Finally! Bob Newhart is honoured

First Emmy Award in 52 years on TV

Bob Newhart was a constant on American TV for more than 30 years with a string of long-running sitcoms bearing his name.

But he has never been recognised with Emmy Award – until now. Last night the 84-year-old comic was honoured with the most prestigious awards in American television for a one-off appearance on The Big Bang Theory.

Newhart became tearful as the audience of the ‘creative arts’ strand of the awards gave him a standing ovation. ‘This is my seventh shot at this. ... I just love this very much,’ he said, gazing at the trophy.

The first of his six other Emmy nominations came in 1962 for writing the Bob Newhart Show. He was also nominated for best lead actor in a comedy series three times in the Eighties for Newhart, which ran for more than 180 episodes.

In his guest appearance on Big Bang Theory, Newhart played Professor Proton, a down-on-his-luck former host of a children's science show, invited to the nerds’ flat to put on a nostalgic show.

After last night’s ceremony, Newhart hinted that he would be reprising that role for another episode, to be recorded in October.

Other Emmy winners included Melissa Leo for her guest slot in the sitcom Louie, in which she dates Louis CK; an episode of South Park called Raising the Bar, which won best animated programme; and 30 Rock, which won the award for casting.

And a Daily Show segment fronted by John Oliver also won an award. The report Australia And Gun Control's Aftermath, produced in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting about how laws restricting weapons ownership had worked down under, won an Emmy for its picture editing.

The creative arts awards are mainly for the technical side of the business; the main ‘telecast awards’ are handed out next Sunday.

Here is Newhart as Professor Proton: