Bob Newhart Joked Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Should Play Him In A Biopic; Comedic Legend Passes Away At 94

Before his death, Bob Newhart humorously suggested that Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson should portray him in a biopic, noting that he was often mistaken for the wrestler-turned-actor.

Updated on Jul 19, 2024  |  10:09 AM IST |  78.6K
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Bob Newhart (Getty Images)

Bob Newhart once joked he wanted Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson to play him in a biopic. The late comedian-turned-actor, whose demise at age 94 was reported on Thursday, July 18, claimed he gets mistaken for the wrestler-turned-actor a lot; hence, it would only be fair if he played him in his biopic.

Appearing on Conan O’Brien’s talk show in 2021, Newhart was asked by the host who he would most want to play him in a movie about his 70-year career. Bob replied, “I think The Rock. I get mistaken for him a lot.”

“People will say, ‘Hey, Dwayne,’ and I’ll say, ‘No, I’m not Dwayne,’” Newhart quipped. He also mentioned Brad Pitt as an actor who was “supposed to be very interested” in playing him on screen.

Bob Newhart was proud of his comedic career and rightly so

Bob Newhart (Getty Images)

Newhart’s death was announced by his publicist, Jerry Digney, in a press release issued yesterday. The actor, per the media statement, passed away at his Los Angeles home following a series of short illnesses.

In November 2020, Newhart reflected on his career and his enduring legacy during a CBS Sunday Morning interview, saying, “I have a theory that when it’s all over — and you go up — [if] I’ve been led to believe to heaven — and there’s a God and he says, ‘What did you do?’ [And I say, ‘I made people laugh’] — he will say, ‘Yeah, get in that real short line over there.’”

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According to his obituary, Newhart believed laughter is one of the great sounds of the world.

His death comes just over a year after his wife of six years died in 2023 after a long illness.

Bob Newhart’s screen credits — Know which of his roles was his absolute favorite

Bob Newhart, who is best known among the new generation of TV audiences as Professor Proton from The Big Bang Theory, landed his first Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 1962 for his comedy variety series The Bob Newhart Show.

His favorite role of his career, however, was his part in Elf, the actor revealed last year to CNN. The part of Papa Elf outranked any role he ever played. Newhart told the outlet that he fell in love with his character as soon as he read the script.

Bob, who served in the US Army during the Korean War until being discharged in 1954, is survived by his four children: sons Robert and Timothy, and daughters Jennifer and Courtney — as well as 10 grandchildren.

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ALSO READ: Comedian Bob Newhart Passes Away At 94 Due To Series of Illnesses

FAQ

When did Bob Newhart pass away?
Bob Newhart passed away on July 18, 2024, at the age of 94.

What was Bob Newhart’s favorite role?
Bob Newhart’s favorite role was his portrayal of Papa Elf in the movie Elf. He revealed that he fell in love with the character as soon as he read the script.

What other roles did Bob Newhart receive recognition for?
Bob Newhart received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 1962 for his comedy variety series The Bob Newhart Show. He was also acclaimed for his roles in other TV shows and films throughout his career.

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