theory's Most Important Guest Stars

Sometimes Meeting Your Heroes Is Okay

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Sheldon never stopped seeing Jeffries as someone to look up to.

As stated by Lorre, Newman's The Big Bang Theory arc was a multi-episode storyline that spanned multiple seasons, as Leonard stumbling on an advert for Proton to appear at birthday parties brings Jeffries into his and Sheldon's world. Despite their idolization, however, Jeffries is cynical and broken, having lost his show, his wife, begun a one-sided feud with Bill Nye, and become a scientific community outcast. Yet, even with Sheldon's abrasiveness, their appreciation of him does leave Jeffries touched, as he even asks Leonard and Sheldon to engage in science once more.

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However, Jeffries would later pass within the show's universe, leading to season 7's "The Proton Transmogrification", leading to Sheldon having to grapple with processing the loss of his hero and how he can show his love to those still with him. Despite this, Newhart would return many more times through Sheldon as a mental guide when he needs aid during life's difficult moments, as Sheldon never stopped seeing Jeffries as someone to look up to. While Newhart's The Big Bang Theory roles perfectly played into his memorable deadpan stylings, Jeffrie's arc stands as one of the series' most heartwarming inclusions.

For many viewers, Newhart's The Big Bang Theory appearances may have been their first introduction to the actor's trademark comedic stylings. Nevertheless, despite making only a total of 11 appearances across the original series and its prequel, Newhart still embraced the role and left a memorable impact on audiences, providing a perfect juxtaposition with the series' two leading scientists that led to the typically withdrawn Sheldon opening up more. As such, Lorre, Prady, Bialik, Sussman, and Wheaton's tributes are a welcome, touching celebration of a comedic legend.

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