Summary

• Bob Newhart's impact on The Big Bang Theory was undeniable, with tributes pouring in from his co-stars.
• Newhart's fears of not being recognized by the audience were unfounded, as he received a warm ovation.
• The cast, including Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco, cherished their time working with Newhart, who left a lasting impression.

At the age of 94, Bob Newhart passed away. Tributes came flying in, especially from his former co-stars on The Big Bang Theory. His impact on the show was obvious. The likes of Johnny Galecki and Jim Parsons were amazed by his work and honored to get the firsthand experience.

Surprisingly, Newhart did have some fears prior to appearing on the series. One of them was the audience not reacting to his cameo. As expected, that was not the case and very much the opposite. Johnny Galecki got the firsthand experience, and it did not disappoint. Even Galecki was holding back tears, watching the actor's reaction to the overwhelming response.

Let's recap how it all went down, and what the other Big Bang Theory stars had to say about working with Newhart.

Johnny Galecki Revealed Bob Newhart Started To Cry After A Standing Ovation And His Old Theme Song Playing At The Taping

Working with Bob Newhart was certainly a treat for The Big Bang Theory cast. They got to work with some great guest stars over the years, but learned plenty of life lessons from Bob Newhart during his time on the show.

Mayim Bialik, Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki and Kevin Sussman all paid tribute to Bob Newhart following his passing at 94.

Johnny Galecki, in particular, had an unforgettable moment with Bob Newhart, one that brought the actor himself to tears. During a TBBT taping, Newhart was in tears from the ovation, and his old song being played by the DJ. The cast was also overcome by emotions, including Johnny Galecki.

He told THR back in 2013, "He had a two-minute standing ovation from the live audience. Then the DJ starting playing the theme song from his old show and he started crying. I was standing next to him, so I started crying. It was very touching."

Galecki continues, "The script metamorphosized during the week as they do and it really became art imitating life in that this is a hero of Leonard and Sheldon’s and they have the opportunity to tell their childhood hero how much he means to them. We all got choked up because the episode became a real homage to not only Newhart but to all of the great comic legends that came before us and this show."

Johnny Galecki wrote about his final conversation with Newhart. He said, "In one of his last emails to me, Bob requested that I stop telling people he’s a “nice guy.” Though I hate to disobey a hero, I must share that Bob was a wonderful man and I cherished my time with him. Safe passage, my friend."

Newhart was certainly one of a kind, and touched the lives of those he worked with.

Bob Newhart Had Concerns He Wouldn't Be Recognized By Fans During His Big Bang Theory Cameo

Although Newhart got a warm reaction from the live audience, he had his doubts heading into his first scene. Newhart actually worried that the audience wouldn't recognize him, and that there would be total silence.

Newhart told THR in 2013, "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."

The late actor worried about the reaction, but it was all for nothing in the end.

"They said, “We’ll come up on you,” and thankfully they recognized me; they applauded and stood up. That was very nice. It’s amazing how close the set resembled Stage 17 at Radford, where we did The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart. It was like going back in time. It was a relief. You never presume anything. At least in comedy, you get that beaten out of you. You may have done 20 great shows in a row and come to one, and it doesn’t work. You never presume anything."

Bob Newhart received a second standing ovation after the episode came to an end.

A great moment for Newhart, who finally got to work alongside Chuck Lorre. The two had an interest in working together for years. They finally came to terms on TBBT, but two conditions had to be met. One included Newhart's scenes taking place in front of a live audience. While the other included Newhart becoming a recurring character. Fans and the cast are especially thankful for the second condition. What a treat it was.

Kaley Cuoco Admits She Got Lost During Scenes With Bob Newhart

Every Big Bang Theory cast member had their own experience and lessons with Bob Newhart. As far as Kaley Cuoco's experience went, she was especially taken aback by how the actor never missed a beat.

"It was interesting watching him work from day one to shoot night — it was like watching an education. I don’t think he missed a beat. There were moments where I was sitting in the scene, staring at him, forgetting I was even in it because he just became that genius that we all know.

Cuoco continues, "I assumed he was going to play a scientist and I wouldn’t be in any scenes with him but I was lucky to have gotten to be in the whole storyline with him. It was a dream come true."

Kaley Cuoco also admitted that even the more established actors struggled as guest stars given how proper timing was everything on the sitcom.

Newhart will be missed, and The Big Bang Theory cast certainly won't forget the special moments with the late actor.