Jesse White (actor)

Jesse White (January 4, 1917 – January 9, 1997) was an American character actor who played many roles in television, film and on stage. He was also recognizable from television commercials as the original Maytag repairman, a role he played from 1967 to 1988.

Related Topics:
January 4 - 1917 - January 9 - 1997 - American - Character actor - Television - Film - Stage - Maytag

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His typical character was kind of a wise-cracking, fast-talking, cut-to-the-chase kind of guy.

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White's first credited film role was the 1950 film Harvey, starring Jimmy Stewart.

Related Topics:
Harvey - Jimmy Stewart

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He had a funny role (even including some singing) as King Ferdinand of Spain in Stan Freberg's classic comedy album from 1961, The United States of America: Vol. I. He also participated in Freberg's long-awaited followup, Vol. II, in 1996.

Related Topics:
King Ferdinand - Spain - Stan Freberg - 1961 - 1996

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Another good example of his work was in an episode of The Twilight Zone called "Cavender Is Coming".

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He began his stint as the "lonely" Maytag Repairman in 1967, which eventually became pretty much his full-time job for the next 21 years, upon which the now-deceased TV actor Gordon Jump assumed the role.

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He was married to Celia Cohn, and had a daughter, actress Carole Ita White.

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He died following surgery in 1997, 5 days after his 80th birthday.

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