Bob Newhart was a beloved figure who spent years bringing laughter to audiences worldwide with his unique deadpan comedy. However, in his later years, even his comedic genius couldn’t lift his spirits.
It has been revealed that the legendary comedian faced emotional hardship with the loss of two pivotal people in his life, leaving him feeling alone and without the will to carry on.
Learn about the heart-wrenching reasons why Newhart’s close friend mentioned he was “ready to go.”
Back in 1962, a much younger Bob Newhart, then aged 33, found himself participating in a pivotal blind date arranged by his friend and fellow actor, Buddy Hackett.
On this date, he met Ginnie Quinn, daughter of Bill Quinn, who had his own fame from starring in popular TV shows such as Archie Bunker’s Place and The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
Recalling the incident in a 2019 People magazine interview, Bob shared, “Buddy told me, ‘I’ve got a girl for you.’ He mentioned, ‘She’s currently seeing someone else, but I think you two are meant for each other. I’ll set you up, you’ll get along, eventually marry, and call one of your kids Buddy.’”
Reflecting this jest, Bob verified that they named one of their daughters Buddy.
The bond between Bob and Ginnie was solidified when they tied the knot on January 12, 1963. Their family grew with sons Robert (1963) and Timothy (1967), along with daughters Jennifer (1971) and Courtney (1977).
In celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary, Bob fondly shared old photographs on Facebook, highlighting, “Sixty years ago today, after a blind date set up by Buddy Hackett, I married Virginia Quinn on January 12, 1963. To commemorate this incredible milestone, we’re sharing some treasured memories.”
But just three months after this heartfelt celebration, the 94-year-old comedian shared painful news in a tweet that saddened his 1.2 million followers.
“On April 23rd, 2023, we lost our beloved Ginnie Quinn Newhart – my Wife, the Mother of our children and a Grandmother,” he announced. “She was our rock and we miss her terribly.” Ginnie passed away at the age of 82, after a prolonged illness.
The passing of Ginnie marked the end of an era, coming six years after the tragic loss of Newhart’s best friend, comedian Don Rickles.
Bob and Don were more than just two comedic titans who shared a stage. Their contrasting styles provided entertainment that became legendary, especially highlighted during appearances like The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast.
While Don was known for his biting humor, Bob’s calm and bemused responses showcased their remarkable chemistry and mutual respect. Their friendship gave birth to stories told and retold, even captured in the short film Bob and Don: A Love Story by Judd Apatow.
However, the cherished friendship came to an abrupt conclusion on April 7, 2017, when the entertainment industry mourned the loss of Don Rickles. He succumbed to kidney failure at the age of 90.
In a joint statement, Newhart and his wife expressed their grief, remarking, “Though known as ‘The Merchant of Venom,’ Don was the kindest and most caring person we ever knew. His loss has left an irreparable void in our lives.”
Bob’s Enduring Heartache
When the 94-year-old Bob Newhart passed away on July 18, 2024, after experiencing “a series of short illnesses,” close friends revealed how deeply broken-hearted the comedian had become.
“Those two losses, of Ginnie and Don, were like a one-two punch for Bob,” shared a close comedian friend. “After Ginnie passed, it was as if all joy left his life. Their marriage was a beacon of happiness for six decades.”
“Although Don’s death felt like losing a brother, Ginnie’s absence was a grief that he struggled to overcome,” the friend continued.
According to another private source, Bob seemed to have come to terms with his own death, perhaps looking forward to reuniting with both Ginnie and Don in the afterlife, feeling a sense of relief at the thought.
