Colleagues Honor Bob Newhart

Bill Prady, co-creator of The Big Bang, posted that it's "hard to explain how important Bob Newhart was to every comedian and comedy writer who came after him." But he tried, as did others in the industry who paid tribute to the comedian after his death Thursday. "Working with him ever so briefly was one of the greatest joys and honors of my life," Prady said. Reaction also came from:

• Judd Apatow: "His brilliant comedy and gentle spirit made everyone he encountered so happy," said the director, per the Hollywood Reporter.
• Dane Cook: "His album The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart impacted my career intensely," said the comedian, per US Weekly.
• Kaley Cuoco: "He was classy, kind, generous and absolutely hilarious," said the actress, who worked with him on The Big Bang. "Every take—every time."

• Noah Wyle: "Heroes frequently disappoint when you meet them. Bob didn't," said the actor, who appeared with Newhart in The Librarian series.
• Jimmie Walker: "His TV show Newhart was cerebral genius. I remember seeing him in 2019 at the Paley Honors: A Special Tribute To Television'' Comedy Legends where Bob was supposed to get up and say a few words; he did like a half-hour and killed at age 89," said the comedian, per Deadline.
• George Schlatter: "I did one of his first guest shots before anyone had figured out that he was also an intellectual. His overview on society and politics was fresh and perceptive and almost every sentence was quotable," said the producer.
• Journey Gunderson: "Bob Newhart's groundbreaking work in stand-up and television—and his beloved deadpan delivery—have left an indelible mark on the art form of comedy and will be treasured by comedy fans for generations to come," said the executive director of the National Comedy Center.

(More Bob Newhart stories.)