Bob Newhart to guest star on 'The Big Bang Theory '

The big television hit The Big Bang Theory announced Thursday that they will add Emmy-winner Bob Newhart to their cast.

According to TV Line, who first reported the news, Newhart will be a guest star on the show for the upcoming season. This marks Newhart’s first half-hour gig in almost 10 years.

Newhart is said to be playing ‘Professor Proton,’ an old host from a television science show Sheldon (Jim Parsons) used to watch as a kid. Apparently ‘Professor Proton’ played a significant role in Sheldon and Leonard’s (Johnny Galecki) lives growing up.

Sheldon finds out through the Internet that he can be hired for parties or events, and of course Sheldon hires ‘Proton’ to come to the apartment he shares with Leonard.

Newhart is added to the list of guest stars to be seen on sixth season of Big Bang, reports The Hollywood Reporter. He joins Regina King, Meagen Fay, LeVar Burton, Buzz Aldrin and Ryan Cartwright. Actress Kate Micucci recurs her role as Raj's (Kunal Nayyar) lady friend, Lucy.

Newhart is a six-time Emmy nominee and is best known for his work on The Bob Newhart Show. He picked up one Emmy for his work on the NBC hit, ER.

Big Bang returns Thursday, April 4 on CBS. Newhart’s character is slated to air on May 2.