Bob Newhart, the actor and comedian known for his roles in “Elf” and “Legally Blonde,” has died at the age of 94. His career began with regular appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show” before he transitioned into acting, starring in films like “Catch-22” and “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour.”
Born in Oak Park, Illinois, on September 5, 1929, Newhart’s early education was at Roman Catholic schools in Chicago, and he graduated from St. Ignatius College Prep in 1947. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Loyola University Chicago in 1952. After graduation, Newhart served as a personnel manager during the Korean War until his release in 1954.
Newhart’s TV career took off with “The Bob Newhart Show,” where he played Chicago psychologist Robert Hartley. He later starred as Vermont innkeeper Dick Loudon on “Newhart.” In the 1990s, he appeared in the sitcoms “Bob” and “George & Leo.” His voice work includes Bernard in Disney’s “The Rescuers” and “The Rescuers Down Under.”
