Gates' Moonlighting Gig: Frasier SidekickGates' Moonlighting Gig: Frasier Sidekick

As he prepares for the hotly anticipated launch of Windows XP, it seems the title of chief software architect no longer suffices for Bill Gates; TV actor is more to his liking these days.

Gates will make a guest appearance on the NBC hit sitcom Frasier, in honor of the show's 200th episode, says a source close to the Paramount Network Television production. Playing himself, Gates comes into the office of Dr. Frasier Crane to congratulate the psychiatrist on the 2,000th edition of his radio talk show. Dr. Crane becomes visibly bored as Gates takes the mike and begins to discuss Microsoft products with call-in listeners. The episode will air Nov. 13.

Paramount approached the billionaire with the idea, and Gates reviewed the script before agreeing the cameo appearance, the source says. There are no plans as yet for a second appearance.