Bob Newhart Acceptance Speech | 2002 Mark Twain Prize

The Mark Twain Prize recognizes people who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th century novelist and essayist best known as Mark Twain. As a social commentator, satirist and creator of memorable characters, Samuel Clemens was a fearless observer of society, who startled and outraged many while delighting and informing many more with his uncompromising perspective of social injustice and personal folly. He revealed the great truth of humor when he said "against the assault of laughter nothing can stand."
For more information on the Mark Twain Prize, please visit: www.kennedy-ce...
The inaugural Mark Twain Prize was presented to Richard Pryor during the first annual Kennedy Center Celebration of American Humor, October 20, 1998. The event was created by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Bob Kaminsky, Peter Kaminsky, Mark Krantz, and John Schreiber and is televised annually. The Kennedy Center is grateful to Cappy McGarr for his steadfast support of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor since its inception. Previous recipients of the Mark Twain include Richard Pryor (1998), Jonathan Winters (1999), Carl Reiner (2000), Whoopi Goldberg (2001), Bob Newhart (2002), Lily Tomlin (2003), Lorne Michaels (2004), Steve Martin (2005), Neil Simon (2006), Billy Crystal (2007), George Carlin (2008), Bill Cosby (2009, rescinded in 2018) Tina Fey (2010), Will Ferrell (2011), Ellen DeGeneres (2012), Carol Burnett (2013) Jay Leno (2014), Eddie Murphy (2015), Bill Murray (2016), David Letterman (2017), and Julia Louis-Dreyfus (2018).
#TwainPrize #PBSTwain
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[@HanksJazz]

I got to play piano for a corporate event and Bob was the entertainer/master of ceremonies. What I remember most is that we had a rehearsal/sound check in the afternoon, and he showed up in a t-shirt and jeans, and was the funniest guy, just hanging around, and super easy going. We basically just sat around smoking cigs and drinking coffee. That night when the spotlight came on, suddenly he was a stage presence you could not deny, and full of great jokes simply a superlative comedian and entertainer. His birthday is September 5, 1929 (age 93 years), so Happy Birthday, Bob🎂‼

[@brandonparmer4009]

,p

[@arbenvesiu3653]

Just heard the sad news of Bob Newhart passing ,truly a sad day ,a true gentleman

[@SherryHill-k5y]

It is a sad day. He was just the best comedian ever and he'll be so missed.❤

[@rainydaylady6596]

I was lucky to see him in person at the Sun City auditorium in Arizona. He was great. No bad words. No bringing anyone down. It was a honor to watch him make people laugh. RIP Mr. Newhart. 😢💕💕💕💕

[@th1amigo]

One of the classiest entertainers with a special sense of humor.

[@greggseager4632]

Delivery and timing always impeccable.

[@stevebonafede2777]

He's the Jimmy Stewart of comedians...gotta love Bob

[@anastasiabeaverhausen8220]

Greatest delivery in 20th century humor. Which shall remain timeless. No one better. Gentle, non-controversial, truly funny. Thank you, Bob.

[@MrJimmy1953]

It’s impossible not to love Bob Newhart.

[@mikelesley2803]

A true comedy legend whose humor brought laughter to people for many years. Thanks for all the laughs you gave us. You will be truly missed.

[@edwardmcmanus7496]

Nothing but class and dignity. No gutter language and nothing political. How refreshing. RIP.

[@farje1]

He was brilliant, but there's nothing wrong with political humour. If you don't get it, that's another thing.

[@edwardmcmanus7496]

@farje1 .... get what?😡 Most, if not all , of the political humor today is most disrespectful and a very bad example for youngsters. And BOTH SIDES OF THE PROVERBIAL AISLE ARE GUILTY. I come from a generation when better taste was used. Type in JFK press conferences and you will find humor and decent exchanges. And the annual Washington press dinners now are mean spirited and with nasty intentions.

[@jasonbraun3149]

I had to watch this again after hearing today's sad news. Will miss him.

[@ethane-dawgwenger4207]

Requiescat in Pace, Bob Newhart! Such a legendary comedian. Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.

[@BenAck912]

The beginning hits differently now. R.I.P. Bob Newhart 1930-2024.

[@RobertLaw-r3m]

Bob the legend, thanks youtube, best app on the planet for keeping these moments alive forever.

[@tommadane3550]

Bob is a class act . Period.

[@adamwatson7734]

Goodnight Bob. ❤

[@rainydaylady6596]

He and Suzanne Pleshet (sp) were so good together. When they did the last night of his second TV series and he woke up in their old bed it was hilarious. I miss watching a good comedy show.

[@stevebonafede2777]

How could you not love Bob.....

[@carriecoy2714]

He brought laughter to my childhood. Wonderful memories.

[@stephenauckly]

RIP Bob, thanks for the laughs!

[@charlieakin8074]

A true Class Act. Not so many likes , most of his audience has passed away . Most ,,,not all...

