Bob Newhart a hometown comic hero
George Robert Newhart heads home this week — you know, Bob.
Born in Oak Park and raised in nearby Austin, legendary comedian and actor Bob Newhart, 82, returns to his hometown for a one-night-only performance at the Chicago Theatre.
As a quiet advertising copywriter in Chicago in the 1950s, Newhart could never have imagined he would one day become a television icon — a comedian who would have a bronze statue of himself, as psychologist Dr. Robert Hartley from his 1970s sitcom “The Bob Newhart Show,” placed at Navy Pier.
“I couldn't have imagined any of the things that have happened to me,” Newhart said with a laugh, in a recent telephone interview.
Newhart also spoke about his memories of the Chicago Theatre and the Chicago Cubs — and reflected upon how his gentle brand of comedy has stayed fresh for more than 50 years.
Q. You'll be coming home again in a sense when you step out on that stage at the Chicago Theatre on Oct. 22.
A. It's going to be an odd sensation. I used to go to the Chicago Theatre when I was a kid. I would go there to see the movies and the live entertainment. I saw Danny Kaye and Jack Benny ... some great bands like Glen Miller and Tommy Dorsey. I never expected back then that I would ever be walking out on that stage myself.
Q. Will you perform any of your classic stand-up routines?
A. Yes, I'll probably do one or two of the classic comedy routines, as you call them — like “The Driving Instructor.” I know that's what a lot of people show up for. Then I'll have a lot of observations on life and what a strange planet we all inhabit. I like pointing out the anomalies of life that everyone shares.
Q. What would one of those observations be?
A. I was just thinking the other day how trusting we (humans) are, as I was looking at a Kleenex box. It was kind of a metaphor for today — for our country today. Back in the 1950s and 1960s when (President) Eisenhower was building all of the interstate highways and the economy was prosperous, when you took a tissue, you just knew there would be another tissue. As opposed to today, when you might get two tissues from the box, and that's it — now the Kleenex won't pop up.
Q. If one catches one of your old television shows — ”The Bob Newhart Show” (1972-78) or “Newhart” (1982-1990) — on TV Land or on another classic television channel, they are still very funny, and comforting in a way. That comedy still works today.
A. Great writing withstands the test of time. In both cases of those shows, we had an incredibly talented cast — Suzanne Pleshette, Bill Daily and Marcia Wallace on “The Bob Newhart Show.” Then on “Newhart,” we had Mary Frann, Tom Poston, Peter Scolari and Julia Duffy. And of course, who could forget the characters Larry, Darryl and Darryl?
Q. Is it true the characters of scruffy, soot-covered Larry, his brother Darryl and his other brother Darryl (played by actors William Sanderson, Tony Papenfuss and John Voldstad) were only supposed to be on “Newhart” for one quick appearance — but they were such a hit they became regulars?
A. Those three characters got such a reaction in front of our live audience that I still remember it to this day. The minute that show (taping) was over, I went to the writers and said, “We have to bring these guys back again. They are like gold.”
Q. You recently took on a serious acting role for a Lifetime original movie. What can you tell us about it?
A. Yes, I have a part in “Five,” a film about breast cancer — breast cancer in a family. Everyone donated their time. The directors (including actresses Demi Moore and Jennifer Aniston) were all female. I have a serious role as a doctor who treated a mother who died of breast cancer. And now I have to break the news to her daughter that she also has breast cancer. It's well written and touching.
Q. You are a father of four and a grandfather of nine. And you and your wife Ginnie have been married almost 49 years. Any secrets to having a successful Hollywood marriage?
A. It's funny how many comedians' marriages seem to last longer than other marriages. There was George Burns and Gracie Allen, and Jack Benny and Mary Livingston. Don Rickles and his wife Barbara have been married for many years. I really think laughter has something to do with it.
Q. Are you still an avid Chicago Cubs fan?
A. Oh yes — the Cubs and the Bears. I will always remember 1945, when I was 16 years old, and the Cubs had won the national pennant. I went and watched as the Cubs paraded down LaSalle Street.
Q. Would you say that you have changed the world in a small way with your comedy — adding an extra bit laughter to the planet?A. Well, I think I have influenced some other comedians. I'm sure there are more important things to do in this life #8212; like doctors who save lives, or make important discoveries in medicine. But boy, I sure have enjoyed being a comedian and making people laugh.
Bob Newhart
<b>When:</b> 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22
<b>Where:</b> The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago
<b>Tickets:</b> $37.50-$57.50. (800) 745-3000 or<a href="http://ticketmaster.com"> ticketmaster.com</a> or <a href="http://chicagotheatre.com">chicagotheatre.com</a>.