In Pictures: The life of iconic comedian Bob Newhart

Bob Newhart, the genteel yet sharply satirical comic whose television series “The Bob Newhart Show” and “Newhart” captivated audiences throughout the 1970s and ’80s, passed away on Thursday in Los Angeles at the age of 94.

During his illustrious career spanning decades in Hollywood, Newhart portrayed numerous iconic characters in films such as “Elf” and “Legally Blonde 2,” as well as memorable roles in television shows like “The Big Bang Theory” and “ER,” earning him multiple Emmy nominations.

From his early days in comedy and his successful sitcoms to his enduring six-decade marriage and family life, here’s a retrospective on the actor’s extraordinary journey both on and off the screen.

Bob Newhart on ‘The Big Bang Theory’ in 2013

Bob Newhart wins an Emmy in 2013

Bob Newhart and Ben Stiller at the 2019 Emmys

Bob Newhart performed at Loyola University in Chicago in 1961

Bob Newhart and Tom Poston in 1961.

Bob Newhart, wife Ginnie, and their children in 1982.

Ginnie died in April 2023; the couple had been married for 60 years and together had 10 grandchildren.

Bob Newhart on ‘The Dean Martin Show’ 1965

1982: The comic was staying in a small hotel in Seattle when he had the idea for Newhart, which ran for eight seasons from 1982 to 1990 and costarred Tony Papenfuss, William Sanderson, and Mary Frann.

Bob Newhart and Johnny Carson, 1990

Bob Newhart and Betty White, 1993

Bob Newhart shared the screen with fellow comedy legend (and Oak Park, Illinois, native!) Betty White on his short-lived early ’90s sitcom, Bob.

Bob Newhart in ‘Elf’

October 1960 Comedian Bob Newhart, second from right, and fellow comedians George Burns, left, his wife, Gracie Allen and Jack Benny pose together at the Crescendo where Newhart was opening his show. (AP)

Jan. 12, 1963 Newhart, 33, and his bride, the former Virginia Quinn, 22, join hands to cut the cake at their wedding reception in West Hollywood (David Smith/AP)

Sept. 22, 2002 Presenters Newhart and Suzanne Pleshette, who played his wife on the 70s sitcom “The Bob Newhart Show,” pose in the press room at the 54th annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Sept. 20, 2009 “30 Rock” star Tina Fey kisses presenter Newhart after her show won the award for Best Comedy Series at the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles. (Mark J. Terrill/AP)