Hollywood Remembers 'Most Hilarious Man'

Judd Apatow, Damon Lindelof and Jamie Lee Curtis were among the many Hollywood figures who mourned the death of comedy icon Bob Newhart on Thursday, celebrating his memory as the kindest, most hilarious man.

The Emmy winner of The Bob Newhart Show died Thursday at the age of 94.

The legendary comedian, known for his signature deadpan humor on the classic sitcoms The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart, died after a series of brief illnesses, his longtime publicist Jerry Digney said in a statement to the media. Digney called Newhart's death the end of an era in comedy.

Director Jude Apatow, who co-directed a documentary about Newhart's friendship with Don Rickles, Bob and Don: A Love Story, In 2023, he shared a message on X (formerly Twitter) about Newhart: Bob Newhart was the kindest, most hilarious man. He asked me to make a documentary about his friendship with Don Rickles. I was so lucky to be able to spend that time with my hero. His brilliant humor and gentle spirit made everyone he met so happy.

Bob Newhart was the kindest, most hilarious man. He asked me to make a documentary about his friendship with Don Rickles. I was so lucky to have the opportunity to spend that time with my hero. His brilliant humor and gentle spirit made everyone he met so happy. “Bob and Don: A

Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) July 18, 2024

Bob Newhart made the world a better place for a very long time. pic.twitter.com/n2TqaX7a3C

Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) July 18, 2024

Screenwriter Damon Lindelof, known for the hit series Lost and Watchmen, shared his experience working with Newhart on the set of SNL.

I had the opportunity to appear in a sketch alongside the inspiration for this warning, Bob Newhart, who nailed the landing of one of the greatest finales in television history. Mr. Newhart was humble, hilarious, and not at all ashamed to admit he had never seen LOST, but there must be something special about this sketch because it drives people crazy. I have been walking the halls of Hollywood for three decades now, but I have rarely been in the presence of a true legend. Thank you, Bob. If this was all a dream, I am so grateful that you are one.

Oscar-winning actor Jamie Lee Curtis posted a short and sweet message about the comedian on Instagram.

They'll laugh wherever people go when they leave us. My God, he was funny! Bob Newhart. We'll miss you! she said.

Bridesmaids director Paul Feig also shared a message on X: And we lose another comedy legend. I had the honor of guest starring on Newhart and got to spend the week listening to the great Bob Newhart make us all laugh. A brilliant stand-up and comedy actor, he was truly one of a kind. His legacy will live on.

And we lose another comedy legend. I had the honor of guest starring on Newhart and got to spend the week listening to the great Bob Newhart make us all laugh. A brilliant stand-up comedian and comedian, he was truly one of a kind. His legacy will live on. https://t.co/dxGXnLoPYx

Paul Feig (@paulfeig) July 18, 2024

Actor Wil Wheaton worked with Newhart on The Big Bang Theory, and he posted a tribute detailing some of the moments they shared together on Facebook, writing in part:

When I was working on Big Bang Theory, every episode involved a few days of rehearsal before we blocked the camera and recorded it in front of the audience. Most of the actors would go to our dressing rooms during breaks to relax, learn their lines, take a nap, etc. But when I was working there, if I wasn't in a scene, I would stay on stage and watch the other actors work. It was like attending an advanced acting class, without ever having to get up in front of the other students. I learned so much from that, I'm a more well-rounded performer than I would be otherwise, especially when it came to comedy. When I had the wonderful privilege of working on the same episodes as Bob Newhart, I stayed on stage the entire time, just to watch him work. I mean, how could I not? He made it look so easy, and boy, he was so funny, even funnier than you'd think. One day, he and I were sitting next to each other during a break in filming. In the industry, we call it taking a little moment, a little break, or something like that. Just a little break so everyone could catch their breath. I think a few of the writers were there, and maybe one or two other actors. And we were all sitting there, while Bob Newhart was telling us stories about his life and his career. It was incredible. This legend was talking to us like it was nothing, sharing these incredible experiences with us. I knew then that I would never forget it, that I would cherish this experience for the rest of my life.

Journey Gunderson, executive director of the National Comedy Center, shared a few words on the company's official X account:

Bob Newhart’s groundbreaking work in stand-up and television and his beloved deadpan delivery have left an indelible mark on the art of comedy and will be enjoyed by comedy fans for generations to come. We are proud to celebrate and preserve his extraordinary work at the National Comedy Center.

“Bob Newhart’s groundbreaking work in stand-up and television and his beloved deadpan delivery have left an indelible mark on the comedy art form and will be cherished by comedy fans for generations to come. We are proud to celebrate and preserve his extraordinary work at pic.twitter.com/O2MVJrgQuy

National Comedy Center (@NtlComedyCenter) July 18, 2024

Bill Prady, co-creator of The Big Bang Theory, also worked with Newhart on the sitcom. He shared a cute selfie of the two, along with a short message:

It is difficult to explain how important Bob Newhart was to all the comedians and comedy writers who came after him. Working with him, even if only briefly, was one of the greatest joys and honors of my life.

It is difficult to explain how important Bob Newhart was to all the comedians and comedy writers who came after him.

Working with him for a short time was one of the greatest joys and honors of my life. pic.twitter.com/RjKIpfhF8T

Bill Prady (@billprady) July 18, 2024

TV journalist Lesley Goldberg posted a photo of herself and Newhart when they met on the set of X-rated The Big Bang Theory.

RIP the amazing Bob Newhart, a true king among men and one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of knowing since he starred on Big Bang Theory. It was the day he taped the Star Wars episode, a really fun day.

RIP the amazing Bob Newhart, a true king among men and one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of knowing since he starred on Big Bang Theory. It was the day he taped the Star Wars episode, a really fun day. pic.twitter.com/cKgLCACv9b

Lesley Goldberg (@Snoodit) July 18, 2024

Former SNL reporter and senator Al Franken posted his tribute on X:

Bob Newhart was a giant, a genius, and a great guy. I will always remember his days as host of SNL and put on a great show. He was, as you would expect, a pleasure to work with. May his memory be a blessing.

Bob Newhart was a giant, a genius, and a great guy. I will always remember his days as host of SNL and put on a great show. He was, as you would expect, a pleasure to work with. May his memory be a blessing. https://t.co/5EUfsdR37g

Al Franken (@alfranken) July 18, 2024