Article
Atlas
"That's the only way I function": Kaley Cuoco's The Big Bang Theory Co-Star Made Showrunner Accept His Non-Negotiable Conditions After Harrison Ford's Refusal
2023/08/15

Remember when Bob Newhart made an appearance on The Big Bang Theory? Famous for his work in iconic sitcoms like The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart, the legendary comedian graced the Jim Parson and Kaley Cuoco starring show in 2013. However, before joining the cast of the hit CBS sitcom, Newhart had two specific conditions that needed to be met.

Having already made a name for himself with his comedy, Newhart was no stranger to the small screen when he was invited to be a part of The Big Bang Theory.

In fact, his extensive career included roles in various shows, including a brief stint in George and Leo and guest appearances on shows like Mad TV and ER.

Jim Parsons Quit 'The Big Bang Theory', Said No To $1 Million Per Episode Salary For 2 Reasons

In 2013, Bob Newhart added another milestone to his career by playing Professor Proton, a fictional character idolized by Sheldon Cooper and Leonard Hofstadter on The Big Bang Theory. Chuck Lorre, the creator of the show wanted to collaborate with Newhart for a while. And hence, when an opportunity arose, Lorre seized it by approaching Newhart.

However, before agreeing to join the cast, Newhart had two critical requirements.

Firstly, the comedian insisted that his scenes should be taped in front of a live audience, which is the approach he used while filming iconic shows like Newhart, Lucy, Honeymooners, Mary Tyler Moore, and All in the Family. According to Newhart, this method added an energetic and genuine element that was difficult to recreate with pre-recorded laughter.

"No. 1, my scenes had to be taped live. There's a tendency to pre-tape a lot of stuff and put a laugh track on it and you lose something.

With Newhart, Lucy, Honeymooners, Mary Tyler Moore, and All in the Family it was always done in front of live audience. I always felt that the live audience gives it adrenaline. That's the only way I function."

And that was not it. Newhart laid one other condition. And undoubtedly, Lorre could not be more than happy with this one.

"I can cry but I'm not going to": Jim Parsons Nearly Broke Down to Tears Infront of Fans But Not For 'The Big Bang Theory'

Secondly, Newhart made it clear that he wanted to be a recurring character, a demand Lorre readily accepted. And this helped the creator seal the deal.

Interestingly, despite his illustrious career, Newhart was concerned about not being recognized by The Big Bang Theory audience.

The comedian attributed his fear to the age difference and the passage of time. And voicing his worries to Lorre, he suggested that his appearance must be announced before taping. However, fortunately, his fears were unfounded, as the live audience recognized him instantly with applause and immense enthusiasm.

"I asked Chuck, the writers and our director if they were going to announce I'm in the show before the taping.

I was a little nervous that the live audience wouldn't recognize me and there would just be silence. They said, 'We'll come up on you, and thankfully they recognized me; they applauded and stood up."

"I don't think I can continue on": Jim Parsons' The Big Bang Theory On-Screen Lover Locked Horns With Kaley Cuoco After Actress Blamed Lead Star for Show's Cancellation

The Big Bang Theory saw several cameos throughout its run. With the most prominent appearances being that of Mark Hammill, James Earl Jones, and Carrie Fisher from the Star Wars franchise. However, even though legendary actor Harrison Ford was approached for an appearance, the actor refused to star in the show for some unknown reasons.

The Hollywood Reporter

Tom Hanks Under Fire: Directorial Debut Slammed by Critics - Is This the End of an Era? 🔥🎥
2024/04/21
Watch Out Hollywood: Meet Julia Robert's 3 Next Generation Stars! (Hazel, Phinnaeus & Henry)
2024/03/01
Why Did Hugh Grant Fear that Julia Roberts Might Hate Him After THIS?
2024/03/01
Jennifer Aniston Pulled Over To Greet Angelina Jolie In Their One And Only Meeting
2024/02/05
Julia Roberts Spent Whopping $8.3M to Keep Her Kids Safe From Paparazzi to Avoid Ben Affleck and Angelina Jolie's Fate After Hollywood Stardom
2024/02/05
The Big Bang Theory: Why Sheldon Is Actually The Show's Main Character
2023/10/12
Young Sheldon Makes Sheldon’s Nobel Win In Big Bang Theory Worse
2023/10/12
Young Sheldon Renewal Risks Creating More Big Bang Theory Plot Holes
2023/10/12
The Big Bang Theory: 10 Things Sheldon Did That Fans Just Can't Let Go
2023/10/12
Young Sheldon Reveals Another Difference From Big Bang Theory's Original
2023/10/11
Young Sheldon Created A Big Bang Theory Amy & Sheldon Marriage Plot Hole
2023/10/11
Young Sheldon Explains Why Sheldon Mocks Howard So Much In The Big Bang Theory
2023/10/11
Young Sheldon Season 7 Update Moves Show Closer To Determining Its Final Season
2023/10/11
Julia Roberts says age discrimination towards women in Hollywood is 'silly'
2023/10/11
Julia Roberts cuts a casual figure in denim while on a walk with her dog in Los Angeles
2023/10/11
The Real Reason Julia Roberts Has Recently Appeared In A Rom-Com Film
2023/10/11
"He would not be known as a s*x symbol": Richard Gere Was Ready To Drag Talk Show To Court For A Very Valid Reason
2023/10/11
‘Did They Just Show The Whole Movie?’: Fans Fuming After George Clooney, Julia Roberts Movie Ticket To Paradise Trailer Reveals Entire Story
2023/10/11
“I’m just wearing a c*ck sock”: Bryan Cranston’s Intimate Scene With Julia Roberts Backfired Horribly After Getting Too Excited About Filming
2023/10/11
Julia Roberts Won't Shoot A Film With This Iconic Actor
2023/10/11