Summary

• Bob Newhart's role as Professor Proton on The Big Bang Theory was well-received by fans and colleagues alike.
• Newhart had specific conditions before accepting the role, including filming in front of a live audience.
• Both Newhart and Jim Parsons had differing opinions on how Professor Proton should be written off the show.

After a battle with a short illness, Bob Newhart passed away at the age of 94. Not only did the world lose a fantastic actor and one of the greatest ever, but they also lost a great individual.

Bob Newhart's resume is extremely extensive. Though in recent years, his work on The Big Bang Theory is among his most memorable projects. Professor Proton was a perfect fit for the show. His chemistry with Jim Parsons was effortless, and work fans can appreciate for years to come.

Saying goodbye to the show wasn't an easy process for Newhart and his peers. Bob appreciated the creative aspect, while Jim Parsons felt indifferent. Let's recap what took place, and the other notable Bob Newhart moments during her time on TBBT.

Bob Newhart Appreciated The Way Professor Proton Was Written Off The Big Bang Theory, While Jim Parsons Thought He Should Not Have Been Killed Off

It was one of the saddest Big Bang Theory episodes as Professor Proton is written off the show. Though there is a nice touch that sees his spirit manifestation. The closure of Newhart's character was written off with class in the end. Although it was hard to say goodbye, Bob was okay with the decision given the way it all played out.

Newhart told Variety, "I think it was (producer) Steve Molaro’s idea. He ran it by me and I said, “That sounds great.” The scene was funny anyway when we shot it in front of the audience, but the special effects heightened the comedy even more. And I thought it was very touching."

In the same interview with Variety, Parsons wasn't as understanding. The actor joked that Newhart had asked for a raise, not understanding how the show can let someone that talented walk away.

"I asked him if he had asked for a raise. Because why else would you kill off Mr. Newhart’s performance on our show? But this spirit manifestation they’ve opened up now is great."

Newhart's final words about his death on Big Bang, "In sitcoms, people never die of anything. They’re just not there anymore."

Kaley Cuoco, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik and Bill Prady were among the first Big Bang Theory cast members to issue tributes online.

Bob Newhart's contributions to this world will be missed. But at the very least, fans have lots of footage to look back on.

Jim Parsons Admits He Was "Overwhelmed" The First Time He Met Bob Newhart

During the same interview with Variety a decade ago in 2014, Bob Newhart discussed the first time he met Jim Parsons. It seems like Newhart had a better recollection. Jim thought they'd met on set, but that wasn't the case.

Newhart tells Parsons about their first meeting, "We met at the Emmy Awards before that. I went up to you and said I enjoy your work. I don’t know if you knew who I was."

Parsons admits his memory was foggy due to feeling overwhelmed at such events. Nonetheless, Jim was always blown away by the easiness involved working with the legend.

"I do find many of those events are overwhelming, there’s a lot of information coming at you. I remember you coming to the table read and we’ve had so many good actors on but nobody before Bob that gave me the feeling of: “My God, you’re really here.” Which sounds ridiculous."

"But I have watched Bob through my whole life. But then it was really, really easy to work together. That’s something else I’ve found with people I admire, they are very easy to work with. Which is probably why they’re very successful.

The chemistry between the two was obvious, and it made TBBT that much better.

Bob Newhart left behind a fortune worth $65 million.

Bob Newhart Had Certain Conditions That Needed To Be Followed Before Agreeing To The Big Bang Theory

A man of his status, it only makes sense that Bob Newhart had certain conditions that needed to be followed prior to accepting the role. Speaking with THR, Newhart called the role 'going back in time.'

Which two conditions did Newhart request with Chuck Lorre?

• 1- The scenes needed to be shot in front of a live audience. "My scenes had to be taped live. There’s a tendency to pre-tape a lot of stuff and put a laugh track on it and you lose something. With Newhart, Lucy, Honeymooners, Mary Tyler Moore, and All in the Family it was always done in front of live audience. I always felt that the live audience gives it adrenaline. That’s the only way I function. No. 2, I wanted it to be a semi-recurring role."
• 2- He needed to be a recurring character on the show, not a one-off spot.

Newhart revealed that he and Chuck Lorre looked to work together for years prior, but couldn't agree on the creative side.

Everything worked out in the end, but Newhart had one final concern, and that's if fans would recognize him.

"I asked Chuck, the writers and our director if they were going to announce I’m in the show before the taping. I was a little nervous that the live audience wouldn’t recognize me and there would just be silence. They said, “We’ll come up on you,” and thankfully they recognized me; they applauded and stood up."

No surprise, this was not an issue.