[@moonlanding-69]

Don Rickles BEST friend!!!!!!

[@clieding]

I am 62 years old and I still vividly remember listening to him on my Father’s LP’s (Vinyl “Long Playing” records) as a very young child. I have always loved Bob’s understated delivery; he has given my generation many many hours of joy over his long career. It was great seeing him relatively recently as “Doctor Proton” on the “The Big Bang Theory”.

[@ameliaannhouck2670]

GOOD BYE DEAR FRIEND , WE LOVED YOU AND YOU MADE US ALL SO HAPPY, WE LOVED YOU!!

[@allanjacquadro870]

My favorite comedian

[@artfernandez7127]

Good on ya Bob! You always gave us your unique, low key, very funny, friendly and so human of your humor. Always loved your crazy phone call sketches you were the best with those. Thanks for bringing us so much pure clean joy.

[@danerose575]

I always enjoyed Bob - nice to see him being honored.

[@techielopez7678]

God bless you and your family, Mr. Bob Newhart!

[@nickprohoroff3720]

Still got it. Always had it.

[@sepandghanouni7741]

RIP We loved you

[@BladeRunner-td8be]

One of the best speeches I've ever heard. Bob has a way of making me laugh that is quite unique. His lifetime friendship with Don Rickles who I consider one of if not the very best stand-up comedian of all time is hard to explain. Their styles were polar opposite to each other.

[@eenavid]

i knew nothing about bob until an american friend came over to england in the early 70 ,s ,,and i discovered a whole diffrent humour ,,brilliant ,and a real decent guy ,,i always loved his toboco sketch ,,so yu kinda breathe it in do ye,,,ha,,

[@ashhempsall9803]

Opposites attract. Not so much in 2022

[@keep_it_tidy56]

A wonderfully humble man with a dry sense of humour that I’ve enjoyed most of my life. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve listened to ‘Nutty Walt’, the discovery of tobacco monologue. Pure comedy genius.

[@susanegley4149]

When I am truly stressed, I watch his old sitcom, it's so wonderful, comforting, and nostalgic, like a warm hug. Just hearing the amazing theme song calms me. A very special comedian, and human, I am forever grateful.

[@chrismorgan9154]

He was a class act, never disrespectful and funniest comedian.

[@stephenmccollum1391]

Such a funny and talented guy So happy for his family!

[@gdh613]

As a kid I would buy Bob Newhart's records of his routines. I loved them then and still due--he was one of my favorites. Rest in Peace Bob Newhart. You brought a lot of joy and laughter to the world.

[@madcek]

What a humble, loving, funny and genuine man. You will be missed Bob.

[@snehithkumbla1807]

I am here after watching a sixth season episode of The Big Bang Theory, didn't know anything about him, but the performance as Mr.Proton/Arthur is amazing in the episode so looked him up, what a guy, what a talent!

[@mc76]

The most impeccable timing of any comic ever.

[@wildman2012]

We used to listen to his comedy albums in the 60s -- a comic original, a great guy.

[@Laceykat66]

I still do.

[@tommadane3550]

A unique performer who always brings in clean and classy comedy. To me he is a legend.

[@luishumbertovega3900]

The Joanne Woodward/Paul Newman thing just killed me, and I think Bob's wife laughed the hardest !!! Gotta love this guy, one of the all time great ones !!!

[@catherinechaney6882]

He was one of a kind, what a gift to us all! 😂😂❤❤

[@justwantresults8768]

The absolute master of comedic timing! Rest well Sir Bob

[@ser9656]

No one better.

[@tommadane3550]

Nothing but class.

[@ianredpath8359]

Real talent.

[@edwinham4183]

one of the greats comedian ever

[@tabathasheffroth7981]

Would love to have seen Larry, Darryl and Darryl present him with the award.

[@RipleyRattler]

Classy and a Gentleman.

[@NxDoyle]

A master.

[@twilightzonezone7638]

Never a foul word or anything impolite-just a very very funny man...

[@casrdinks8550]

My life! love this guy - Newhart!

[@garymcaleer6112]

This man is over 90, and still ticking like an old Timex. And we remember that ad... Happy holidays, Bob & family. Just sorry Don's not around to razz you.

[@thomasdahl2232]

Allways brilliant and original! :)

[@Historyofworldinurdu]

Hello professor proton

[@davetrumpet1]

Bob Newhart is the best!

[@DavidSchneider-s8i]

Pure class

[@ojibwayinca8487]

Oh my, I that last joke. Soooo good.

[@ROCKKIZZ]

His Awesome! .. SAD Not even one Word about Best Buddy DON!!!

[@ashleymarks6144]

Bob waited until he was about 70 and Tina Fey, however amazing, got her’s at 40 something. Makes one wonder if the choices are made for comic work or ratings.

[@judethaddaeus9742]

The Mark Twain Prize started in 1998. Bob only had to wait 4 years for it.

