Baldwin to be TCM's 'Essentials' co-host

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin has signed on to be a co-host of "The Essentials" weekly classic movie showcase, TCM announced.

Baldwin, who has "a deep love and understanding of classic films," is slated to join TCM host Robert Osborne in introducing movies each week, starting in March, with "an eye toward helping viewers better understand why these films are important and the impact they had on audiences and the culture at large," TCM said in a news release.

Baldwin, who won an Emmy last month for his work on the sit-com "30 Rock," has previously appeared on TCM as part of the network's guest programmer series.

He was also the host of the TCM special, "Role Model: Gene Wilder," earlier this year.

"Of all the contemporary stars who have appeared on TCM over the years, Alec Baldwin is one of the most knowledgeable and passionate about classic film," Tom Brown, vice president of original programming for TCM, said in a statement. "After his guest programmer stint and the wonderful special with Gene Wilder, we knew we wanted to find new opportunities to work with him again. We are truly thrilled that he has enthusiastically accepted our invitation to co-host 'The Essentials.'"