After Bob Newhart’s death, younger fans have been paying tribute to the star, who played Professor Proton in both Young Sheldon and The Big Bang Theory.
If you’re a longtimeSheldon Cooperfan, you’ll know a major part of hiseducational journeystarted with his love of a scientific TV show fronted by Professor Proton. InYoung Sheldon, the genius Cooper watches the show religiously, while adult Sheldon is still hugely influenced by his legacy.
The role was Newhart’s last, appearing in nine episodes of both shows in total. Real name Arthur Jeffries, Professor Proton finally met Sheldon in Season 6 ofThe Big Bang Theoryafter Leonard hired him for a party. In the show, Proton died in Season 10.
It’s safe to say that Young Sheldon fans noticed immediately, voicing their upset on social media. “RIP Professor Proton… you will be missed,” onepostedon Reddit, with a second agreeing, “Professor Proton. RIP Bob. You were one of the greats of comedy.”
“Sheldon would be devastated. RIP,” a third added.
However, it’s not just fans who are emotional, as TBBT andYoung Sheldon casthave also posted tributes.
Iain Armitage, who played Young Sheldon,toldPeople Magazine, “Bob’s Professor Proton was inspiring to Sheldon, and his career as an actor was inspiring to me. He was loved and will be missed.”
Mayim Bialik, who most recently appeared in a cameo role in theYoung Sheldon finale, added, “When I got to work alongside him on TBBT, it was absolutely a dream come true.
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“He was effortlessly professional, poised, hilarious, and incredibly approachable. Working with Bob was working in the presence of a true comedy legend – the likes of whom we simply don’t see anymore. How he will be missed!”
Newhart was also known for CBS series The Bob Newhart Show, which ran from 1972 to 1978, alongside appearances in Elf and Legally Blonde 2.
For more, find out ifYoung Sheldon Season 8is going ahead, read the recap to theYoung Sheldon ending, and learn more about sequelGeorgie and Mandy’s First Marriage.
Jasmine Valentine is a TV and Movies Writer on Dexerto’s UK team. She’s the go-to source for all things Young Sheldon and Virgin River. Jasmine has also written for the likes of Total Film, The Daily Beast, and Radio Times. You can contact her at jasmine.waters@dexerto.com
