Bob Newhart, star of Elf and The Big Bang Theory, has died at the age of 94 as tributes begin to pour in.
The American comedian passed away following a short illness, his publicist Jerry Digney said in a statement.
Newhart launched his career as a stand-up comic in the late 1950s, following his career as an accountant in Chicago.
“In 1959, I gave myself a year to make it in comedy; it was back to accounting if comedy didn’t work out,” he once said, according to Digney.
Bob Newhart, star of Elf and The Big Bang Theory, has died at the age of 94
GettyThe comic gained nationwide fame in the US when his stand-up routine was captured on vinyl in 1960 as The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart, which went on to become the first comedy album to top the charts.
He went on to dominate the sitcom scene for nearly two decades with two popular TV shows, first with The Bob Newhart Show, which aired on CBS from 1972 until 1978. In the show, which became one of the most popular sitcoms of all time, he stars as a psychologist in Chicago.
He then starred in Newhart, a show about an author and his wife who opened a rural inn in Vermont. It ran from 1982 until 1990.
Over the years, he also appeared in several movies, usually playing comedic roles.
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Newhart also starred in the popular sitcom The Big Bang Theory
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His filmography includes Catch-22, In And Out, and Legally Blonde 2.
One of his best well-known roles was in Elf, where he played one of Santa's helpers who becomes the adoptive father of Will Ferrell, a full-sized human.
He also starred in The Big Bang Theory and its spin-off series, Young Sheldon, as Professor Proton.
Famous faces have sung his praises following the announcement of his death. Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill added: “From his groundbreaking stand-up to his two classic sitcoms he gave us a lifetime of laughter. Truly one-of-a-kind. Thank you Bob Newhart!”
“Bob Newhart was the kindest most hilarious man,” director and producer Judd Apatow wrote.
The American comedian passed away following a short illness
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“He asked me to make a documentary about his friendship with Don Rickles. I was so lucky to get to spend that time with my hero. His brilliant comedy and gentle spirit made everyone he encountered so happy.”
Bridesmaids director Paul Feig tweeted: "And we lose another comedy legend.
"I had the honor of doing a guest role on Newhart & got to spend the week listening to the great Bob Newhart making us all laugh. A brilliant standup & comedic actor, he was truly one of a kind. His legacy will live on."
