Los Angeles, CA -- 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."

Solve puzzles and create your dream aquarium! Search through a dazzling trip down memory lane.

More Weird News From 2004-12-21 The day's offbeat stories from around the world. • Around The Weird: Bizarre News Briefs • Flash Lites: Rip 'N' Read Pop Culture Recap • American Housewives Are Marthas, Roseannes, Annettes Or Debras • What You Do Before A First Date Is Crucial To Good As The Date Itself • Text Messaging Fuses New Game Show • Smelling The Greed Of '80s Music Inspires Modern Rockers Gomez • Kerri Strug Doing Flips For Lupus Wristbands • Double Dipping To Be Avoided To Prevent Flu • Tom Poston Clowns Around With New Role • Handicapping Razzie Awards Harder Than Oscars • Weed Smoking Boxing Champ Says Ricky Williams Doesn't Deserve So Many Hits   « Current Weird News Stories