As a content creator for pets.edu.vn, and a pet expert, it might seem unusual to delve into the world of classic television comedy. However, understanding the nuances of human behavior and connection, much like understanding our pets, requires keen observation and insight. In this spirit, we explore a fascinating interview with Peter Bonerz, a key figure behind the scenes of the beloved “Bob Newhart Show.” Bonerz, celebrated for his own acting and especially his directing prowess, offers a unique perspective on the enduring appeal of Bob Newhart’s minimalist comedy and the groundbreaking nature of the show itself.
I. Early Encounters with Bob Newhart’s Unique Comedy
Bonerz recounts his first experience with Bob Newhart’s comedy, long before their professional collaboration. He vividly remembers working in a record store when Newhart’s debut album exploded in popularity. He highlights the novelty of the LP format at the time, allowing comedians to present their entire act on a single record, a stark contrast to the short sets seen on variety shows.
“I was in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I was in my my school years at the time. And that album hit and I happened to be selling records at that time. But I heard the album and I sold the album by the Heartful. It was just it was amazing.”
Bonerz immediately grasped the distinctiveness of Newhart’s style, contrasting it with the more forceful comedic personalities of the era like Sid Caesar. He pinpoints Newhart’s “under power” approach, his portrayal of characters “slightly out of control,” as a key to his widespread relatability. This understated style, Bonerz argues, made Newhart an “everyman” comedian.
Alt text: Bob Newhart, the minimalist comedian, in his signature understated pose, highlighting his relatable everyman persona.
He further differentiates Newhart from contemporaries like Shelley Berman, noting Berman’s reliance on neuroses in the vein of Woody Allen, while acknowledging Newhart also tapped into neuroses but with a “quieter, less frenetic, more subtle fashion.” Crucially, Bonerz emphasizes that unlike many joke-telling comedians of the time, Newhart was crafting “character studies” and “small, one-act plays” within his monologues.
II. From Catch-22 to “The Bob Newhart Show”: A Fortuitous Path
Bonerz’s path to directing “The Bob Newhart Show” was paved by an earlier collaboration with Newhart on the iconic film Catch-22. He describes the experience as “one of the great experiences of my life,” highlighting the stellar cast including Orson Welles, Alan Arkin, and Tony Perkins.
“If you get on a cast list, there’s Bob Newhart. This Tony Perkins is Alan Arkin. There’s Orson Welles, Orson Pendleton. I mean, this was this was Benjamin Black Henry…And we were on the show for it.”
This period in Mexico, filming Catch-22, allowed Bonerz and Newhart to bond over their Midwestern roots, Jesuit school backgrounds, and shared family values. This rapport laid the groundwork for their future successful partnership. Bonerz dismisses any notion of Newhart having a “learning curve” in acting, emphasizing his prior film experience and inherent talent. He praises Newhart’s performance in Catch-22 as “perfect,” particularly his ability to deliver surreal lines with utter believability due to his grounded, “simple, subtle, so American” persona.
III. Joining “The Bob Newhart Show” and the Evolution of a Sitcom
The call to join “The Bob Newhart Show” came shortly after Catch-22, an opportunity Bonerz readily embraced. He recounts a straightforward audition process, highlighting the welcoming presence of Bob Newhart himself, along with casting director Ethel Winant and Grant Tinker.
“I received a call from my agent. They’re doing Bob and Bob Newhart Show. Would you be interested again? Well, what I’d be interested. You know, where do I sign up? Who do I have to pay?…And they laughed at the appropriate places and I walked out thinking I had the job.”
Bonerz sheds light on the collaborative nature of the show, emphasizing that while Lorenzo Music and David Davis created the pilot, and other talented writers contributed, the show was ultimately “at the behest of Bob Newhart.” He underscores Newhart’s significant input, not in a dictatorial way, but through a process of curating talent and guiding the overall vision. Bonerz points to the exceptional supporting cast – Bill Daily, Suzanne Pleshette, and Marcia Wallace – as a testament to Newhart’s understanding that “I’m only as good as my supporting cast.”
