May 21: A Button-Down Mind

Welcome to the American Catholic Daily Reader podcast. Today is May 21st, and our story is A Button-Down Mind. On May 21, 1990, television history was made. That night, the last episode of Newhart aired, later declared the best series finale of the 20th century by TV Guide. The episode's now legendary closing scene featured Bob Newhart waking up in bed with his wife. Nothing unusual there, save for the fact that the woman in the bed wasn't his TV wife from Newhart, Mary Fran.

It was his TV wife from the Bob Newhart Show, Suzanne Plachette. The latter show had been off the air for 12 years, but Newhart recruited Plachette to help him end his second hit sitcom in unforgettable style. The entire eight-season run of Newhart had been a dream, brought on by eating Japanese food before bed. The episode was classic Bob Newhart, a confounded, stammering everyman, taking everyone by surprise.

Born and raised in Chicago, the lifelong Catholic attended Loyola University, tried and failed at a career in accountant, then turned to comedy in 1959. After a year of playing local clubs, the everyman routine took his debut comedy album, The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart, to the top of the charts for 38 straight weeks, a record at the time and for 30 years afterward. The record also won the 1961 Grammy for Album of the Year.

Although Newhart never left the comedy club circuit, in 1972, he made his successful move to television, starring in four shows over the next 25 years, The Bob Newhart Show, Newhart, Bob, and George and Leo. Along the way, he married, raised four children, who, like their father, attended Catholic grade school, high school, and college, and served on the board of trustees at Loyola University.

An active member of his parish in Beverly Hills and brother to a Catholic religious sister, Newhart was once asked how his faith influenced his work. His reply? When I work, I work clean. I get more satisfaction from that than getting a cheap laugh.

Judging by Newhart's enduring popularity, so do his audiences. Humor, when coupled with moral grounding, can entertain without compromising values. New Heart's story encourages us to pursue excellence in our work while remaining faithful, consistent, and morally upright. Reflect on how your values influence your work or creative pursuits this week.

Thank you for listening to the American Catholic Daily Reader Podcast. Join us tomorrow, May 22nd, for another story of faith and courage in America.