The late Bob Newhart, with his amazing comedy timing and roles, had entertained audiences for several decades. Now, with his recent passing, several interviews have resurfaced, painting the actor in his usual deadpan humor. One such chitchat revealed his surprising wish for Dwayne Johnson portraying him in a biopic.
Newhart had added that the duo shared some very similar features, with people often mistaking him for the WWE legend. In a past interview, he had shed more light on this biopic choice of his and presented his trademark comedic self.
Bob Newhart Wanted Dwayne Johnson to Play Him in His Biopic
Bob Newhart recently passed away at the age of 94, as revealed by his publicist Jerry Digney. But while the actor is gone, his decades-long legacy lives on forever, marking some wonderful roles and shows. Newhart was a comedy legend, but this talent of his was not just limited to the screens. He was often seen engaging in playful banter off-screen as well. He presented just this when he appeared on Conan for an interview in 2021.
The host of the show, Conan O’ Brian, asked Newhart a very particular question about who he would want to play him in a biopic. But Bob Newhart’s answer was something that nobody expected. The Elf actor added that he would want WWE legend Dwayne Johnson to play him. He added:
I think The Rock. (Newhart quipped and added) I get mistaken for him a lot. People will say Hey Dwayne and I’ll say ‘No, I’m not Dwayne!’ But there should be quite a fight over it.
Not just the audience; even Conon O’Brian had a hearty laugh at Newhart’s answer. He further suggested that Johnson would be an excellent choice to portray his early football career. To this, Newhart added, “Brad Pitt is supposed to be very interested.”
Newhart mentioned all these things in a lighthearted manner. But it’s still funny to imagine Dwayne Johnson with his tall, rugged physique playing Bob Newhart. But given the Elf actor’s decades-long illustrious career and diverse roles, a biopic remains an intriguing possibility.
The Big Bang Theory Creator Chuck Lorre Honors Bob Newhart After his Passing
Bob Newhart started his Big Bang Theory journey as a guest appearance in Season 6 Episode 22 titled The Proton Resurgence. He further continued to be a part of the sitcom till Season 12 Episode 5, titled The Planet Collision. While the actor loved being part of the show, getting him on board was not an easy feat.
The same, which creator Chuck Lorre added while honoring the late Bob Newhart in an interview with Deadline (via Screen Rant).
For years I begged Bob to appear on one of my shows. He always said no. But then he fell in love with The Big Bang Theory and said yes – with two provisions. One: his character had to have an arc that spanned several episodes. 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?
Not just Lorre, even Johnny Galecki paid his respects with an Instagram post with a carousel of images of him alongside Newhart, with the following caption:
In one of his last emails to me, Bob requested that I stop telling people he’s a ‘nice guy. Though I hate to disobey a hero, I must share that Bob was a wonderful man and I cherished my time with him. Safe passage, my friend.
Other Big Bang Theory members, namely Kaley Cuoco, Mayim Bialik, Melissa Raunch, and Bill Prady have also honored the late comedy legend. Jim Parsons is yet to respond to Newhart’s passing.
You can stream The Big Bang Theory on Max.