Bob Newhart joked about wanting Dwayne Johnson to play him in biopic as he got 'mistaken for him a lot'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Renowned conservative political commentator and TV host Bob Newhart, who died at the age of 94, had named Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as his top choice to portray him in a biopic during an appearance on 'Conan.'

Newhart had noted that he was often mistaken for Johnson, a remark that has resurfaced in discussions following his death.

Bob Newhart died on July 18 at his Los Angeles home following a series of brief illnesses. Since his death, tributes have poured in on social media, with many stars from 'The Big Bang Theory' and other Hollywood celebrities expressing their condolences.

Newhart is survived by his four children, sons Robert and Timothy, and daughters Jennifer and Courtney, as well as 10 grandchildren.

What did Bob Newhart say of Dwayne Johnson years before his death?

During an appearance on 'Conan' in January 2021, host Conan O'Brien commented on Bob Newhart's illustrious Hollywood career and asked who he would like to play him in a movie about his life. 

"I think The Rock," Newhart quipped. "I get mistaken for him a lot. People will say 'Hey Dwayne and I'll say 'No, I'm not Dwayne!' But there should be quite a fight over it." 

After O'Brien joked that The Rock would be great at portraying his "early football career," Newhart smiled and mused, "I hear Brad Pitt is very interested," as per People.

Bob Newhart reflected on his career in 2020

In November 2020, Newhart reflected on his illustrious career and its lasting impact, saying, "I have a theory that when it's all over ... and you go up — [if] I've been led to believe to heaven — and there's a God and he says, 'What did you do?' [And] I say, 'I made people laugh,' [He will say,] 'Yeah, get in that real short line over there.'"

He also expressed his gratitude for comedy, stating, "Comedy has given me a wonderful life. When I first started out in stand-up, I just remember the sound of laughter. It’s one of the great sounds of the world."

Bob Newhart's fans hail his 'sense of humor'

Following the resurfacing of the video of Bob Newhart discussing The Rock, many internet users have praised his sense of humor. Several have dubbed the comedic legend the King of Deadpan Comedy.

One user wrote, "What a marvelous sense of humor Bob Newhart had. I loved both of his shows and in later years he was in the series The Librarian. Always gave a stella performance and he was hilarious in Elf. He will be missed by many of us fans."

Another user claimed, "RIP to a comedic legend and American Icon." One user added, "He was by far, the King of Deadpan Comedy."

Another added, "He was such a funny man!! I just loved him."

The last claimed, "RIP to a comedic legend and American Icon."

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