The Big Bang Theory was a reason for countless moments of science jokes and laughter. But it also had its fair share of profound emotional scenes that left a lasting impact on the audience as well as the cast. One such scene involved the entire Big Bang Theory cast and the late comedy legend Bob Newhart.
Newhart, with his brilliant portrayal of Professor Proton, played a huge role in Sheldon Cooper’s life. But in a particular scene, the love that the audience had for Newhart made the entire cast cry.
Bob Newhart’s guest appearance on The Big Bang Theory had made the entire cast emotional
The Big Bang Theory, alongside the main cast, also featured some illustrious names from the industry. One such actor was the late comedy legend Bob Newhart, whose portrayal of Professor Proton added value to Sheldon Cooper’s storyline. Adding to this, Jim Parsons, who played Sheldon Cooper in the show, recounted a particular scene featuring Newhart in a past interview with Parade that left the entire cast in tears.
Parsons revisited the emotional experience of filming Bob Newhart’s first appearance on the show. He added that despite a week of rehearsals with the comic legend, the entire cast was overwhelmed with the response that the live audience had as soon as Newhart came out to perform his scene. The moment was so special that everyone was brought to tears, even Newhart himself. He further added:
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 profound, and I realized how much I’d been stuffing down my knowledge of how profound it was to work with Bob all week at rehearsal, because who the hell can do good work while saying, ‘I can’t f–king believe I’m working with Bob Newhart!’ in your head the whole time? No one. But the dam broke in that moment.
Bob Newhart entered the show as Professor Proton in the 22nd episode of season 6, titled The Proton Resurgence. Further, his storyline was so well received that he continued to make guest appearances until episode 5 of season 12, titled The Planet Collision.
Not just in this show, but the late actor reprised his Professor Proton persona in the sequel, Young Sheldon, as well. Further, given Bob Newhart’s recent passing, his iconic portrayal of Arthur Jeffries, aka Professor Proton, holds an even more special meaning.
Johnny Galecki shares his last interaction with the late Bob Newhart
Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Mayim Bialik and Bob Newhart in a still from The Big Bang Theory || CBS
After hearing the news about Bob Newhart, Johnny Galecki, who worked with the comic legend on The Big Bang Theory, was among the first to honor him. He took to his official Instagram account and reflected on the final conversation that he had with Newhart. The actor shared three pictures with the late actor with the caption:
In one of his last emails to me, Bob requested that I stop telling people he’s a ‘nice guy. Though I hate to disobey a hero, I must share that Bob was a wonderful man and I cherished my time with him. Safe passage, my friend.
In the shared post, several celebrities reflected on their own interactions with Newhart. John Ross Bowie, who played Sheldon Cooper’s nemesis Barry Kripke on the hit show, commented “One of the nicest things you ever did was get me a drive on pass so I could show up for an episode that I wasn’t even in, just to meet him. A very fond memory”. Further adding that it was a cherished memory for him given that he wasn’t even part of the episode.
Kaley Cuoco also paid her tributes through her Instagram story (via The Hollywood Reporter), with the caption, “What a dream it was to witness the genius that was Bob Newhart. He was classy, kind, generous and absolutely hilarious. Every take — every time. Icon forever.” Further, Jim Parsons’ is yet to comment on Newhart’s passing.
Bob Newhart passed away on Thursday following a brief period of illness. The news of his demise was confirmed by his publicist.
You can stream all the seasons of The Big Bang Theory on Max.
