Early Life and Education of Bob Newhart: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 25, 2025

An overview of the childhood and early education of Bob Newhart, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Bob Newhart is an American comedian and actor celebrated for his deadpan delivery and slight stammer. Starting as a stand-up comedian, he successfully transitioned into television acting. Newhart's work has garnered significant recognition, including three Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, and a Golden Globe Award. He was also honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2002, solidifying his legacy as a major figure in American comedy.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1901: Birth of Julia Pauline Burns

In 1901, Julia Pauline Burns, Bob Newhart's mother, was born. She was a housewife of Irish descent.

September 5, 1929: George Robert Newhart's birth

On September 5, 1929, George Robert Newhart was born. He would become an American comedian and actor known for his deadpan delivery.

December 9, 1940: Virginia Lillian Quinn Born

Virginia Lillian "Ginnie" Quinn, who would eventually marry Bob Newhart, was born on December 9, 1940.

1947: Graduation from St. Ignatius College Prep

In 1947, Bob Newhart graduated from St. Ignatius College Prep (high school).

1952: Graduation from Loyola University Chicago

In 1952, Bob Newhart graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a bachelor's degree in business management.

1954: Discharge from U.S. Army

In 1954, Bob Newhart was discharged from the U.S. Army, where he served as a clerk during the Korean War.

January 12, 1963: Bob Newhart married Virginia Lillian "Ginnie" Quinn

On January 12, 1963, Bob Newhart married Virginia Lillian "Ginnie" Quinn.

1967: Timothy Newhart born

In 1967, Timothy Newhart, one of Bob Newhart's four children, was born.

1971: Jennifer Newhart born

In 1971, Jennifer Newhart, one of Bob Newhart's four children, was born.

1977: Newhart purchased Commodore PET

In 1977, Bob Newhart became an early home-computer hobbyist, purchasing the Commodore PET.

1977: Courtney Newhart born

In 1977, Courtney Newhart, one of Bob Newhart's four children, was born.

1985: Hospitalization and Smoking Cessation

In 1985, Bob Newhart was hospitalized for secondary polycythemia due to his smoking habit, leading doctors to order him to quit smoking.

1985: Newhart hospitalized for secondary polycythemia

In 1985, Bob Newhart was hospitalized for secondary polycythemia, attributed to his years of heavy smoking.

1990: Newhart ended after eight seasons

In 1990, the TV series "Newhart" concluded after eight seasons and 182 episodes, featuring a memorable finale with Suzanne Pleshette.

1995: Newhart invested in Rotijefco and bought KKSB radio station

In 1995, Bob Newhart invested in Rotijefco and bought radio station KKSB in Santa Barbara, changing its call sign to KZBN.

2001: Newhart discussed his home computer

In 2001, Bob Newhart talked about moving up to the 64 KB model computer.

2005: Interview for PBS's American Masters

In 2005, Bob Newhart told an interviewer for PBS's American Masters that his favorite stand-up routine was "Abe Lincoln vs. Madison Avenue".

2005: Rotijefco sold KZBN radio station

In 2005, Rotijefco sold the KZBN radio station to Santa Barbara Broadcasting.

December 10, 2015: Premiere of Lost Track

On December 10, 2015, a "lost" Bob Newhart track from 1965 about Paul Revere premiered on the Comedy on Vinyl podcast after being revealed by collector Jeff Abraham.