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Tom Poston
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Tom Poston

Familiar to audiences for many decades -- especially for his role as handyman George Utley on Newhart -- Tom Poston is a versatile performer whose various portrayals have provided an ideal showcase for his comic talents.

Poston has starred in several top television series over the past three decades earning numerous Emmy Award nominations. He won the Emmy for his portrayal of his befuddled everyman on The Steve Allen Show, and was nominated for his roles as Mr. Bickley on Mork and Mindy -- as well as his lovable handyman on Newhart. He also starred on the series Grace Under Fire and in the Castle Rock feature The Story of Us. Most recently, Poston appeared in That 70's Show, NBC's Will & Grace, Becker and Good Morning, Miami. Most recently, Poston starred in the feature film, Princess Diaries II.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Poston spent his early years in Ohio, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Following high school, he enrolled in West Virginia's Bethany College as chemistry major. At the outbreak of World War II, he and his brother Richard enlisted in the Air Force and served as pilots. Based in France, Captain Poston happened upon a magazine article about Charles Jehlinger, then the creative head of the famed American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Upon returning, he was admitted to the academy's two-year program and began his training as an actor.

While still a student, Poston landed a role in Jose Ferrer's Broadway production of Cyrano de Bergerac. Next came a job hosting a two-and-one-half hour live television show called Entertainment. His recognition from The Steve Allen Show brought leads in top Broadway productions and touring companies that included: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Come Blow Your Horn, Bye, Bye Birdie, Drink to Me Only, Mary, Mary, Forty Carats, Golden Fleecing, Romanoff and Juliet, and as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, among other credits.

In addition to his collaboration with Bob Newhart and others, Poston's extraordinary list of television credits also includes a long-standing position as a panelist on To Tell the Truth, and his own series titled Split Personality.

Poston resides in Los Angeles with his actress/wife, Suzanne Pleshette.


Note: This profile was written in or before 2004.

Tom Poston Facts

OccupationActor
BirthdayOctober 17, 1921
SignLibra
BirthplaceColumbus, Ohio, USA
Date of deathApril 30, 2007 (age 85)

Selected Filmography

Not available.