Los Angeles, CA (WFN) -- Actor Tom Poston is best known as handyman George Utley from the 1980s sitcom "Newhart" but, these days, he's clowning around.

The 81-year-old actor appears in the new sitcom, "Committed," portraying a dying clown who lives in the closet of one of the main characters.

It's a role Poston took with relish, mainly because it was "silly fun" and allowed him to play a character who was "more bitter" than his previous roles.

Of course, the simplicity of the wardrobe also played a role in taking the part. Poston spends most of his time in "jammys, a bath robe and slippers" but admits he would have liked to have more input on the outfit.

In his words, "I don't know why they didn't want me wearing gold lame."

"Committed" debuts Jan. 4 and Poston predicts it will be popular because, in his words, "it has everything going for it."

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