American comedian Bob Newwhite dies at 94

American comedy legend Bob Newwhite, who won numerous awards for his serious style of comedy, has died at the age of 94.

The star of the TV series “The Bob Newhart Show” has died at his home after a series of short illnesses, his manager said in a statement provided to the BBC on Thursday.

Newheit became a comedian after starting his career as an accountant in Chicago. He went on to host Johnny Carson’s late-night show 87 times.

Most recently, he starred in the Christmas classic Elf and The Big Bang Theory.

The son of a plumber in suburban Chicago, Newheit earned a business degree from Loyola University in 1952.

He served in the Army for two years during the Korean War and then attended graduate law school before dropping out.

He and a friend began recording improvised comedy shows soon after, and in 1959, he was discovered by a local DJ who recommended him to the newly founded Warner Bros Records.

His live album, recorded from a Houston comedy club, The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart, became the first comedy album to top the charts.

Seven more albums were released after that, selling millions of copies.

Newwhite began his career “working in Chicago as an accountant during the day and at night as a comedian and writer,” his longtime publicist Jerry Degney wrote in a statement announcing his death.

Newheit was known for pioneering comedy shows that involved long stories, with a series of funny statements throughout, rather than a single joke at the end.

“There was a big (comedic) change happening,” he said, according to his manager.

Newwhite set himself apart from other comedians of his generation with his modern outlook and distinctive style of presentation, never raising his voice and sometimes stuttering.

When he went on stage to perform a comedy show, the only thing he had with him was a phone, which he used to pretend to have a conversation with someone on the other end of the line.

Newwhite, who loved the public, never retired, continuing to appear on Hollywood sets and stages well into his eighties.

Comedy director Judd Apatow was among those who paid tribute to the late actor on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Bob Newwhite was a very kind and funny man,” he wrote, adding, “His wonderful comedy and gentle spirit made everyone who met him very happy.”

Actress Kaley Cuoco, who worked with Newheit on The Big Bang Theory, posted on Instagram: “It was a dream to witness the genius of Bob Newheit.”

“He was personable, kind, generous and very funny.”

Director and actor Paul Feig posted on X: “A great comedian, and he was truly one of a kind.”

“Oh my god, he was funny! Bob Newwhite. We will miss you!” actress Jamie Lee Curtis wrote on Instagram.

Newhart is survived by four children and numerous grandchildren.

His wife, Virginia “Jenny” Newwhite, died in 2023 after 60 years of marriage.