 Do you mind if I ask a question? Oh, no, no. Bob's a psychologist, and he's had a lot of training in these matters, and I think we should listen to him. Go right ahead, Bob. Ask anything. Do you like cream or sugar in your coffee? Well, Newhart's publicist says the actor died Thursday in Los Angeles after a series of short illnesses. Gail Hurd, NCN News. Imagine battling cancer and actually beating it. You feel like you've just come out of the woods, only to discover you're about to go over another cliff.