Another Loss in One Week as Beautiful Suzanne Pleshette Dies

Suzanne Pleshette, fondly remembered as Bob Newhart’s husky-voiced wife, Emily, on “The Bob Newhart Show” died after a long battle with lung cancer Saturday night. She was only 70.

She was married to the delightful actor Tom Poston who passed away in April 2007. After he died, Suzanne was quoted as saying, “He was such a wonderful man. He had fun every day of his life.” You probably remember him as the hilarious George on Newhart or from episodes of Mork and Mindy.

In addition to playing the very sexy Emily, Suzanne appeared in episodes of Gunsmoke, Ironside, Columbo, Medical Center, Law and Order, Marcus Welby, M.D., Love American Style, It Takes a Thief and many others. Suzanne Pleshette also had a pretty sweet film career – inluding Hot Shot, Oh, God! Book II, The Shaggy DA, and Support Your Local Gunfighter with James Gardner. She was Patience to his Latigo. (I’m going to have to watch that one again soon, I love both James and Suzanne to distraction.)

She was also the voice (and what a voice!) of Zira in The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride.

A few Did You Know’s About Suzanne Pleshette:

She was actually the producers’ original choice for the role on “Catwoman” on the “Batman” (1966) TV show. When things didn’t work out, the part went to Julie Newmar. Apparently the producers knew one thing for certain – the voice had to be remarkable.

Suzanne, and only child, was born in 1937 in New York City.

On her “girl next door” image, she once said: “When Warren Beatty called a girl up, it was usually to try to get her into the sack. But he called me to find out what kind of bologna I used. I just don’t have what it takes, I guess. Raquel Welch has what it takes. She’s so sexy and gorgeous, even I want to jump on her!”

RIP, Emily Newhart, and you most certainly did have what it takes! Warren Beatty’s loss. Tom Poston’s gain.