Bill Daily Movies
From the late '60s through the mid-'70s, first on I Dream of Jeannie and later on The Bob Newhart Show, Bill Daily was one of the most visible comic acting talents in television, despite the fact that he'd always intended on a career in music. Born in Des Moines, IA, in 1928, he was raised by his mother with help from several aunts and uncles after the death of his father and he... (read more) gravitated toward music as a teenager. Following a stint in the army in the late '40s, Daily became a professional musician, playing upright bass with different groups in the Midwest, and he eventually added little bits of stand-up comedy to his repertory in the course of performing. He hooked up with an NBC station in Chicago, first working behind the camera as a writer and musician and then doing comedy on the air. Eventually, he became a regular guest as a comedian on The Mike Douglas Show, which originated from Chicago. From there, he was discovered by Steve Allen who brought him onto his show as a comedian and sidekick. Daily subsequently credited his musical side with providing him with the sense of timing to become a successful comedian. During the early and mid-'60s, Daily moved into acting roles on programs like Bewitched -- on which he debuted in a straight dramatic role, in a Christmas episode in which he was highly effective -- and was given a small role in the pilot of I Dream of Jeannie. That part, of Major Roger Healy, turned into the co-starring role after the program's first season. Following five successful seasons on that program, he moved to The Bob Newhart Show as Howard Borden, providing comedic support similar to the part he'd played on I Dream Of Jeannie, as Newhart's befuddled, constantly jet-lagged next door neighbor. Daily has only ever appeared in two feature films, both of them comedies -- the made-for-television In Name Only in 1969, as a carefree bachelor (clearly modeled after one aspect of his character on I Dream of Jeannie) and in Disney's release of The Barefoot Executive in 1971. Since the first Bob Newhart series left the air, his television appearances have been infrequent and always in supporting, guest starring roles, although he did appear on Nick-at-Nite helping to promote The Bob Newhart Show when it aired on the channel. He has since reportedly become a theatrical actor and director in the Albuquerque, NM, area. ~ Bruce Eder, Rovi
The Bob Newhart Show: Taxation Without Celebration
1977
Though other time-frames have been offered in past episodes, the Hartleys have been married seven years according to Sy Rosen's script for "Taxation Without Celebration."...
The Bob Newhart Show: Death Be My Destiny
1977
Having consulted his friends and patients to face up to their fears and phobias, Bob experiences an epiphany of sorts when he nearly falls down an elevator shaft. Convinced...
The Bob Newhart Show: The Heartbreak Kid
1977
Tovah Feldshuh guest stars as Veronica Kidd, Bob's new student trainee. Somewhat overwhelmed by her enthusiasm and dedication, Bob comes to the conclusion that...
The Bob Newhart Show: Halls of Hartley
1977
Weary of the exigencies of life in the big city, Bob applies for a professorial post at a small-town college. The institute, located in Iowa, is essentially a farming college,...
The Bob Newhart Show: Of Mice or Men
1977
Hoping to get a grip on "the woman's angle," Bob's all-male therapy group converges in the Hartley apartment. The result is a scattershot role-playing session, with Emily...
The Bob Newhart Show: The Ironwood Experience
1977
Invited to lecture before a sex seminar at the Ironwood Institute, Bob invites Emily to accompany him. Little does he suspect that the Institute is a nudist colony, but the...
The Bob Newhart Show: Desperate Sessions
1977
While standing in the deposit line of his bank, Bob is taken hostage by a likable bank robber named Mel (Robert Pine). As the police, headed by Sgt. Webber (Walker...
The Bob Newhart Show: You're Having My Hartley
1977
Carol startles Bob and the rest of the doctors when she announces that she's pregnant. No sooner has Bob digested this information than Emily drops another bombshell;...
The Bob Newhart Show: Shrinking Violence
1977
Bob advises both Emily and his patients never to store up their anger, but to "vent" when venting is necessary. Unfortunately, Bob's theory doesn't work too well with...
The Bob Newhart Show: A Day in the Life
1977
Needing a long-overdue break, Bob impulsively decides to spend a week in New Orleans. This uncharacteristic kicking over of traces has a devastating effect on Bob's regular...
The Bob Newhart Show: Carlin's New Suit
1977
Bob's prickly patient, Mr. Carlin, is given yet another reason to be neurotic; a woman from his past has slapped him with a paternity suit. But upon meeting his "son" for...
The Bob Newhart Show: You're Fired, Mr. Chips
1977
Hoping to lighten his workload, Bob interviews several candidates for the job of his assistant. When his efforts fail to yield fruit (most of the candidates, alas, are unable...
The Bob Newhart Show: My Son, the Comedian
1977
Howard is even more upset than usual; his son, Howie, has announced his intention to quit school and become a comedian. That's quite a quantum leap for a kid who hasn't even...
The Bob Newhart Show: Ex-Con Job
1977
Volunteering his services, Bob heads to the local slammer to counsel five men about to be paroled. His efforts to reach out to these lost souls is stymied by the most outspoken...
The Bob Newhart Show: Bob's Change of Life
1977
The fifth season of The Bob Newhart Show ended on March 19, 1977, with the news that Emily Hartley was pregnant. This somewhat significant plot point was conveniently...
The Bob Newhart Show: Who Was That Masked Man?
1977
With the help of Bob and a bottle, henpecked Mr. Petersen (John Fiedler) stands up to his wife. The consequences are enormous, not only for the Petersens, but also for...
The Bob Newhart Show: A Jackie Story
1977
Two separate plot strands are loosely entwined in this episode. At the office, Bob consuls a ventriloquist named Danny James (Sam Kwasman), whose dummy wants to break up...
The Bob Newhart Show: 'Twas the Pie Before Christmas
1977
For only the second time in five years, Bob is forced to raise his rates. Likewise for the second time in five years, his patients react unfavorably to the increase; not only...
The Bob Newhart Show: The Mentor
1977
Once again breaking his self-imposed rule of never consulting his friends, Bob offers advice to Carol's husband, Larry Bondurant (Will Mackenzie). Suggesting that the...
The Bob Newhart Show: Shallow Throat
1977
Saddled with a close-mouthed patient named Twillmer (Richard Libertini), Bob encourages the man to open up and "let it all out." Unfortunately, Twillmer reveals that...