Surprising Stories from the Set of The Bob Newhart Show

Bob Newhart was famous for keeping a straight face on The Bob Newhart Show, but Merie Earle regularly shattered that calm. Playing the unforgettable Mrs. Loomis, Earle had a way of delivering her lines that sent Newhart into fits of uncontrollable laughter during their scenes together.

Their sessions often required multiple takes because Newhart simply couldn’t keep it together. It’s funny considering Bob Hartley was supposed to be the composed professional in the room. Those barely contained reactions add to the charm, making Mrs. Loomis one of the show’s most memorable patients.