Bob Newhart to Return to The Big Bang Theory

Grab your goggles, put your lab coat on because Professor Proton is back! Bob Newhart will return to The Big Bang Theory next month, TVGuide.com has learned.

Newhart will reprise his role as Sheldon's childhood hero Arthur Jeffries, aka Professor Proton, in the Dec. 17 episode. The late Professor Proton will once again visit Sheldon (Jim Parsons) in his dreams as a Jedi to dispense advice and help him make a very important decision.

This will be Newhart's fourth appearance on the sitcom. He last appeared in Season 7's "The Proton Transmogrification," in which Arthur dies (on Star Wars Day no less) and appears in Sheldon's dreams as Obi-Wan, promising to visit him again if he needs help.

Newhart, 86, won his first-ever Emmy Award for his guest spot on the show in 2013.

The Big Bang Theory airs Thursdays at 8/7c on CBS.

(Full disclosure: TVGuide.com is owned by CBS.)