re: Bob Newhart stand up appreciation thread

He is probably the best "telephone" (1-sided conversation) bit comic ever, and one of the best "slow burn" and stammer-take reaction actors, ever. In fact, as an actor, probably only Jack Benny is better as a reaction, deadpan, slow-burn guy.

Underrated comic genius - partly because he came up when comedians were, generally, working "blue" (and Newhart is generally very family-friendly) and partly because he became much more recognizable as a television (and film) actor - a line that Carlin and even Pryor flirted with, but never crossed. Other greats like Bill Cosby and the slightly younger Robin Williams, ultimately became more known for their television and film work (and that can be said for Eddie Murphy, as well), just as Newhart did.

Newhart and his best friend Don Rickles seem to just go on and on, though, like 2 old, Jewish energizer bunnies (although Newhart is not Jewish, he gives off that vibe because of his extensive career in the borscht belt.)