Young Sheldon Stars Pay Tribute to 'Legend' Bob Newhart

 

Bob Newhart portrayed children's TV show host Arthur Jeffries, a.k.a. Professor Proton, on 'The Big Bang Theory' and 'Young Sheldon.'

Melissa Rauch is paying tribute to the icon she was lucky enough to work with. The Big Bang Theory alum took to her Instagram to honor Bob Newhart, who passed away at 94 after a series of short illnesses. Newhart repeated on the CBS sitcom as Arthur Jeffries, a children's show TV host who went by Professor Proton. He showed up in six scenes of The Big Bang Theory as well as three scenes of the prequel series Young Sheldon. He last showed up as Arthur in 2020, stamping his last on-screen TV role.

"Today the world lost a legend whose fashion and delivery were unlike anything that came before or that we've seen since," Rauch composed. "I fell in love with stand-up listening to Bob Newhart's album. I fell in love with sitcoms watching his. I was beyond nervous to meet this idol of mine at The Big Bang Theory, but he immediately put me at ease with his immense kindness. He made me laugh so hard and filled my heart with memories I will cherish forever. Much like his brilliant Newhart series finale, being in his presence was a dream."

Bob Newhart as Professor Proton on "The Big Bang Theory".

Numerous fans took to the comments of Rauch's post to share just how much of an impact Newhart's role had on The Big Bang Theory and the rest of Hollywood. They were moreover sharing a few of their other favorite parts of Newhart's such as Elf and The Rescuers. Rauch's fellow Big Bang co-star Johnny Galecki uncovered one of Newhart's final messages to him, where Newhart requested that Galecki stop telling people he's a "nice guy."

Bob Newhart's passing came just over a year after losing his wife of 60 years, Virginia Quinn, in 2023. Alongside The Big Bang Theory, the comedian is known for The Bob Newhart Show, Catch-22, In & Out, Elf, The Rescuers, and more. Among the numerous honors he's gotten, he won three Grammys, an Emmy, and a Golden Globe Award.

L-R: Jim Parsons, Bill Nye, Bob Newhart, and Johnny Galecki on 'The Big Bang Theory'.

Fans can observe Newhart's scenes of The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon on Max. Just like his passing on Big Bang demonstrated, just because he's gone doesn't mean he's not here. Professor Proton will surely live on until the end of time, and it's all thanks to streaming and the many memories the cast and fans have of him.