Bob Newhart

Bob Newhart has finally ended more than half a centuries wait by winning his first ever Emmy Award. The veteran comedian and entertainer was first nominated for the award in 1962 for his writing on The Bob Newhart Show, but it took a guest spot on The Big Bang Theory to finally secure him one of the coveted awards, with the Primetime Creative Arts Emmys on Sunday, 15 September celebrating his appearance on the sitcom with the Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series award.

Newhart had to wait more than half a century since his first nomination for an Emmy

The Primetime Creative Arts Emmys airs a week before the main Emmy Awards, and usually celebrates the behind-the-scenes crew on TV as well as honouring guest actors. Los Angeles’ Nokia Theatre served as the venue for the awards show, where a number of television's brightest stars had gathered to celebrate their achievements from the past year. They were also on hand to give Newhart a standing ovation when his name was read out as the winner of his award, an act that Newhart says he was "totally unprepared" for. In his acceptance speech he gave thanks to his wife of 50 years, his four children and the cast and crew of The Big Bang Theory, “who really threw themselves on the sword for me.”

Continue reading: After 51 Years Of Waiting Bob Newhart Finally Wins His First Emmy Award

Comedy legend Bob Newhart makes his debut on The Big Bang Theory on Thursday (May 2, 2013) with a role that has been a long-time coming for both Newhart and producer Chuck Lorre. The co-creator of the CBS show has been constantly hounding the six-time Emmy nominee for roles on his shows, and Newhart finally agreed on 'Big Bang' - on two conditions.

"I had only two things that were paramount: No. 1, my scenes had to be taped live. There's a tendency to pre-tape a lot of stuff and put a laugh track on it and you lose something," he told the Hollywood Reporter, "No. 2, I wanted it to be a semi-recurring role. He was fine with both and later called me with the story of Professor Proton." Newhart's character is an influential man from Leonard (Johnny Galecki) and Sheldon's (Jim Parsons) childhood.

The Big Bang Theory's ratings continue to grow - something rare in the U.S. television world - but Newhart thinks he knows why the show's reruns are beating top show such as American Idol. "It's beautifully cast, has great writing and it's intelligent," he said, "There was a longing for something intelligent -- to credit the audience being intelligent. It doesn't talk down to the audience at all.

Continue reading: What Were Bob Newhart's Two Conditions For Joining 'The Big Bang Theory'?