Newhart

I just finished watching a PBS special honoring the comic genius that is Bob Newhart. I did not realize that Mr. Newhart was an accountant before beginning his comedy career as a stand up comic, and that he starred in at least a couple of movies. His two long running sitcoms where he played the parts of a psychologist and an innkeeper rank as two of my all-time favorites. Newhart's dry wit was so refreshing--no yelling or grandstanding needed here. The Newhart Show with Larry, Darrel and Darrel, George Utley, Stephanie and Michael, and wife JoAnna was pure comic genius. Newhart's character casting was brilliant--it made the show. Three things really set Newhart apart, I think, from most other comedians: 1) he refused to "push the envelope", as they say, with edgy humor marked by foul language and sexual innuendo, 2) he was master of the "comedic pause"-- like Jack Benny, and 3) he allowed other actors to claim the spotlight in any particular episode. I close with the trademark line from his Newhart Show: "Hi! I'm Larry. This is my brother, Darrel. This is my OTHER brother, Darrel." I salute you, Mr. Newhart! You blessed my family with many, many laughs over the years; and it was all stuff the whole family could watch--safely.