"It was a decision to work clean. I just prefer to work that way. I have no problem with comedians who don't work that way. There was a temptation in the early '70s to reconsider. I decided against it"
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Bob Newhart's quote shows his individual approach and technique to funny, highlighting his choice for "working tidy", or carrying out without turning to blasphemy or explicit content. This decision highlights a purposeful choice rooted in both personal values and artistic stability.
Newhart's funny is defined by its cleverness and subtlety, relying more on wit, timing, and observation than on shock value or edginess. His option to remain clean suggests a self-confidence in his comedic style that doesn't need to accommodate the most affordable common denominator or follow the trends of the time to be reliable. By stating "I simply choose to work that method", Newhart interacts a sense of authenticity, as his funny remains real to who he is both as an individual and as an entertainer.
His acknowledgment of the "temptation in the early '70s to reevaluate" uses insight into the comical landscape of that era. The 1970s were a transformative time in stand-up comedy, marked by an increase in entertainers pushing limits and checking out more questionable and explicit product. Newhart's decision to withstand this temptation and continue working clean suggests a thoughtful reflection on his own comical concepts and audience expectations.
In addition, Newhart's comment about having "no issue with comedians who do not work that way" indicates a respect for variety in comedic expression. It suggests that while he has selected a specific path, he respects and acknowledges the artistic choices of others, even if they vary from his own.
In essence, Newhart's quote encapsulates a blend of commitment to one's personal creative vision, respect for differing styles within the funny world, and credibility in a progressing entertainment industry. His position exemplifies how consistency in one's innovative method can result in a special and enduring legacy in comedy.
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