American actor, comedian, recording artist, and TV series star. He was the first comedian in history to break into fame through LP records, “The Button-Down Mind Strikes Back,” won a Grammy in 1961. He is known for his deadpan double-takes and cautious stammer, a master of the well-timed pause. A former accountant, he is called, “the man with the button-down mind.”
After “The Bob Newhart Show,” in the ’70s, “Newhart,” in the ’80s, and the short-lived “Bob,” 1992-1993, the comedian paired with Judd Hirsch for the sitcom “George and Leo,” for the 1997 TV season.
Bob was the only son in an Irish family with three boisterous sisters. His dad, a heating contractor, provided a comfortable life-style for his family, and his mom and sisters doted on him. As it was a Catholic family, one of the girls became a nun. Bob’s humor as a kid was dry and low-key; he was for the most part shy and introspective. Comedy became his way of looking at life.
After high school, Bob studied business at Loyola University and spent two years as a clerk in the army. He became an accountant, and to relieve the monotony of his work, took time off to have long, hilarious conversations with his friend Ed Gallagher on the phone. He and Ed became such a popular team at parties that everyone encouraged them to play a pro venue. After a brief try, Ed dropped out and Bob continued to do stand-up. One night in 1959, a Warner Bros. Record scout caught Bob’s act, and it led to his first recording.
He has been married for nearly 30 years to Ginnie Quinn, (in 1992), after meeting on a blind date in 1961. She calls him “the most patient, caring man I’ve ever known.” They have four kids, Rob, 29; Tim, 25; Jennifer, 21 and Courtney, 15. He had three television wives, Suzanne Pleshette who played Emily on “The Bob Newhart Show,” 1972-78, Mary Frann, “Newhart” spouse from 1982-90 and Carlene Watkins, cast as Kaye McKaye on the CBS sitcom “Bob,”
For his leisure time, he loves golf.
Link to Wikipedia biography