He always said no.
But then he fell in love withThe Big Bang Theoryand said yes with two provisions.
One: his character had to have an arc that spanned several episodes.
Bob Newhart and Kaley Cuoco in the 2013 ‘Big Bang Theory’ episode “The Proton Displacement"CBS/courtesy Everett Collection
And two: he wanted to win an Emmy.
We delivered on both.
I got to work with a comedy legend.
A master of the craft, and a kind and gentle man.
I even got to call him a friend.
How lucky am I?
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Newhart died July 18 at his Los Angeles home.He was 94.
He would demonstrate scientific principles using everyday objects.
It shocked Jeffries that two grown men wanted to see him perform his old tricks.
Newhart appeared in several episodes ofthe Big Bang Theoryas Jeffries.
Working with him ever so briefly was one of the greatest joys and honors of my life.
I used to listen to Bob Newharts comedy albums.
His dry comedy style was a huge influence for me.
He was a master of less is more.
Getting to meet him and watch him work on Big Bang was huge for me.
I mean, how could I not?
One day, he and I ended up sitting next to each other during a break in production.
In the industry, we call it taking a five or a quick ten or something like that.
Just a little break for everyone to catch their breaths.
A couple of the writers were there, I think, and maybe one or two other actors.
And we all sat there, while Bob Newhart told stories about his life and career.
He didnt need to be kind.
He didnt need to tell us these stories.
He didnt owe us any of his time.
And yet he did, and he loved it.
Because he chose to do all those things, I have a gift that Bob Newhart gave me.
I havent opened it in a while, but I took it out today, and I was grateful.
Rest well, Bob.
