Tributes have been paid to comedian Bob Newhart, whose death has been announced at the age of 94. His publicists said in a statement to the BBC that he died after a series of short illnesses. 

Newhart was famous for his soft-spoken deadpan delivery in his performances, best-selling albums and many TV appearances including fronting his own show.

His album The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart won a Grammy for Best Album.

He hosted The Johnny Carson Show many times and more recently appeared in the film Elf and TV's Desperate Housewives, ER and The Big Bang Theory. Meg Chowning wrote on X: "I told my teens that Bob Newhart died. No recognition. Papa Elf from the movie Elf. Noooooo!!!!! We love that guy!!!! Don’t we all, RIP Bob Newhart."

Cody Clarke wrote on X: "RIP Bob Newhart, one of the greatest to ever do it. Always made it look easy, always a generous performer. Just the total package. Loved him."

Gundisalvo quoted a joke: "I don't like country music, but I don't mean to denigrate those who do. And for the people who like country music, denigrate means 'put down'". Bob Newhart (1929-2024), a truly unique and amazing comedy talent. R.I.P.

Rolling Stone wrote: "Bob Newhart, the comedian and actor whose deadpan manner and laconic approach led to a series of best-selling comedy albums and starring roles in two long-running sitcoms, has died at age 94."

In 2014 he told NPR in an interview: "I've lived in an incredible time. I've lived in the days of Johnny Carson, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin — incredibly rewarding times. ... I could never look on my life as a failure — it's far beyond anything I ever thought I would attain."

Watch Bob Newhart on Letterman below