Jesse White was best known for his portrayal as “Ol’ Lonely” the repairman in Maytag television commercials from 1967 to 1988, but the same year he premiered in his Maytag commercials, he also appeared at Elitch Theatre for a production of The Odd Couple.
In 1954, White landed a semi-regular role as Cagey Calhoun on Private Secretary, starring Elitch Alumna, Ann Sothern.
White’s Biography in the 1967 Program:
Mr. White scored his first big success starring for four years on Broadway as the comedic male nurse in Harvey. Then followed six seasons as Cagey Calhoun, the rival agent on the Ann Sothern television series, Private Secretary, and five years on the Danny Thomas television show. In addition, Mr. White has made 39 motion pictures and appeared on 450 television shows, dating back to live television. in New York in 1943. He has indeed become a “household face” to the general public. His movie credits include Marjorie Morningstar, The Bad Seed, Designing Woman, Death of a Salesman, Not as a Stranger, and Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. In summer theatres, Mr. White has appeared in productions ranging from comedies like Room Service, Three Men on a Horse, and Hole in the Head, to musicals like Guys and Dolls, Kiss Me Kate, Showboat, and Heaven Can Wait. Mr. White’s versatile voice may also be heard currently in many of the country’s top cartoons and commercials.
Seasons at the Theatre
- 1967
Productions/Roles:
- 1967 – The Odd Couple – Oscar Madison
Notable Roles, Awards, and Other Work:
- The Maytag Man! The repairman in Maytag television commercials from 1967 to 1988.
Elitch Theatre Connections:
- Three alums in one film! White appeared in the 1956 film, The Bad Seed, with Elitch alums, Joan Croydon and Eileen Heckart.
- White appeared on Private Secretary, starring Elitch Alumna, Ann Sothern.
Wikipedia Link:
- All
