I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This!

01The Humble Beginnings

Born in the heart of Oak Park, Illinois, on September 5, 1929, the future comedy legend was raised in a devout Catholic family. His parents, George David Newhart and Julia Pauline Burns, instilled in him the values of their faith, which significantly influenced his early life. His Catholic upbringing was not just limited to his home; he also attended Catholic schools, including St. Ignatius College Prep. It was here that he first dipped his toes into the world of comedy, participating in school plays and skits that sparked his love for humor. After high school, he pursued a degree in business at Loyola University of Chicago, graduating in 1952. However, his life took a detour when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Although he served stateside until 1954, his time in the military was instrumental in shaping his comedic style. He often entertained his fellow soldiers with humorous anecdotes and observations, honing his skills as a storyteller. Upon returning to civilian life, he took up a job as an accountant in Chicago. However, the mundanity of the profession left him uninspired. His heart yearned for the thrill of comedy, a passion he had discovered during his school days and nurtured during his military service. He began writing comedic monologues and performing at small, local venues in Chicago. His unique, dry, deadpan style of humor was met with mixed reactions. While some audiences loved his unconventional approach to comedy, others struggled to understand it. In 1959, a significant turning point arrived. Newhart and his friend, Ed Gallagher, recorded a collection of comedic monologues as an audition tape. They sent this tape to Warner Bros. Records, who recognized the potential in Newhart's unique comedic style. They signed him and released his debut comedy album, "The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart," in 1960. The album was a surprise hit, reaching number one on the Billboard pop album chart and winning the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. This marked the beginning of a successful career in comedy for Newhart. His journey from a middle-class family in Chicago to becoming a Grammy-winning comedian is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and unique sense of humor. His humble beginnings, coupled with his experiences in school, the military, and his uninspiring job as an accountant, all played a significant role in shaping his comedic style and career. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring comedians and a reminder that humor can be found in the most unexpected places.