The world of comedy mourns the loss of a true legend as Bob Newhart, the iconic comedian whose television series “The Bob Newhart Show” and “Newhart” dominated the airwaves in the 1970s and ’80s, passed away on Thursday at the age of 94. Newhart’s longtime publicist, Jerry Digney, announced that he died from “a series of short illnesses.”

Born in Oak Park, Illinois, Newhart’s journey to stardom began in the 1950s, following a stint in the army during the Korean War. Known as “the funny guy in the barracks,” he entertained his fellow soldiers before launching a professional comedy career.

After his military service, Newhart worked as an accountant in Chicago, where he began making humorous phone calls to a friend. These recordings, sent to radio stations, caught the attention of James Conkling, then-president of Warner Bros. Records. Conkling booked Newhart at the Tidelands nightclub in Houston and recorded his performances, leading to the creation of his groundbreaking comedy album.

Newhart’s career skyrocketed with his debut album, “The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart,” which won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1961. This marked the first time a comedy album had ever received such an honor. Reflecting on the achievement, Newhart told The Post in 2020, “It beat out [Harry] Belafonte, Sinatra and an Elvis album [‘Are You Lonesome Tonight?’]. They kept calling my name and I kept walking up there and thanking them for the awards.”

The album sold 750,000 copies and was later added to the Library of Congress for its historical significance. “I thought [‘The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart’] might sell maybe 5,000 albums. I would’ve been happy with that,” Newhart said modestly. “And then it exploded.”

Newhart’s unique brand of humor, often finding comedy in the macabre and absurd, set him apart from his contemporaries. His joke about advising Abraham Lincoln on the Gettysburg Address—“Say 87 years ago instead of fourscore and seven”—is a testament to his distinctive style.

His rise in the comedy world coincided with a significant shift in the genre. “There was a big sea change in comedy,” Newhart recalled. “There was Mike [Nichols] and Elaine [May], Shelley Berman, myself, Jonathan Winters and Lenny Bruce. We all kind of happened at the same time and the humor was different.”

Newhart credited his popularity to college students, who would gather in dorm rooms, play his records, and enjoy beer and pizza. “I think they really created that demand,” he noted.

His television career began with “The Bob Newhart Show” in 1961, which, despite its critical acclaim, was canceled after one season. However, his subsequent series, “The Bob Newhart Show,” ran successfully from 1972 to 1978. This sitcom, featuring Newhart as a Chicago psychologist, became a cultural touchstone.

Newhart struck gold again with “Newhart,” which aired for eight seasons on CBS. Playing a New York writer who opens a Vermont inn, he captivated audiences with his dry wit and impeccable timing.

Throughout his career, Newhart also made memorable appearances in films such as “In and Out,” “Legally Blonde 2,” “Elf,” and “Horrible Bosses.” On television, he earned an Emmy nomination for his role in “ER” and delighted fans with appearances on “The Big Bang Theory” and “Young Sheldon.”

Despite receiving 10 Emmy nominations, Newhart only won once, for “The Big Bang Theory.” His career, however, was rich with accolades and the enduring love of his fans.

From 1964 until her death in 2023, Newhart was married to Virginia Quinn. The couple had four children: Robert, Timothy, Jennifer, and Courtney, and Newhart is survived by his 10 grandchildren.

Newhart’s friendship with fellow comedian Don Rickles was immortalized in Judd Apatow’s documentary “Bob and Don: A Love Story.” Newhart once recounted a humorous encounter with Richard Pryor, who confessed to stealing one of his albums in Peoria, Illinois.

Reflecting on his role in the beloved film “Elf,” Newhart shared a fond memory with PBS, “It was just a delightful experience… The kids had something to do with it. I mean, I liked the story anyway, and I liked playing it.”

As he looked back on his illustrious career, Newhart expressed gratitude for his fans. “People more and more come up to me saying thank you for all the laughter. And my reaction is always the same. It was my pleasure. And that’s the truth.”

Bob Newhart’s legacy as a pioneer in comedy and television endures, leaving behind a treasure trove of laughter and memories for generations to come.