TV's Clueless Everyman Tom Poston Dies at 85
Versatile Actor Spiced Up 'Newhart,' 'Steve Allen Show'
By BOB THOMAS, AP
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (May 1) - Tommy Newsom, the former backup bandleader on "The Tonight Show" whose "Mr. Excitement" nickname was a running joke for Johnny Carson, has died. He was 78.
Newsom died of cancer at his Portsmouth home Saturday, according to his nephew, Jim Newsom.

'Little House' Actor Dabbs Greer Dies at 90
Played Clergyman on Hit Show, Prison Guard in 'Green Mile'
AP
PASADENA, Calif. (May 1) - Dabbs Greer, a veteran character actor who played the Rev. Robert Alden in the TV show "Little House on the Prairie," has died. He was 90.

I can always picture Johnny Carson cutting up Tommy Newsom, and him taking it all in stride with a smile.

I'm such a sucker for Little House, still tune in now and then, Dabbs's character was such a soothing influence.