'Newhart' Star Tom Poston Passes Away

'Newhart' Star Tom Poston Passes Away

May 01, 2007

"He will be sorely missed," says friend and co-star Bob Newhart.

Emmy-winning sitcom sidekick TOM POSTON, who memorably starred alongside BOB NEWHART on "Newhart," passed away on Monday night. He was 85.

The veteran comic actor was nominated three times for an Emmy during his tenure as lovable lunk George Utley on the popular '80s show. He was also nominated for an Outstanding Guest Actor Emmy for his appearance on "Coach"; he won a Best Supporting Actor Emmy in 1959 for his role on "The STEVE ALLEN Show."

"The death ... of Tom Poston, a versatile and veteran performer and a kind hearted individual, comes as a great shock," Bob Newhart said in a statement. "He will be sorely missed and was an important part of the 'Newhart' family. Tom was always the 'go to guy' on 'Newhart' in addition to being a good and longtime friend," he added.

More recently, Poston had recurring roles on TV shows like "Committed" and "That '70s Show."

Poston is survived by his wife, "Bob Newhart" star SUZANNE PLESHETTE, as well as three children from previous marriages.