Bob Newhart finally gets his Emmy Awards

Bob Newhart poses backstage with his award for outstanding guest actor in a comedy series for “The Big Bang Theory” at the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in Los Angeles. AP

LOS ANGELES — Bob Newhart is the proud owner of an Emmy Award that took five decades to come his way.

The 84-year-old actor-comedian shed tears as he accepted the Emmy, his first ever, at Sunday’s creative arts Emmy awards in Los Angeles. The ceremony honors technical and other achievements in television.

Newhart was honored as best guest actor in a comedy series for his role on “The Big Bang Theory” as science teacher Professor Proton.

Newhart’s long TV history includes the 1970s “The Bob Newhart Show,” ”Newhart” in the 1980s and “Bob” in the ’90s. His first TV series was a variety show that aired in 1961.

The creative arts Emmys traditionally are held the week before the main Emmy ceremony. Neil Patrick Harris will host next Sunday’s ceremony on CBS.