Alt text: Peter Bonerz directing Bob Newhart on set, showcasing Bonerz’s expertise in television direction and his collaborative relationship with Newhart.
He also reveals an interesting detail about the pilot’s initial concept: Bob Hartley was originally conceived as a psychiatrist, not a psychologist, and Bonerz’s character was also a psychiatrist. This concept, however, didn’t test well, leading to the shift to psychologist, a change Bonerz believes was crucial to the show’s warm reception by American audiences.
IV. Bonerz as Director: Facilitating Newhart’s Comedic Genius
Bonerz’s role on “The Bob Newhart Show” expanded beyond acting to include directing. He explains his motivation stemmed from a desire to be more involved in the creative process. He approached Newhart, who readily agreed, and then secured Grant Tinker’s approval. Bonerz credits Tinker’s openness to new talent as instrumental in his directing opportunity, alongside other directors who emerged from the show.
He attributes his continued directing success to being “fast and fun” and understanding Bob Newhart’s working style. Crucially, Bonerz notes Newhart’s dislike of extensive rehearsals, preferring to keep the material fresh. As a director, Bonerz adopted a minimalist approach, emphasizing hiring talented actors and “step[ping] way back and let them act.” He understood the importance of giving Newhart “his space” and respecting his inherent comedic timing.
Bonerz shares an anecdote about directing the famous “drunk episode” (“The Mugu Guest”), where he observed the cast initially mimicking Newhart’s distinctive portrayal of drunkenness, highlighting Newhart’s observational comedic genius. He emphasizes that great comedians, like Newhart, are keen observers of life, possessing an “exactitude” in their observations and often exhibiting mimicry skills.
V. The Timeless Appeal and Legacy of Bob Newhart’s Comedy
Reflecting on the show’s humor, Bonerz emphasizes that “The Bob Newhart Show” wasn’t driven by rapid-fire jokes like many contemporary sitcoms. Instead, it focused on “character relationships” and “funny moments” derived from relatable human experiences. He cites the bedroom scenes between Bob and Emily as a prime example of character-driven humor, relying on timing and subtle interactions rather than punchlines.
Bonerz believes the show’s lack of overt topicality contributed to its enduring appeal, making it “more timeless.” While acknowledging that all art reflects its time, he argues that “The Bob Newhart Show” focused on “internal attitudes” and “shared humanity” rather than specific political or social issues of the 1970s. This focus on universal human experiences, he suggests, is why the show remains “watchable” and relevant decades later.
He delves into why Bob Newhart was so successful on television, attributing it to his “personality actor” quality – essentially playing himself, a comfortable and familiar presence in viewers’ homes. Bonerz contrasts this with “character actors” who transform themselves for each role, arguing that television viewers seek the “comfort” and consistency of personalities like Bob Newhart and Mary Tyler Moore.
Finally, Bonerz addresses Bob Newhart’s unique achievement of having two highly successful, long-running sitcoms. He attributes this to Newhart’s ability to maintain his “simple presence” and stay true to his persona, a persona deeply rooted in “middle America.” He positions Newhart alongside Johnny Carson as a “comfortable humorist” who provides audiences with a sense of relaxation and familiarity in an increasingly chaotic world.
Bonerz concludes by reflecting on the emotional experience of the show’s final episode and considering Bob Newhart’s legacy. He shares John Belushi’s surprising admiration for Newhart as his idol and notes Jerry Seinfeld as another comedian inspired by him. Bonerz summarizes Newhart’s legacy not as the “funniest” or “most original” comedian, but perhaps the “most American,” akin to Mark Twain, in his ability to simply reflect society back to itself with gentle humor and insightful observation.
This interview with Peter Bonerz provides invaluable insight into the comedic genius of Bob Newhart and the enduring legacy of “The Bob Newhart Show.” Bonerz’s perspective, as both an actor and director intimately involved with the show, illuminates the subtle nuances of Newhart’s minimalist comedy and the character-driven humor that made the show a timeless classic. Just as we strive to understand the unique personalities of our pets, appreciating the subtle artistry of Bob Newhart’s comedy, as articulated by Peter Bonerz, enhances our understanding of human nature and connection.
