The comedic legend Bob Newhart has died at 94. You might know him from famous sitcoms like The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart. Or, if you’re much younger, he’s Papa Elf.
Newhart was 73 when he starred as Will Ferrell’s adoptive father in 2003’s Elf. With those adorable mustard yellow tights and that kelly green suit and hat, it’s bizarre that younger generations first became acquainted with Newhart when he was dressed as a Keebler elf, nearly getting squished when Buddy adoringly sat on his lap. Never mind that iconic Newhart finale — the North Pole is where it’s at.
Newhart doubled as the narrator of the film, which also starred the late James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, and Mary Steenburgen. Revisit the clip below, where Papa Elf sets the stage for the iconic Christmas film.
“It’s a job only an elf can do,” he says of making toys. “Our nimble fingers, natural cheer, and active minds are perfect for toy building. They tried using gnomes and trolls, but the gnomes drank too much and the trolls weren’t toilet trained. No human being has ever set foot in Santa’s workshop. That is, until, about 30 years ago, and as you may have guessed, that’s where our story begins.”
Last year marked the 20th anniversary of Elf, directed by Jon Favreau. Last year, Newhart spoke to CNN about the film, declaring that “without question, the part of Papa Elf outranks, by far, any role I may have ever played.”
He also spoke about the magic of the Christmas film, and how over the years it’s become a staple like Miracle on 34th Street. “In my opinion, there has not been anything like it in the interim,” he said. “People wanted to believe in it. People need that charming, wonderful thing about the Christmas spirit and its way of powering the sleigh.”
