Beloved character actor Tom Poston died Monday night at the age of 85.  He was known for his bumbling, curmudgeonly roles in such old standbys as "Newhart" and "Mork & Mindy."

In a 1983 interview, Poston remarked about the characters he played: "These guys are about a half-step behind life's parade.  The ink on their instruction sheets is beginning to fade. But they can function and cope and don't realize they are driving people up the walls.  In ways I don't like to admit, I'm a goof-up myself.  It's an essential part of my character. When these guys screw up it reminds me of my own incompetence with the small frustrations of life."

Longtime costar Bob Newhart said in a statement on Tuesday: "Tom was always the `go-to guy' on `Newhart' in addition to being a good and longtime friend."

Billy Crystal, also a costar and admirer, said, "How rare that a gentle, sweet person could be so incredibly funny.  I grew up watching Tom on 'The Steve Allen Show' as a kid. What an incredible gift to become friends with him and to learn about comedy from a true professional. He was a combination of Stan Laurel and Jack Benny. We will all miss him."

Poston was married to actress Suzanne Pleshette.  He is survived by her and by their three adult children.