Edgewater Celebrates Cultural Legacy with 'Bob Newhart Way' Honorary Street Dedication
By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Edgewater ·
Chicago paid special tribute to comedy legend Bob Newhart with an honorary street designation along Sheridan Road in the Edgewater neighborhood. The stretch of Sheridan Road from 5800 to 5930 North is now officially Honorary Bob Newhart Way, marking the iconic comedian's deep ties to the community.
Around 200 neighbors, friends, and Newhart's family gathered to celebrate the sign's unveiling outside the Thorndale Beach North Condominium at 5901 N. Sheridan Road, famous from the opening sequence of "The Bob Newhart Show." The location holds special significance as Jennifer Newhart, Bob's daughter, noted: "Chicago was his heart and soul." The Edgewater Historical Society sought this honorary designation for the condominium which put Chicago in the spotlight during the show's run from 1972 to 1978. Newhart played a Chicago psychologist living in a penthouse with his schoolteacher wife, with the show continuing to have a lasting impact on the North Side of Chicago and beyond.
"Today, we mark this corner in Edgewater not just with a sign, but a reminder that Bob Newhart was ours," said Dave Plier, president of the Museum of Broadcast Communications. "He was Chicago. And though the world called him a legend, he always called the city home." Residents and visitors can now visit this special corner of Edgewater to celebrate the neighborhood's connection to television history and one of Chicago's most beloved comedians.
Sources:
1. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/bob-newhart-chicago-edgewater-honorary-street-name/
2. https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/09/08/bob-newhart-gets-a-block-named-after-him-in-edgewater/
3. https://wgntv.com/news/deans-list/chicago-to-honor-bob-newhart-with-street-renaming-on-his-96th-birthday/
4. https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/chicago-honors-bob-newhart-street-renaming-his-birthday