Oscar favorite George Clooney (“The Descendants”) used his starring role as Dr. Doug

Oscar favorite George Clooney (“The Descendants”) used his starring role as Dr. Doug Ross on “ER” as a springboard to his successful movie career. But before “ER,” Clooney’s TV r sum was rather unimpressive:

v “E/R” (1984-85): Yes, this really was the title of a show set in a Chicago hospital’s emergency room, and yes, Clooney played a doctor. But no, it was not a drama. And no, it was not a hit.

v “The Facts of Life” (1985-86): In his one season on the long-running sitcom, Clooney played George, a carpenter who helped Mrs. Garrett (Charlotte Rae) rebuild her burned-down gourmet food shop.

v “Sunset Beat” (1990): He was one of a trio of motorcycle- riding undercover LA cops. It lasted two episodes.

v “Baby Talk” (1991-92): In this sitcom inspired by the movie “Look Who’s Talking,” Clooney had a supporting role as a construction worker who was renovating the Manhattan loft of a single mom (Julia Duffy). The sitcom’s gimmick: Her baby’s thoughts were uttered by an adult voice.

v “Bodies of Evidence” (1992-93): Returning again to play a big-city cop, this time as a detective who got too emotionally involved in his cases.

Independent Spirit Awards (10 p.m., ifc): Yes, the Oscars are the biggie, but the Independent Spirit Awards are usually much more fun to watch. Seth Rogen hosts the annual, free-wheeling gala that honors independent films such as “The Artist” and “The Descendants.”

TV Listings: For complete listings for the week ahead, see the TV Week magazine inserted with today’s paper.

LOCAL TOPICS ON TV

“Community Connection” (7 a.m. Sunday on 21 WFMJ-TV; and 10 a.m. Tuesday on Time Warner Cable community access channel): The ROCcK Children’s Choir has been invited by the Obama administration to Washington, D.C., to perform and celebrate its 10-year anniversary. The choir, under the direction of Brenda Rider, will join host Madonna Chism Pinkard to discuss its success and what is in store for the future.

Next, Francine Jeffries and Chauncey Hilson of the Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership (MYCAP) will discuss the Center for Family Economic Success and Cap Car. The program helps people purchase a car.

“Sunday Morning with Dee” (8 a.m. Sunday on WKBN-TV 27): Host Dee Crawford’s guests will be Yulanda McCarty-Harris, director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity at Youngstown State University, and Dr. Roan Craig, superintendent, Mahoning County Career and Technical Center. They will discuss YSU’s annual Diversity Leadership Recognition Celebration.

entertainment news

Stewart, Nicks tickets to go on sale

LOS ANGELES

Rod Stewart and Stevie Nicks will come to Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena on July 20, and Pittsburgh’s Consol Energy Center on July 28. Tickets start at $49.50 for both shows and go on sale at 10 a.m. March 2. For Cleveland, call 888-894-9424 or go to theQarena.com; for Pittsburgh, go to Livenation.com or any Ticketmaster outlet.