On July 18, beloved comedian Bob Newhart passed away at 94-years-old, leaving behind a treasured legacy.
In addition to his many stand-up comedy specials, Newhart was also an acclaimed actor. From popular sitcoms like “The Bob Newhart Show” and “The Big Bang Theory” to his performance as Papa Elf in “Elf” (2003), Newhart left an indelible mark on the world of show business — one that has kept people laughing for decades.
Just a year ago, in April 2023, Newart’s wife Ginnie passed away shortly after they celebrated their 60-year wedding anniversary.
Together they leave behind four children and ten grandchildren, and the family noted a special request in Newhart’s obituary.
In lieu of flowers, they are encouraging fans to donate to his “favorite charity:” St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Over the course of 60 years, St. Jude’s research has helped increase the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to 80%.
In 2021, an investigation was published by ProPublica, questioning how the pediatric treatment and research facility disseminated donations throughout the organization. ProPublica reported billions of dollars going "unspent." According to both the investigation and the nonprofit’s financial reports, these funds could be attributed to St. Jude’s reserve fund.
Regardless, St. Jude has been instrumental in the treatment of childhood cancers, sickle cell disease, and blood and immune disorders around the globe - while footing the bill for families.
The Newhart family’s request follows their father’s lifetime of support for good causes. The actor was an active philanthropist throughout his career, and often utilized his comedic talents to play emcee at an array of benefits.
Select events spanned from collegiate dinners that raised $1.3 million for student scholarships to celebrity fundraisers that raised $350,000 for The National Children’s Cancer Society.
Newhart was also known for his unflappable, deadpan style, which was often delivered with a stammer — an attribute he personally adored.
“My own private theory is that stammerers have so many ideas swirling around their brains at once that they can't get them all out,” he wrote in his memoir “I Shouldn’t Even Being Doing This.”
In the hours following his passing, words of love poured out from his co-stars, friends, and fans — speaking not only of his humor, but his enormous heart.
“I had the great pleasure of working with Bob and being his friend,” Carol Burnett wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “He was as kind and nice as he was funny. He will be missed.”
“Bob Newhart was as funny as they come,” said Judd Apatow, who directed a short documentary about Newhart and longtime friend Don Rickles. “The best stand up, the best situation comedy star, the kindest soul.”
Actress Kaley Cuoco, who worked with Newhart on the set of “Big Bang Theory,” said that she’ll never forget working with her “icon.”
"What a dream it was to witness the genius that was Bob Newhart,” Cuoco wrote in an Instagram story. “He was classy, kind, generous and absolutely hilarious.”
Editor’s note: This article has been edited to include a link to St. Jude’s financial reports
Header image via by Alan Light (CC BY 2.0)
