Bob Newhart, born George Robert Newhart on September 5, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, carved out a unique niche in the world of comedy with his understated, reaction-based humor. Bearing the worried, haunted look of a dog that doesn’t understand why it’s been kicked, Newhart excelled as a comedian who thrived on the reactions of those around him, allowing others to be outlandish and over-the-top while he quietly stole the laughs with his mild-mannered persona. Before his comedic breakthrough, Newhart pursued a degree in accounting from Loyola University, graduating in 1952. Although he never became a certified public accountant, this background in everyday normalcy greatly informed his later work. His initiation into comedy began with a partner, Ed Gallagher, as they offered a syndicated five-minute comedy spot bought by only a few stations in 1958. Newhart's career took a pivotal turn when his single-handed radio comedy captured the attention of Warner Brothers amidst the 1960s comedy boom. While his early nightclub performances during recording his first album were met with mixed reactions, his distinctly low-key yet insightful humor began to resonate in vibrant, social club scenes. This breakout led to his first album, which went gold and garnered him several Grammy awards in 1960, including Best New Artist and Best Comedy Album. The core of Newhart's humor lay in his monologues, often one-sided phone conversations, where the unseen party's comments drove the comedy. This method showcased his mastery of timing, reminiscent of Jack Benny's influence and the conversational monotony inspired by Bob and Ray. His routines often explored absurd scenarios with a stoic demeanor, as seen in telephone calls to historic figures or a driving instructor navigating tense, comedic roads with his pupil. Moving into television, Newhart’s variety show won an Emmy but struggled to find a long-lasting audience. His venture into film depicted him in roles like odious yes-men and company snitches, never fully capitalizing on his comedic strengths. However, television continued to be where Newhart shone. In 1972, after stepping away from stand-up, Newhart starred in his self-titled sitcom, "The Bob Newhart Show," as a Chicago psychologist coping with quirky friends and clients. The show benefitted from a strong lead-in from "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and found a comfortable and enduring audience. In 1982, Newhart returned to sitcoms with "Newhart," this time portraying Dick Loudon, an innkeeper surrounded by an eccentric group, including the unforgettable Larry, Darryl, and Darryl. The series lasted eight seasons, culminating in a legendary finale that cleverly tied back to his earlier show. His ability to portray an everyman dealing with the absurdities of life allowed viewers to see their own quirks reflected in his calm, bewildered responses. Reflecting on his career, Newhart recognized the consistency in his comedic approach. Both men and women found solace in his relatable characters, seeing in them a mirror of their own experiences. Though he hinted at future projects after his long-running shows, Newhart humorously noted that he had been doing the same comedic shtick for 25 years and getting away with it. Whether on television, in stand-up, or via recorded monologues, Bob Newhart’s comedy has remained a testament to the power of the subdued yet incisive observer, who finds humor in the everyday trials of life.