Bob Newhart Set For Las Vegas Show

The career of Bob Newhart over the past half-century has been remarkable. Most notably for his television career, but Newhart has also had a stellar film, recording and stand-up comedy career. In fact, he's won two Grammy awards for his comedy albums of the early 60's. He's versatile, he's beloved and he's still a force.

Newhart is ready to bring his dry humor and deadpan style to The Smith Center in Las Vegas.

Now in his 56th year in show business, comedian Bob Newhart’s career has encompassed several successful TV series, 14 feature films and millions of albums sold worldwide. Even with such broad success, Bob has never strayed far from his first love of performing stand-up, and his classic routines have stood the test of time. His performance will include favorite bits and additional material showcasing his famous wry style. Enjoy an evening of unforgettable laughs and memories that span the decades with this comedic icon.

AARP Nevada members can enjoy this show and a 20% discount - but get your tickets now as they are going fast. You can reserve your tickets online here, using the code BOOMER for the special offer. Or, you can stop by the Box Office or call 702-749-2000.

Recently, The Smith Center talked with Newhart and asked him about his career, the current state of comedy, among other things.

Q:  You’re almost as hot now as you were in your sitcom heyday. How do you explain your longevity?

A:  Really, it’s for somebody else to explain.  I just keep showing up…I’ve finally come to the realization that I may just have a future in this!

Q:  You’ve influenced so many of today’s comics.  Who are your comedy heroes?

A:  Well, of course Jack Benny, George Burns, any really good comedian who I’ve ever watched, because I would kind of examine how they worked, what made that so funny.  And, of course, Richard Pryor. When you take away the language, the ideas underneath the language are so rich, I think he’s the seminal comedian of the last 50 years. I think he’s influenced us all.

Q:  Of today’s comics, name a few of your favorites.

A:  Jerry Seinfeld, Steven Wright, Jake Johannsen – but not too many people know about him. (I enjoyed) Garry Shandling, and many others. The other night on Letterman, I watched a comedian that was very funny and very original, don’t remember his name – I’m very open to the up and comers.

Q:  Would you share one or two of your most memorable career moments?

A:  I would say one has to be getting three Grammy Awards in (I believe) 1961, including Album of the Year.

Q:  You do up to 40 stand-up dates a year. Where do you get the inspiration for your material?   

A:  The same place: the newspapers, television, just watching people. Comedians are never really on vacation because you’re always at attention…that antenna is always out there. You could be on vacation in Hawaii and all of a sudden you’ll see someone do something funny and you’ll say “Oh, I gotta remember that” or the waiter will have a funny accent.  I suppose your source of material is the world.  You never know when you’ll come upon something and it’s going to be fodder for new material.

Q:  Of all your accomplishments, of what are you most proud?

A:  I’m most proud of the longevity of my marriage, my kids and my grandchildren. If you don’t have that, you really don’t have very much.

Q:  What’s the secret to a successful marriage and do you think your career choice made a difference?

A:  Well, my career choice made a difference because I never would have met my wife, Jenny. I met her through comedian Buddy Hackett. He set us up on a blind date and then we got married. I think one reason for a successful marriage is laughter.  I think laughter gets you through the rough moments in a marriage. If you look at Jack Benny, George Burns, or Don Rickles, they’ve all had long, successful marriages. So, I think there’s something about laughter and the durability of a marriage.

Q:  Is there anything you haven’t done that you’d like to do in the coming years?

A:  I think I’ve done more than I thought I was ever going to do. No, I’ve had a very long and very satisfying caree