Tributes have been paid to American stand-up comedy legend Bob Newhart after he died at the age of 94.

He launched his career as a stand-up comic in the late 1950s and became a huge seller on vinyl, with The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart, winning a Grammy in 1960. It  it remains the 20th-best-selling comedy album in history.

Newhart was known for his deadpan conversational style, with one-sided phone calls being his trademark routines. His low-key style marked a change from vaudeville to the observational style than dominoes stand-up today.

He had two separate hit sitcoms in the 1970s and 1980s and  also appeared in several movies, including Legally Blonde 2 and Elf, as the diminutive dad of adopted full-size son Will Ferrell.

Comic and talk-show host  Conan O' Brien said: 'Bob Newhart taught countless generations of comedians that you could be funny, smart, uncompromising, and still win on your own terms. This is an immeasurable loss.'

Bill Bradey, co-creator of The Big Bang Theory in which he had a memorable guest role, said tonight: ‘Hard to explain how important Bob Newhart was to every comedian and comedy writer who came after him. Working with him ever so briefly was one of the greatest joys and honors of my life.’

Comic and former senator Al Franken added: ‘ Bob Newhart was a giant, a genius, and a great guy. I’ll always remember when he hosted SNL and did a stellar show. He was, as you might expect, a joy to work with. May his memory be a blessing.'

Film-maker Judd Apatow said: "Bob Newhart was the kindest most hilarious man. He asked me to make a documentary about his friendship with Don Rickles. I was so lucky to get to spend that time with my hero. His brilliant comedy and gentle spirit made everyone he encountered so happy.'

And in the UK, Tim Vine tweeted: 'Thank you Bob Newhart. Wonderful, hilarious, genius. So much of that classic album I still quote in everyday life. "Same to you Fella!" '

Newhart died at his home in Los Angeles from a series of short illnesses.

Published: 18 Jul 2024