Jesse White (born Jesse Marc Weidenfeld; January 3, 1917 – January 9, 1997) was an American actor, who was best known for his portrayal as "Ol' Lonely" the repairman in

Maytag The Maytag Corporation is an American home and commercial appliance company owned by Whirlpool Corporation since April 2006. Company history The Maytag Washing Machine Company was founded in 1893 by businessman Frederick Maytag. In 1925, ...

television commercials from 1967 to 1988.North, Gary, ''What To Learn From Maytag'', LewRockwell.com (2007)

Life and career

White was born in

Buffalo, New York Buffalo is the second-largest city in the U.S. state of New York (behind only New York City) and the seat of Erie County. It is at the eastern end of Lake Erie, at the head of the Niagara River, and is across the Canadian border from Sou ...

, and was raised in

Akron, Ohio Akron () is the fifth-largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and is the county seat of Summit County. It is located on the western edge of the Glaciated Allegheny Plateau, about south of downtown Cleveland. As of the 2020 Census, the city prop ...

, to Jewish parents. He made his first amateur appearance in local stage productions at the age of fifteen. Though aspiring to be an actor, he worked at many different jobs during the 1930s, including selling beauty supplies and lingerie. After moving to

Cleveland Cleveland ( ), officially the City of Cleveland, is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County. Located in the northeastern part of the state, it is situated along the southern shore of Lake Erie, across the U.S. ...

, Ohio, White began a career in vaudeville and burlesque, traveling widely before landing a role on

Broadway Broadway may refer to: Theatre * Broadway Theatre (disambiguation) * Broadway theatre, theatrical productions in professional theatres near Broadway, Manhattan, New York City, U.S. ** Broadway (Manhattan), the street **Broadway Theatre (53rd Stree ...

. In 1942, White made his

debut in '' The Moon is Down'', followed by a successful performance in the role of a sanitarium orderly in the popular play '' Harvey''. He would later reprise his role in the

1950 Events January * January 1 – The International Police Association (IPA) – the largest police organization in the world – is formed. * January 5 – Sverdlovsk plane crash: ''Aeroflot'' Lisunov Li-2 crashes in a snowstorm. All 19 ...

film version and the 1972

television movie A television film, alternatively known as a television movie, made-for-TV film/movie or TV film/movie, is a feature-length film that is produced and originally distributed by or to a television network, in contrast to theatrical films made for ...

. In 1947, White made his film debut in a small part in '' Kiss of Death''. During the 1950s, he began landing roles on television shows, including appearances in

Danny Thomas Danny Thomas (born Amos Muzyad Yaqoob Kairouz; January 6, 1912 – February 6, 1991) was an American actor, singer, nightclub comedian, producer, and philanthropist. He created and starred in one of the most successful and long-running sitc ...

's ''

Make Room for Daddy ''The Danny Thomas Show'' (titled ''Make Room for Daddy'' for its first three seasons) is an American sitcom that ran from 1953 to 1957 on ABC and from 1957 to 1964 on CBS. Starring Danny Thomas as a successful night club entertainer, the show ...

'' and

Peter Lawford Peter Sydney Ernest Lawford ( Aylen; 7 September 1923 – 24 December 1984) was an English-American actor.Obituary '' Variety'', 26 December 1984. He was a member of the " Rat Pack" and the brother-in-law of US president John F. Kennedy and se ...

's '' Dear Phoebe''. In 1954, he landed a semi-regular role as Cagey Calhoun on ''

Private Secretary A private secretary (PS) is a civil servant in a governmental department or ministry, responsible to a secretary of state or minister; or a public servant in a royal household, responsible to a member of the royal family. The role exists in ...

'', starring

Ann Sothern Ann Sothern (born Harriette Arlene Lake; January 22, 1909 – March 15, 2001) was an American actress who worked on stage, radio, film, and television, in a career that spanned nearly six decades. Sothern began her career in the late 1920 ...

Ann Tyrrell Ann Tyrrell (February 6, 1909 – July 20, 1983) was an American stage, film and television actress. Tyrrell is best known for her roles in both of the Ann Sothern CBS sitcoms ''Private Secretary'' (1953–1957) and ''The Ann Sothern S ...

, and Don Porter. The role led to another semi-regular part as the deceitful Oscar Pudney on

CBS CBS Broadcasting Inc., commonly shortened to CBS, the abbreviation of its former legal name Columbia Broadcasting System, is an American commercial broadcast television and radio network serving as the flagship property of the CBS Entertainm ...

's '' The Ann Sothern Show'' in 1960. In 1955, he played Colonel Willoughby Oglethorpe on The Lone Ranger (season 4 episode 35). White guest-starred on ''

Four Star Playhouse ''Four Star Playhouse'' is an American anthology series that ran from 1952 to 1956. Four Star Playhouse was owned by Four Star International. Its episodes ranged anywhere from surreal mysteries, such as "The Man on the Train", to light comedie ...

'' and

NBC The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) is an American English-language commercial broadcast television and radio network. The flagship property of the NBC Entertainment division of NBCUniversal, a division of Comcast, its headquarters are l ...

's ''

The Bob Cummings Show ''The Bob Cummings Show'' (also known in reruns as ''Love That Bob'') is an American sitcom starring Bob Cummings, which was broadcast from January 2, 1955, to September 15, 1959. The program began with a half-season run on NBC, then ran for tw ...

