Bob Newhart Sculpture Unveiled

Chicagoist was on the scene today as TV Land and the City of Chicago commemorated Bob Newhart's role as Dr. Robert Hartley from The Bob Newhart Show with a life-sized sculpture. The unveiling was actually a much bigger "to do" than we'd expected. Hundreds of people, mostly the media, gathered to hear presentations by Larry Jones, the president of TV Land and Nick at Night; Rich Moskal, the head of the Chicago Film Office; and Dan Sorkin, a long-time friend and radio personality.

Finally, the sculpture was unveiled and Bob came out. He was immediately interviewed by NBC's Matt Lauer. Afterwards he spoke to the live audience from a podium. He seemed genuinely grateful and honored to have the statue made of him. He told stories of when he lived in Chicago and how it differed from LA, where he now resides. Bob also professed to being a huge Cubs fan to this day and said that they remind him a bit of himself/the characters he plays.. they always seem to be doing well and then mess it up in the end.