Bob Newhart was a veteran actor and comedian with a plethora of roles and projects to his name. From shows like The Big Bang Theory to movies like Elf, Newhart always found a way to make people laugh.
One of the actor’s most recognizable roles was that of Professor Proton in The Big Bang Theory. Appearing alongside Jim Parsons’ Sheldon Cooper with the main cast, Professor Proton was a recurring character, even after his on-screen death.
Bob Newhart Was Happy With How His Character Died On-Screen
Well, deaths in sitcoms are generally considered a big no-no. And yet, How I Met Your Mother did that wonderfully when Marshall’s father passed away. However, a death in The Big Bang Theory was something that just didn’t feel right.
Bob Newhart portrayed the role of Professor Proton who was Sheldon Cooper’s childhood hero. Although being a PhD holder, Professor Proton is seen as a joke among scientists. The character first appeared in Season 6 and continued to be a recurring character throughout the show.
During the Season 7 episode titled “The Proton Transmogrification”, Bob Newhart’s character dies on-screen. When Cooper mourns the loss of his hero, Newhart appears as a spirit similar to Obi-Wan Kenobi. Here’s what Newhart told Variety about his on-screen death and the events that followed.
I think it was (producer) Steve Molaro’s idea. He ran it by me and I said, “That sounds great.” The scene was funny anyway when we shot it in front of the audience, but the special effects heightened the comedy even more. And I thought it was very touching.
On the other hand, Jim Parsons (being Parsons) wasn’t so amused with the death scene. Sitting in the Q&A session with the audience, Parsons had a different theory on why Newhart was killed off from the show!
It is quite understandable that Sheldon Cooper was attached to the character of Professor Proton. He didn’t even attend the funeral of Proton and mourned silently for his loss. However, Parsons’ personal opinion on the ordeal makes sense.
Jim Parsons Did Not Enjoy The On-Screen Death of Professor Proton
Arthur Jeffries aka Professor Proton was really a fun character to have around Sheldon Cooper and Leonard Hofstadter during the show. Although his Obi-Wan Kenobi impression was also comedic, Proton didn’t appear much after his on-screen death.
In the same interview with Variety, Jim Parsons revealed that he couldn’t figure out why the producers decided to kill the character of Proton. The actor even joked that Bob Newhart had allegedly asked for a raise.
I asked him if he had asked for a raise. Because why else would you kill off Mr. Newhart’s performance on our show? But this spirit manifestation they’ve opened up now is great.
However, Parsons stated that Obi-Wan Kenobi-like character was also a good addition to the show. Bob Newhart reprised his role for the last time in Season 12 of the show but continued to be a part of Young Sheldon.
Bob Newhart passed away on 18 July 2024 and fans are remembering him by rewatching his iconic roles.
The Big Bang Theory is available to stream on Max in the U.S.
