Julia Duffy Reflects on Her Time with Bob Newhart

 Julia Duffy Reflects on Her Time with Bob Newhart

One of the standout characters on the TV show Newhart was Stephanie Vanderkellen, a spoiled heiress turned incompetent maid, played by Julia Duffy. Stephanie’s character was young, energetic, blonde, and entitled, often interrupting Bob Newhart’s character. Newhart himself played a version of his own understated, self-effacing persona.

As a writer on the final season of Newhart, I witnessed the remarkable comedic chemistry between Newhart and Duffy. They had a unique ability to draw laughs from the smallest gestures, like a slow blink or a raised eyebrow. Their performances earned Duffy seven Emmy nominations and Newhart three, though Newhart’s only Emmy win came later for a guest role on The Big Bang Theory.

When Bob Newhart passed away at 94 on July 18, Julia Duffy posted a heartfelt tribute. A few days later, I called her to offer my condolences. Duffy reflected on Newhart’s humble yet impactful presence, saying, “Has there ever been anyone who was so self-effacing on the surface, who’s made such a huge impact?” She added, humorously, that Newhart might have compared himself to Jesus in his typical modest, joking manner.

Duffy spoke fondly of her time on Newhart, emphasizing the importance of comedy on their set. “Funny was king, and nothing else mattered,” she said. Despite never directly praising her, Newhart treated Duffy as an equal, which was significant for a young woman in comedy at the time.

Newhart’s wife, Ginnie, was more direct in expressing admiration. Duffy recalled a social event where Ginnie nudged Newhart to vocalize his appreciation for Duffy’s talent. It was a testament to the supportive and respectful environment that Newhart and his wife fostered.

Newhart was known for his impeccable comedic timing, including his famous pauses and well-timed blinks. He excelled at “context comedy,” building scenarios for characters to react to, often highlighting their incompetence in humorous ways. This approach made him perfect for sitcoms and timeless in his standup routines.

Duffy noted the enduring quality of Newhart’s comedy, which avoided current references to remain funny decades later. She praised Melissa Rauch from The Big Bang Theory, who admired Newhart’s pure, timeless comedy. This passing of comedic wisdom from one generation to the next felt cosmic to Duffy, ensuring the legacy of classic humor continued.

Reflecting on the history of comedy, Duffy stressed the importance of knowing past comedians like Ernie Kovacs and WC Fields. She cherished her connection to vaudeville through colleagues like Tom Poston and her husband’s shared love for classic comedy with their children.

Duffy’s last conversation with Newhart was after his birthday last year, a poignant reminder of their deep bond, especially following the loss of their co-star Peter Scolari. She remained in touch with Newhart’s family, knowing they were preparing for his passing.

One of Duffy’s favorite moments on Newhart involved a phone call scene where Newhart’s character observed her performance, acknowledging the challenge of comedic timing. It was a touching moment that underscored the mutual respect and admiration between the two comedy legends.