Thirty-five years ago "The Bob Newhart Show" made the comedy legend a household name. Today, Newhart continues to grace the screen as a guest star on television series "The Big Bang Theory," "The Librarian" and "Hot in Cleveland."
He has also appeared in more than 14 feature films, including "Elf" and "Catch 22."
Newhart has won Grammy and Emmy awards and has written a bestseller autobiography, "I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This," but it doesn't end there.
To celebrate 55 years in show business, Newhart is traveling the country in a new comedy tour, and on Saturday he will come to Shreveport . Newhart will perform 8 p.m. Saturday at the Riverdome at Eldorado Casino and Hotel.
Newhart talked to Joanna Landrieu of The Times about his upcoming show, his years in show business and what he plans to accomplish next.
Joanna Landrieu of The Times: What's something long-time fans will see at your upcoming comedy show at Eldorado Casino and Hotel in Shreveport ?
Bob Newhart: I probably will do some of the golden oldies from my first album ("The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart") in 1960. It was the first comedy album to go to No. 1 on the Billboard.
JL -TT: How do you keep your stand-up shows fresh and entertaining?
BN: When you've lasted 55 years you have to be aware of the changes that are taking place in comedy and adjust to them.
JL :TT: Are you more comfortable performing live on stage or recorded?
BN: I think on stage. That's where I started 55 years ago. When you're in stand-up — which is what I started doing and television came later — there's an immediate gratification from the audience. Whereas with a TV show, although you have a live audience, it usually another six weeks before it even airs.
JL : TT: One of your recent television appearances was on "The Big Bang Theory" as Professor Proton. Have you seen a change in acting on set now compared to acting on "The Bob Newhart Show" in the 1970s?
BN: Oh yeah. There's a difference in speed. I'm used to taking more time than today. It's really a reflection of the younger audience. They want it quick, and I grew up in a different time. But again, you try to adjust to it and that's how you last in the business.
JL :TT: How has it been working with the cast of "The Big Bang Theory?"
BN: Oh, they've been delightful. When I first did the show they couldn't have been nicer. They had a respect for what I've done on television and stand-up. They were very accommodating and lovely people — maybe it's because I'm 85 years old.
JL :TT: In 2006, you published the book "I Shouldn't Every Be Doing This: And Other Things That Strike Me as Funny." Is there anything fans would be surprised to know about you that's in the book or didn't make it in?
BN: Since the book I'm now married 52 years. It's interesting how longer marriages in show business seem to be among comedians. Jack Benny was married years and years. Don Rickles, who's a good friend, he and his wife have been married 50 years. I think a lot of the longevity of a marriage has to do with laughter. I think if you can laugh, it'll take you over the rough spots.
JL :TT: What's been the most valuable lesson you've learned during your career?
BN: When you first start off you tend to think your career is the most important thing. Then when you reach 85, as I have, and you've lost quite a few of your friends you find it's about family and friends. That's what the whole thing is all about. As a performer you should spend more time with your family and friends and less time worrying about your career.
JL :TT: What has motivated you to keep going after 55 years?
BN: I'm still physically able to do it. In my mind, my mind is fine — but I think my wife might argue against that.
We've lost so many — Suzanne Pleshette, Tom Poston, Marsha Wallace and personal friends like Dick Martin and Dan Rowan — it's people like that you want to say something to them and you realize they aren't here anymore. That kind of brings it home for you. Enjoy your family, enjoy your friends.
JL :TT: Anything else you'd like to accomplish in your career?
BN: I've done just about everything I've set out to do. The only thing I haven't done in my career is probably Broadway, but at this point in my life I think eight shows a week would be kind of tough. But besides that, I've really had a great career. My wife and I talk about the times of Johnny Carson, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Jack Benny, there's just so many great people. It was a great time to have grown up in and to say they were your friends. It was a very special time.
If you go:
What: Bob Newhart stand-up comedy show
Where: Riverdome at Eldorado Casino and Hotel, 711 Clyde Fant Boulevard, Shreveport,La.
When: 8 p.m., Saturday & Sunday
Ages: 21+
Thanx Joanna Landrieu --Columnist The Times
The Roving Reporter G.
G.
ReplyDeleteYou did a wonderful job on Bob and a nice gentleman he is , so easy to talk to , seem like I known him for years .
We had a business lunch at Poppa's and it was a blast . Nita seated us and Emil served us . No menus, we got Emil's royal treatment .
A taste of everything off the line . I daresay , Bob was impressed , he open his belt , he enjoyed his lunch .
Bob remind me of the Reno Rascals , very flirty , but a gentleman at all times.
Enjoyed doing the interview .
Joanna
My dear Joanna ,
ReplyDeleteI thank you my sweet lady , you was the one that pulled it together . Bob could not stop singing your praises.
Bob could not stop talking about how stuff he was and the service he receive . Bob spoke of the service everyone received , whether they had on suits or work clothes , they all was treated the same .
Thank you my dear Joanna .
G.