The Big Bang Theory boss Bill Prady and star Kaley Cuoco have paid tribute to Bob Newhart following his death.
The star, who played Arthur Jeffries/Professor Proton on the sitcom, passed away on Thursday (July 18) at the age of 94 following a series of short illnesses, and Prady has now paid tribute with a message on Instagram.
“Hard to explain how important this man is to every comedian and comedy writer who came after him. Heartbreaking loss,” wrote Prady in the caption, with the post also including a photo of himself alongside Newhart.
Related: Big Bang Theory‘s Jim Parsons reveals the only way he’ll play Sheldon Cooper again
Cuoco wrote on her Instagram Story: “What a dream it was to witness the genius that was Bob Newhart. He was classy, kind, generous and absolutely hilarious. Every take — every time. Icon forever. … I will never forget you, Bob! Thank you for making our dreams come true.”
Prady’s post received warm responses from followers as they paid their tributes to Newhart, with one writing: “What an incredible man. My father introduced me to his comedy at a young age and I was hooked.”
Such a legend. He was the one comedian that my dad & I both loved. Both of Newhart’s TV shows were watch religiously in our home. I grew up loving his brand of humour. Bob will very much be missed. ❤️” added another follower.
Matt Winkelmeyer//Getty Images
Prady wasn’t the only member from The Big Bang Theory to pay tribute to Newhart, with Kaley Cuoco sharing a couple of posts on her Instagram story.
“What a dream it was to witness the genius that was Bob Newhart. He was classy, kind, generous and absolutely hilarious. Every take — every time. Icon forever,” she wrote, before adding a cast photo as she wrote: “I will never forget you, Bob! Thank you for making our dreams come true!”
Related: Big Bang Theory‘s Kaley Cuoco welcomes new “pack member” in sweet adoption post
Other celebrities to pay tribute to the star included Star Wars actor Mark Hamill, who wrote on X/Twitter: “From his groundbreaking stand-up to his two classic sitcoms he gave us a lifetime of laughter. Truly one-of-a-kind. Thank you Bob Newhart! #RIP.”
Newhart first became known for his roles on The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart, with his subsequent projects including Elf and Horrible Bosses.
