Posted on 05/01/2007 1:14:54 PM PDT by lunarbicep
Comic actor Tom Poston, who won an Emmy on "The Steve Allen Show" and was Emmy nommed for "Newhart," "Mork and Mindy" and "Coach," died April 30 in Los Angeles after a brief illness. He was 85. Poston was best known for playing George Utley on "Newhart" and his guest appearances on "The Bob Newhart Show." His Emmy win came in 1959 for his role playing the befuddled Everyman as part of the Allen's stock company along with Don Knotts and Louie Nye.
He began his acting career in 1947 in Jose Ferrer's Broadway production of "Cyrano de Bergerac." Early in his career he was best known as a dramatic actor, appearing in productions such as the "Barretts of Wimpole Street" and "King Lear," but soon became made the move to the golden age of television, hosting a live show called "Entertainment." His work on that show led to joining the cast of "The Steve Allen Show."
He had a recurring role in the series "Grace Under Fire" and appeared on TV shows including "Murphy Brown," "That 70's Show," "Will & Grace," "Becker" and "Good Morning Miami." He was a longstanding panelist on "To Tell the Truth."
Poston had roles in a number of Broadway productions and touring companies, appearing in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," "Come Blow Your Horn," "Bye, Bye Birdie," "Drink To Me Only," "Mary, Mary," and "Fiddler on the Roof."
His movie credits included "Princess Diaries II," "Cold Turkey" and "Soldier in the Rain."
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Poston attended Bethany College in West Virginia. He served as as a pilot in the Air Force during WWII. After the war, he enrolled in the American Academy of Dramatic Art followed by professional classes with the acting teacher Sanford Meisner.
Poston is survived by his wife actress Suzanne Pleshette; and two children, Francesca Hudson, an actress; and Jason Poston.
Donations may be made to the Motion Picture and Television Fund.
I had to look up Greer’s picture to see who he was. Never heard his name before, but recognized him instantly.
I’ve always aspired to have a business card like Tom’s George Utley. It merely had his name on it. No phone. No address.
When Bob Newhart asked him what that was all about, George said, “Well I don’t have a phone. And everybody knows where I live.”
The classic Bob Newhart expression was priceless...
Loved him in Newhart. R.I.P.
Me too. He was often cast as a coward or some awful character the audience loved to hate.
I bet he was a nice guy in real life though.
he will be trully missed... we’re losing the great actors and comedians from the greatest generation... and now we’re stuck with the likes of Tom Cruise and Rosie O’Donnell.
He will always be remembered as the preacher who married Mr. and Mrs. Brady
I watched neither.
LOL good Lord.
Rest in Peace.
Haven't seen a picture of her in years, but she was pretty hot in her day.
ping
“The Peeper” RIP.
Wow, first Tom Poston, and now that guy who was on all those shows.
I am fearing for Allan Melvin’s well being. Will he be third?
Would you believe... Tom Poston was the original choice to play Maxwell Smart?
In 1964 he was all set to shoot the GET SMART pilot for ABC when the network pulled the plug. So the producers took the project to NBC boss Grant Tinker, who agreed to finance the pilot, on one condition — Poston be replaced with a comic NBC had under contract.
And that’s how Don Adams became Maxwell Smart. And at this very moment, somewhere, on some TV set, he’s playing Max — and LOVING it.
As they used to put it, whatta dish!
One of my favorite films, Rome Adventure with Troy Donohue ... I couldn't find a capture that I wanted of her, but she was so sweet AND sultry in that film ... between her and Elizabeth Ashley, I never did understand why the blondes in those days got so much print! 
Me too. Very sad news.
RIP, Tom Poston.
Yes, indeed. When I saw that Tom had died I thought of how recently Kitty Carlisle had passed away, too. Rest in peace.
My word, I didn't recognize his name, but he sure was a famous face! Quality work!
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