"This stammer got me a home in Beverly Hills, and I'm not about to screw with it now"

Bob Newhart’s characteristic subtlety and humility shine through when he attributes his success to what many would consider a flaw, his stammer. From the early days of his stand-up career, Newhart became known for his unique comic persona: the hesitant, understated everyman who finds himself bemused by the absurdities of life. Rather than smoothing over his stutter, Newhart wove it into his stage presence, making pauses, stammers, and silences an essential part of his comedic timing. His awkward hesitations weren’t just incidental; they became the hallmark of his delivery, giving his routines a charming authenticity and relatability.

Instead of resisting or feeling embarrassed by his stammer, Newhart cultivated it, transforming potential insecurity into comic gold. The success he enjoyed, eventually providing him the means to live in affluent Beverly Hills, was achieved not in spite of his speech pattern, but partly because of it. His statement is partly a wry, self-deprecating nod to the idea that we don’t always know what will work in our favor. What might seem like a weakness or a hindrance can, under the right circumstances, become one’s most distinctive strength.

There’s also a cautionary note of gratitude and pragmatism in his words. Newhart is aware that his persona, crafted around a certain delivery and style, is integral to his career. Dramatically altering it, “screwing with it”, could threaten the very authenticity and appeal that earned him his success. Many artists grapple with the temptation to reinvent themselves, but Newhart’s remark suggests respect for the quirks that formed the foundation of his achievements.

The humor, humility, and insight encapsulated here offer a broader lesson: the importance of accepting oneself, using one’s unique traits as assets, and recognizing that sometimes, what makes us different is exactly what brings us success.