Rare scripts, personal memorabilia, awards and other treasures from their California estate will be auctioned on October 14
LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#Abell–Fans and admirers of the legendary comedian and actor Bob Newhart may bid on one-of-a-kind items from the remarkable estate he shared with his wife Ginnie on October 14. The online sale, hosted by Abell Auction Co., will feature original television scripts, personally annotated comedy routines, entertainment industry awards and memorabilia from a career spanning more than six decades. Live bidding starts at 9 a.m. PDT.
Newhart rose to national fame in 1960 with the Grammy-winning album “The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart”— the first comedy record to reach No. 1 on the Billboard charts. His inventive one-sided telephone routines, including “Abe Lincoln vs. Madison Avenue” and “The Driving Instructor,” became cultural touchstones that influenced generations of comedians.
He went on to star in two acclaimed television series, “The Bob Newhart Show” (1972–78) and “Newhart” (1982–90). His understated presence as psychologist Dr. Bob Hartley and innkeeper Dick Loudon secured his place in television history, with “Newhart” widely hailed for one of the greatest series finales of all time. He continued to captivate audiences with guest roles on “ER” (2003), “Desperate Housewives” (2005-07) and “The Big Bang Theory” (2013-18), a role that won him a Primetime Emmy Award.
Auction Highlights
The October 14 auction will present over 300 lots, including:
- Original production scripts from “The Bob Newhart Show” and “Newhart”
- Hand-annotated comedy routines and monologues from iconic stand-up routines
- Television and entertainment industry awards, including a 1999 Hollywood Walk of Fame plaque
- Personal photographs, letters and memorabilia spanning six decades
- Museum-worthy artifacts telling the story of one of comedy’s most important voices
“Bob Newhart’s impeccable timing, warmth and wit defined generations of American comedy,” said Abell Auction Co. Vice President Todd Schireson. “We are honored to offer fans and collectors worldwide a rare chance to acquire enduring pieces of entertainment history and personal belongings that reflect a lifetime of shared memories.”
Auction Date & Time
October 14, 2025, with live online bidding starting at 9 a.m. PDT
Preview Exhibition
A special preview exhibition is being held on weekdays from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Abell Auction Co.’s Los Angeles gallery, 2613 Yates Ave., 90040.
Registration & Bidding
Interested buyers are invited to register in advance and explore auction items at www.abell.com. Buyers may place absentee bids with Abell directly, bid via telephone, or bid online at www.abell.com, LiveAuctioneers.com or Invaluable.com. For inquiries or to speak with an auctioneer, please call 310.858.3073.
Visuals
For high-resolution images of featured auction items, click here.
About Abell Auction Co.
In 1916, company founder A.N. Abell established Abell Auction Co. as Los Angeles’ first permanent auction house that would serve generations of loyal clients to come. Abell has been entrusted with fine estates and collections for over a century, handling the treasured belongings of many high-profile clients and legendary figures in Hollywood. Now in its fourth generation of continuous family operation, Abell’s weekly and quarterly sales attract an international audience of buyers. Visit www.abell.com or call 310.858.3073.
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Contacts
Media Contact
Stacy Geere, 661.253.1059 or [email protected]
