Who’s Still Alive From ‘The Bob Newhart Show’?

Lauren Novak October 10, 1:39 pm

THE BOB NEWHART SHOW, from left: Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, 19721978 — Douglas Jones/CBS/Everett Collection

Douglas Jones/CBS/Everett Collection

When The Bob Newhart Show premiered on CBS in 1972, it quickly became one of the most innovative and most beloved sitcoms of the decade. The series followed psychologist Dr. Robert Hartley, played by Bob Newhart, as he balanced his work life and patients, friends, and life at home with his wife Emily (Suzanne Pleshette). With its sharp writing and hilarious cast, the show ran for six seasons and remains one of the most defining sitcoms of the ’70s. Since Newhart passed away last year, it begs the question …who from the original main cast is still with us? Turns out there is one star left.

Peter Bonerz (87)

Dr. Jerry Robinson

Everett Collection; Vince Bucci/Getty Images

On the series, Bonerz played Dr. Jerry Robinson, the wisecracking orthodontist who shared an office suite with Bob. His easy chemistry with Bob Newhart gave the show much of its charm, and Jerry’s banter with secretary Carol became a fan favorite dynamic.

When the show wrapped in 1978, Bonerz continued acting but truly found his niche behind the camera. He became a prolific television director, working on some of the most successful shows of the next few decades. His credits include Murphy Brown, Friends, Home Improvement, Wings, and Joan of Arcadia, among many others. His directing career guided episodes of beloved sitcoms that shaped TV comedy in the ’80s and ’90s. He is mostly retired now.

In Memoriam

THE BOB NEWHART SHOW, Bill Daily, Bob Newhart, Marcia Wallace, Suzanne Pleshette, Peter Bonerz, 1972-1978

Everett Collection

Bob Newhart, who starred as Dr. Robert Hartley, died on July 18, 2024, at the age of 94.
Suzanne Pleshette, who played Emily Hartley, died on January 19, 2008, at the age of 70.
Bill Daily, remembered as neighbor Howard Borden, died September 4, 2018, at the age of 91.
Marcia Wallace, who played Carol Kester, died on October 25, 2013, at the age of 70.