Key Takeaways:
– Bob Newhart made a memorable cameo in The Big Bang Theory as Professor Proton, an admired childhood hero of Sheldon and Leonard.
– Despite his stardom, Newhart was initially apprehensive if he would be recognized by the studio audience.
– The audience warmly welcomed Newhart with a standing ovation that caused everyone, including the actor, to shed emotional tears.
– Newhart's role in the sitcom earned him his first Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.
Bob Newhart's Reservations About His Cameo
Emmy award-winning comedian Bob Newhart displayed his unbeatable comic style as Professor Proton on The Big Bang Theory across six episodes. Despite his successful stint in The Bob Newhart Show in the '60s and '70s, he voiced his concerns about being recognized by the new-age audience of the popular sitcom. Newhart also appeared in the prequel series, Young Sheldon, for three episodes, indicating his crucial role in the series.
Addressing His Concerns
Revealing his apprehensions in a 2013 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Newhart mentioned talking to the show's creator, Chuck Lorre, about announcing his appearance before filming to ensure a warm reception. Lorre assured the actor that his legacy was powerful enough for the studio audience to recognize him even years after his last sitcom appearance.
A Warm Reception to Remember
Contrary to Newhart's fears, the audience heartily applauded and stood up to welcome him on his first appearance on the sitcom. This overwhelming response was not just a warm welcome but also a testament to how well-loved Bob Newhart was by viewers of all ages.
The Emotional Night Bob Newhart Debuted on TBBT
Co-star Jim Parsons, who played Sheldon Cooper, remembers Newhart's debut as his favorite memory of working with the legendary comedian. Recalling the standing ovation Newhart received from the studio audience, Parsons revealed that it brought tears to Newhart's eyes. It was a truly emotional moment, not just for Newhart, but for the entire crew present.
Speaking on this emotional experience, Parsons states, “The night we taped the first scene he ever did with us, he appeared in the hallway and the show stopped—just completely stopped—from the standing ovation the live audience gave him. He cried. I think we all cried.” It was at this moment Parsons realized the significance of working alongside Newhart.
Echoing these sentiments, Johnny Galecki, who played Leonard on the show, also mentioned how everyone was moved to tears when the DJ played the theme song from Newhart's old show following the warm reception.
Conclusion: A Successful Cameo and Legacy
Despite his initial fears, Bob Newhart's contribution to The Big Bang Theory was well received and cherished by the audience. His immensely successful performance led him to bag the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, marking it the first Emmy in his illustrious career. This experience goes to show that true talent and legacy in the television industry often transcend the boundaries of time and overwhelmingly appeal to all generations of audiences.
The Big Bang Theory is now available for streaming on Max. Enjoy the comical genius of Bob Newhart as Professor Proton once again!
