Big Bang and Young Sheldon cast emotionally pay tribute to Professor Proton after his death

Bob Newhart who played Professor Proton in Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon sadly passed away yesterday, and the cast has emotionally played tribute to him. Professor Proton appeared in nine episodes of The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon between 2013 and 2020 and became hugely popular with fans.

Professor Proton’s real name was Arthur Jeffries, who hosted an educational science show for children that both Sheldon and Leonard religiously watched whilst growing up. He was Sheldon’s childhood hero and the two finally got to meet in season six when Leonard organised him to attend a children’s party.

Via Netflix

Following his passing, numerous members of the cast from both Young Sheldon and The Big Bang Theory have paid to Bob Newhart and his character Professor Proton.

In statements to PEOPLE, Mayim Balik who played Amy on Big Bang Theory reflected about her time working with him on set. She said: “As a child, the Bob Newhart Show provided countless hours of enjoyment for me – it constituted some of my earliest training in the art of sitcom.

“When I got to work with alongside him on TBBT, it was absolutely a dream come true,” she said. “He was effortlessly professional, poised, hilarious and incredibly approachable. Working with Bob was working in the presence of a true comedy legend – the likes of whom we simple don’t see anymore. How he will be missed!”

Via Netflix

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Kaley Cuoco who played Penny on the show also honoured Bob on her Instagram story, writing: “What a dream it was to witness the genius that was Bob Newhart. He was classy, kind, generous and absolutely hilarious. Every take – every time. Icon forever.”

Kunal Nayyar, who played Raj during The Big Bang Theory also shared his tribute on his Instagram story, reflecting: “Professor Proton. Our dearest Bob Newhart. RIP. Miss you forever.”

Via Netflix

Finally, Young Sheldon star Iain Armitage shared his reflection with PEOPLE, saying: “Bob’s Professor Proton was inspiring to Sheldon, and his career as an actor was inspiring to me. He was loved and will be missed.” He additionally added on his Instagram story: “Thanks for being such an inspiring Professor Proton and such an incredible human being. Thinking of you and all who loved you today.”

Young Sheldon and The Big Bang Theory are available on Netflix now – For all the latest Netflix news, drops, quizzes and memes about the cast and Professor Proton like The Holy Church of Netflix on Facebook. 

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Featured image via Netflix.