When it comes to showbiz families, some members prefer to stay out of the spotlight. That’s certainly true for Robert William Newhart, the first child of legendary comedian Bob Newhart and his wife Ginnie.
Born in November 1963, Robert has chosen a path different from his famous father. While his siblings have made names for themselves in various ways, he has kept a lower profile compared to the rest of his family.
Robert did have a brief brush with Hollywood. In 1993, he made a memorable appearance in the movie Heart and Souls, starring alongside Robert Downey Jr. In a flashback scene set in 1960s San Francisco, Robert stepped into his father’s shoes, performing a comedy routine on stage at the Purple Onion nightclub.
This casting choice came about in an interesting way. The movie’s director initially planned to use one of Bob’s vintage comedy recordings for the scene. Instead, they decided to bring Robert on board, creating a unique father-son connection on screen.
Despite this foray into acting, Robert has largely stayed away from the entertainment industry. He currently lives in Congapark, California, and unlike his siblings, he doesn’t have children of his own. All ten grandchildren mentioned in Bob’s obituary belong to Robert’s siblings.
He Is A Freelance Web Developer
While Robert may have had a brief moment in the Hollywood spotlight, his true passion lies in the digital world. After graduating from California State University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing, he took an unexpected turn into the tech industry.
His journey began at FEMA, where he started by troubleshooting and repairing tablets for field inspectors. This hands-on experience led to a promotion as a Technical Support Specialist, a role he held from February 1994 to May 1995.
But his tech journey was just getting started. Eager to expand his skills, he dove into web development courses through Academy X and Udemy.com. This new knowledge set the stage for his current career.
Since September 1995, the elder Newhart has been working as a freelance Web Developer at Perdiem Consulting. He’s not just an employee, though – he’s also listed as the company’s President on his LinkedIn. This dual role showcases his entrepreneurial spirit and technical expertise.
He Has Three Younger Siblings
Robert Newhart isn’t the only child of comedy legend Bob and his wife Ginnie. As the eldest, he has three younger siblings who’ve taken different paths in life.
Timothy, born in 1967, initially followed the family’s showbiz path. He worked as a production assistant on several TV shows, including an episode of his dad’s series Newhart.
Jennifer, who arrived in 1971, has kept one foot in the entertainment world by helping manage her father’s social media presence.
The youngest Newhart, Courtney Newhart, born in 1977, had her own brief stint in front of the camera. She appeared in an episode of Newhart as a child and later worked as a production assistant.
His Parents Were Married For Six Decades, Until His Mother’s Passing in 2023
Bob and Ginnie, shared a love story that spanned 60 years. Their journey began in 1962 when comedian Buddy Hackett set them up on a blind date. The couple tied the knot in 1963 and celebrated their diamond anniversary just months before Ginnie’s passing in April 2023.
Both Bob and Ginnie credited humor as the secret to their long-lasting union. Bob once shared with Parade magazine:
No matter how intense the argument you’re having, you can find a line, and then you both look at each other and start laughing. It’s over, you know?
Ginnie was more than just Bob’s wife – she was his partner in life and in comedy. She even contributed to one of the most memorable moments in TV history, coming up with the idea for the iconic finale of Newhart.
