- In 2023, Bob Newhart celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary and took to social media to commemorate the special occasion.
- The actor and his wife’s journey over the years had not been easy, as they had to weather the storm of her cancer diagnosis.
- The couple spent their last moments together appreciating the beautiful family they had built.
Before becoming a household name, Bob Newhart met his wife in an interesting way, leading to a beautiful love story spanning over 6 decades.
Virginia Quinn and Bob Newhart at a red carpet event, circa 1970s. | Source: Getty Images
Explore the cute way the couple met, the secret to their longstanding relationship, how they survived a health scare, their family homes over the years, and the beautiful family they created along the way.
Bob Newhart and Virginia Quinn at the former’s 20th-anniversary party on January 15, 1983, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Bob Newhart and His Wife’s Beautiful Marriage
On January 13, 2023, Bob took to his X, formerly known as Twitter, account to share several black and white photos from his 1963 wedding to his wife, Virginia “Ginny” Quinn.
The star explained that they had met on a blind date, set up by Buddy Hackett. The couple finally married on January 12, 1963, after falling in love. Bob shared the four images, which showed him and his wife cutting their wedding cake on their special day and posing with other guests.
When Bob and his wife were introduced, he was still a rising star in Hollywood, and the pair had an “instant connection” from their initial meeting. The star revealed that some of their “favorite photos” were shared on X in honor of the “amazing milestone.” Fans rushed to show their love in the comment section, with one person noting:
“You and she are national treasures.”
A second fan thought the milestone was “beautiful,” congratulated the couple, and wished them a happy anniversary. Another follower shared how they loved Bob, was addicted to his shows, and watched him daily as the shows were still “some of the best” ones on television.
Bob Newhart on the Secret to His Lasting Marriage
Over the years, the actor and his wife expanded their family with four children: Robert, Jennifer, Courtney, and Timothy Newhart. In 2020, “The Big Bang Theory” star and Virginia had been together for 57 years when the former shared the secret to their long-lasting marriage:
“There’s something about laughter and the longevity of a marriage.”
Bob Newhart and Virginia Quinn at the Television Academy’s 70th Anniversary Gala on June 2, 2016, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
In a past interview, Bob revealed that being Catholic had a lot to do with his marriage enduring as well. The star also explained how one had to work “a little harder” and couldn’t leave the relationship after the first fight.
The actor turned to his religion when his wife was diagnosed with liver cancer. Bob shared how he went to church twice weekly, and Virginia eventually had a liver transplant in 2008. The star’s partner recovered well, and the comedian thanked God for that. He also confessed that the time she was ill was an “emotional” one.
Virginia Quinn and Bob Newhart at “An Evening with Bob Newhart: A ‘Newhart’ Celebration” on April 26, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
As the years passed, Bob became more of a homebody. In 2022, he humorously described himself as a “great waster of time” and joked that he would often appear busy without actually accomplishing anything at the end of the day.
A younger Bob could fill up sheets of legal pads with writing. However, as he grew older, he found himself waiting for inspiration to strike. When he couldn’t find inspiration, the comedian kept in line with his business work or watched television with his wife.
Bob Newhart at The Paley Honors: A Special Tribute to Television’s Comedy Legends on November 21, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
Bob kept his mind and body healthy by eating right — thanks to his wife — and once a week, he saw his trainer. The actor still worked out daily and confessed that if he’d been left to do what he wanted, he wouldn’t have been alive in 2023.
However, the actor joked that, for some unknown reason, his wife still wanted him around, so he kept in shape. By September 2022, when Bob was 93, he revealed that he didn’t plan to tour anymore, as he’d spent sixty years traveling.
Virginia Quinn and Bob Newhart at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards Ceremony on September 15, 2013, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Bob shared that he would never have to spend time in a hotel room again. His bucket list was complete, and the only place he wanted to be was with the people he loved because it was all about friends and family.
The comedian once said Virginia “was everything,” and they shared the same values and enjoyed each other’s company. He revealed that she also had a great sense of humor and had all that he was looking for.
Bob Newhart at The Emmy Awards on September 22, 2019, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
The star’s wife also kept him levelheaded and brought him down to Earth when he got too arrogant. He recalled an incident where she asked him to take out the recyclables, and he felt full of himself.
Bob asked Virginia if she thought Angelina Jolie made Brad Pitt take out the recyclables. She humorously replied that she wouldn’t have asked him to take out the trash if he was Pitt.
Virginia Quinn and Bob Newhart at the CBS TV Affiliates Party on May 20, 1987, in Century City, California | Source: Getty Images
Moving Family Homes
Until 2016, Bob and his family lived at their 9,169-square-foot Bel Air estate, which sold for $14.5 million. Bob and Virginia were also longtime owners of a home in the 400 block of Amapola Lane, which they bought in 1990 for $4.2 million.
The house featured a lagoon-style swimming pool, mature trees, lawns, and formal landscaping. It was also equipped with an outdoor pavilion with a kitchen, two bathrooms sitting off the swimming pool, and a guest apartment. However, Bob and Virginia also decided to sell the French country-style home in 2016.
The couple still stayed in the Los Angeles area after selling their other houses, and sometimes went out with their friends or enjoyed some quality time with their children. In 2021, Bob shared a glimpse of his beautiful Los Angeles home during an interview.
Bob Newhart in his Los Angeles home in 2021 with an interviewer. | Source: YouTube/Entertainment Tonight
Enjoying Life as Grandparents
With more time on his hands, Bob had the chance to enjoy his role as a grandfather. The actor had ten grandchildren and always said he didn’t care how successful a person has been in the business if they didn’t have “a good family life,” because then what had they really achieved?
Bob regularly shared social media posts about his grandchildren’s adventures. In 2016, the star shared a Facebook image of him posing with three of his grandchildren holding a “W” flag while in Seattle. He revealed that he didn’t have a flag; so some of his grandchildren made him one, which he thought was beautiful.
Bob once said he was proud of his family and considered them his most significant life achievement. “We both appreciate what we have so much more,” Virginia shared.
The world sadly lost Bob Newhart in July 2024. The actor and comedian’s publicist confirmed that Bob had died in Los Angeles after a series of short illnesses. However, he continues to live on in the loving memory of his fans.