[@arlenecerf8833]

And one of the biggest tragedy of all time (comedy wise) - is the fact that Ms Joan Rivers, who is a true comedic pioneer, was overlooked and was not awarded with the Mark Twain Prize when she was still with us. Can’t think of a person more deserving of the award and was so wrongly denied of it. I have nothing against the likes of Tina Fey, Will Ferrell and co. but c’mon Ms Rivers should have been a top priority before them.

[@anish3183]

Don't be stupid. There wasn't a prize when Bob was 40. It was introduced in 1998 and Bob got it 4 years later. Don't create shit where there is none.

[@TheJPCatholic]

The prize is great, but the fact he is NOT an Kennedy Center Honoree is egregious

[@ElmwoodParkHulk]

❤️

[@johnarvinsarno1937]

my list for the next awardee. Amy Phoeler Wanda Cykes Gilda Gardner.

[@BenCotten]

Here to see if anyone knows who Arthur is.

[@Q247247]

Professor Proton, of course.

[@terrymckay1003]

Art Buchwald.

[@Alcagaur1]

The next-door neighbor of Mrs. Calabash.

[@jamesedwards2237]

@@terrymckay1003 The camera panned on Art, right after he said that.

[@jasonquinn2228]

Best act since Attila the Hun

[@mauryrosenbergsmusicchanne743]

I propose a new addition to the English language as follows: NORM (Adjective)- Definition: A singular iconoclastic consummate comedian for the ages

[@MrTreylor]

Professor Proton

[@moonlanding-69]

3:05 I'm surprised the Secret Service didn't handcuff Bob. That's embarrassing. Bob lives in Seattle area. He has headlined Vegas for prob 40-50 years.

[@secretasianman2531]

he was funnier when the audience was smarter; each member of the audience had to come up with the punch line on their own.

[@Danetto]

really the only funny thing this guy ever did was dying in big bang theory...

[@CapoKabar]

Comedy is so damn depressing now. Bob was the very last of the greats.

[@justingilbone6386]

Good to know that the so-called "prestigious" Twain prize didn't actually lose it's prestige with Julia Louis Dreyfus. It lost it's significance many years prior, with obscure actors who are famous for half-ass supporting roles. Mark Twain would cringe knowing that these C-listers are recieving something with his name on it.

[@tomitstube]

very funny man, well deserved... the accounting joke, looked at the 2002 date and looked up the enron scandal, and arthur anderson, the accounting firm that helped kenneth lay and several execs cook the books... oct 2001. texas, oil country, george w. bush... deregulation capital of america.... and if it makes bob feel better, i think 4 states now pay unemployment benefits below poverty wages... my state cut mine in half because republicans claimed the economy was great... (under obama...) that same florida governor, who's company had previously been convicted of defrauding the government, and paid the largest fine (at the time) in u.s. history... rick scott. who just stole from the poor, the elderly, and the sick... but the company's still in business, and floridians decided to elect rick scott for governor, twice... as a reward for not being convicted...

[@donfarlan214]

Bob pu fart

[@ProfessorCockrum]

Bob is the BEST!!!

[@LordofDublin4]

One of the greats, Bob Newhart. And not one foul word for a laugh.

[@scottwasson]

❤️

[@onceinabluemoon593]

I love his deadpan humor. He's a class act.

[@mohamedsordo2355]

One of the greats. Rest in peace, Bob.

[@maxhubmann1696]

Rest In Peace to the greatest comedian ever, Bob Newhart 😢

[@bossfan49]

I pity anyone who attempts to debate anything with Bob... you can throw numbers at him and obviously he can crunch them and throw them right back. Can't stump him with logic or language either. Super smart, super humble guy. Always pure class.

[@bernardsherry5642]

REST IN PEACE🕊

[@jaythefifth]

I like this guy.

[@Smittydvd]

#RIP #Bob… 🎭💜

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

Nice to see the Kennedy Center making these available for all to enjoy on KZbin. Love Bob Newhart. In the early days of the Web i had my own personalised Yahoo radio station that also included comedy tracks and suggestions for new comedians i would never have heard of so I got to hear a lot of Bob's routines and loved them, a true master storyteller . Plus his best friend was Don Rickles so its a given that Bob is always funny

[@tb1534]

He is a true talent and treasure. I always loved his humor.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

"Newhart" holds the record, as far as I'm concerned, of having the most genius finale of any show in the history of television. Whoever thought of that should have a statue made of them and placed somewhere in Hollywood for all to see. [edit: Apparently it was his real life wife Ginny who came up with the idea! Genius!]

[@Maliceah]

He's so freakin good.

[@HEAVYHONEY1]

pure joy

[@farje1]

He elevated deadpan humour to heights no other comedian has ever done or will ever do.

[@richardwiley5161]

Bless you, Mr. Newhart.

[@seymourbuttsesquire3252]

I think this is the only time I've ever seen him laugh or even smile. He always says everything with a straight face.