Saturday Night Live remembers Bob Newhart with touching video tribute

Bob Newhart was not a member of Saturday Night Live at any point in his career. He was, however, a comedy titan. He led two iconic sitcoms in the 1960s and 1980s, respectively, rubbed shoulders with all the late night greats, and continued to be relevant into the 21st century.

Newhart passed away on July 18 at the age of 94. The comedy world mourned the loss of such a formative talent, and SNL was one of the institutions who made their appreciation for Newhart known. The show shared a monologue from a 1995 episode in which Newhart hosted on their YouTube page.

Bob Newhart hosted SNL twice in the 80s and 90s

The monologue didn't have the crackling energy or the off-color humor that so many guests bring to the show in an effort to stand out. Rather, Newhart took his polished comedy persona, one he had honed for decades, and wielded it to perfection.

Nobody was funny in quite the same way as Bob Newhart, and this monologue makes it abundantly clear. Newhart also hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live back in 1980, and the show reposted a sketch from that episode on their YouTube as well.

Newhart was friends with late SNL star Norm MacDonald

Newhart may have predated SNL, but he was frequently cited as a comedic inspiration by cast members. Norm MacDonald, a 90s cast member who was famously flippant towards the sacred cows of pop culture, held Newhart in the highest regard. During the closing credits for the 1995 episode, MacDonald can actually be seen asking Newhart for an autograph.

The admiration went both ways. When MacDonald died in 2021, Newhart posted a tribute to the comedian on Facebook. When Norm came on, I said he's not doing anybody…," he wrote. "He was one of the few people who could successfully write comedy material for me…which he did on Saturday Night Live."

Both men will be missed dearly.