Bob Newhart Once Joked About Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Playing Him in a Biopic

The legendary comedian and actor, Bob Newhart, who passed away at the age of 94 on July 18, had a unique sense of humour that endeared him to many. One of his memorable quips involved the idea of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson playing him in a biopic. Newhart, known for his deadpan delivery, joked that he frequently gets mistaken for the wrestler-turned-actor, so it would only be fitting if Johnson portrayed him on screen.

During a 2021 appearance on Conan O’Brien’s talk show, Newhart was asked who he would want to play him in a film about his illustrious 70-year career. Without missing a beat, he responded, “I think The Rock. I get mistaken for him a lot.” This playful comment highlighted Newhart’s enduring wit and charm. He added, “People will say, ‘Hey, Dwayne,’ and I’ll say, ‘No, I’m not Dwayne.’” Newhart also mentioned that Brad Pitt was supposedly interested in playing him, adding another layer to his humorous banter.

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Newhart’s death was announced by his publicist, Jerry Digney, in a press release. The actor passed away at his Los Angeles home following a series of short illnesses. His passing marks the end of a remarkable life that brought joy to countless fans.

Reflecting on his career in a November 2020 interview on CBS Sunday Morning, Newhart shared his thoughts on his legacy. He said, “I have a theory that when it’s all over — and you go up — [if] I’ve been led to believe to heaven — and there’s a God and he says, ‘What did you do?’ [And I say, ‘I made people laugh’] — he will say, ‘Yeah, get in that real short line over there.’” This sentiment encapsulates Newhart’s belief in the power of laughter, which he considered one of the great sounds of the world.

Newhart’s passing comes just over a year after his wife of 60 years, who died in 2023 after a long illness. The comedian is perhaps best known to modern audiences as Professor Proton on 'The Big Bang Theory,' but his career began much earlier. He received his first Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 1962 for his comedy-variety series, 'The Bob Newhart Show.'