Bob Newhart Wins First Emmy For Big Bang Theory

Bob Newhart may be a part of television history, but the comedic actor with a popular 80s sitcom bearing his name just won his first Emmy in 2013.

Bob Newhart starred in Newhart decades ago, but it was The Big Bang Theory that got the veteran star recognized for his TV talents.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Newhart got his first chance at an Emmy more than 40 years ago, and the mag reports:

“After seven nominations, beginning with a nod for writing for The Bob Newhart Show in 1962, the comedy icon picked up the award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, recognizing his appearance on The Big Bang Theory.”

Newhart admitted he was “totally unprepared” for his Emmy win, thanking the show’s cast “who really threw themselves on the sword for me.”

But it’s been several decades since Newhart first got pegged for a potential Emmy, and the star was asked after his win about waiting so long.

When asked about the honor and delayed gratification, Bob explained:

“The best answer to that really is whenever I was nominated, there were better people in the category than me. That’s the truth. The best person wins. That’s the way it is.”

But, Newhart admits, that wasn’t always easy to accept. On being passed over, he concedes:

“I just felt the kind of stuff I do doesn’t win awards. I didn’t want to go through the process, the disappointment.”

As the crowd gave Newhart a standing ovation, the actor tearfully mused:

“This is my seventh shot at this… I just love this very much.”

Bob Newhart had been nominated six times before his Big Bang Theory win.