''. He also appeared in roles in ''

The Bad Seed ''The Bad Seed'' is a 1954 novel by American writer William March, the last of his major works published before his death. Nominated for the 1955 National Book Award for Fiction, ''The Bad Seed'' tells the story of a mother's realization that h ...

'' (1956); ''

Designing Woman ''Designing Woman'' is a 1957 American Metrocolor romantic comedy film, in CinemaScope, about two young, whirlwind-romanced newlywed professionals and their misadventures in adjusting to each other's lifestyles. Vincente Minnelli directed the fi ...

'' (1957), with Lauren Bacall;

's '' Mr. Adams and Eve'' (1958), with Ida Lupino and Howard Duff; and '' Marjorie Morningstar'' (1958), with

Natalie Wood Natalie Wood ( Zacharenko; July 20, 1938 – November 29, 1981) was an American actress who began her career in film as a child and successfully transitioned to young adult roles. Wood started acting at age four and was given a co-starring r ...

and Gene Kelly. On October 2, 1958, White portrayed the fast-talking, presumably dishonest, used-car salesman San Fernando Harry in the segment "The New Car" of the ABC

sitcom A sitcom, a portmanteau of situation comedy, or situational comedy, is a genre of comedy centered on a fixed set of characters who mostly carry over from episode to episode. Sitcoms can be contrasted with sketch comedy, where a troupe may use ...

, ''

The Real McCoys ''The Real McCoys'' is an American situation comedy starring Walter Brennan, Richard Crenna, and Kathleen Nolan. Co-produced by Danny Thomas's Marterto Productions in association with Walter Brennan and Irving Pincus's Westgate Company, ...

'', starring

Walter Brennan Walter Andrew Brennan (July 25, 1894 – September 21, 1974) was an American actor and singer. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performances in '' Come and Get It'' (1936), ''Kentucky'' (1938), and '' The Westerner ...

, with whom he clashes in this episode, Richard Crenna, and

Kathleen Nolan Kathleen Nolan (born Joycelyn Schrum, September 27, 1933) is an American actress and former president of the Screen Actors Guild. From 1957 to 1962, she played Kate McCoy, a housewife, on the television series ''The Real McCoys''. Early years B ...

. From 1958 to 1965, White made five guest appearances on ''

Perry Mason Perry Mason is a fictional character, an American criminal defense lawyer who is the main character in works of detective fiction written by Erle Stanley Gardner. Perry Mason features in 82 novels and 4 short stories, all of which involve a c ...

''. In his first appearance he played murderer Luke Hickey in "The Case of the Married Moonlighter." His second appearance was a bartender Cecil in "The case of the Melancholy Marksman", His third appearance featured him as murder victim Burt Renshaw in "The Case of the Polka Dot Pony." His fourth appearance was Tony Cerro in "The Case of the Gambling Lady". In his fifth final appearance he played murder victim Max Armstead in "The Case of the Fatal Fortune." In the 1960s, White appeared on ''

Tightrope Tightrope walking, also called funambulism, is the skill of walking along a thin wire or rope. It has a long tradition in various countries and is commonly associated with the circus. Other skills similar to tightrope walking include slack rope ...

'', '' Oh! Those Bells'', ''

The Twilight Zone ''The Twilight Zone'' is an American media franchise based on the anthology television series created by Rod Serling. The episodes are in various genres, including fantasy, science fiction, absurdism, dystopian fiction, suspense, horror, sup ...

'', ''

The Dick Van Dyke Show ''The Dick Van Dyke Show'' is an American television sitcom created by Carl Reiner that initially aired on CBS from October 3, 1961 to June 1, 1966, with a total of 158 half-hour episodes spanning five seasons. It was produced by Calvada Product ...

''; ''

The Donna Reed Show ''The Donna Reed Show'' is an American sitcom starring Donna Reed as the middle-class housewife Donna Stone. Carl Betz co-stars as her pediatrician husband Dr. Alex Stone, and Shelley Fabares and Paul Petersen as their teenage children, Mary ...

''; as Fred Boone on ''

The Andy Griffith Show ''The Andy Griffith Show '' is an American situation comedy television series that aired on CBS from October 3, 1960, to April 1, 1968, with a total of 249 half-hour episodes spanning eight seasons—159 in black and white and 90 in color. The ...

'' episode "Andy the Marriage Counselor" (which aired on February 6, 1961); '' The Roaring 20s'', ''

Mickey Mickey is a given name and nickname, almost always masculine and often a short form (hypocorism) of Michael, and occasionally a surname. Notable people and characters with the name include: People Given name or nickname Men * Mickey Andrews (bor ...

'', starring Mickey Rooney; ''

The Beverly Hillbillies ''The Beverly Hillbillies'' is an American television sitcom that was broadcast on CBS from 1962 to 1971. It had an ensemble cast featuring Buddy Ebsen, Irene Ryan, Donna Douglas, and Max Baer Jr. as the Clampetts, a poor, backwoods family f ...

''; ''

Petticoat Junction ''Petticoat Junction'' is an American television sitcom that originally aired on CBS from September 1963 to April 1970. The series takes place at the Shady Rest Hotel, which is run by Kate Bradley; her three daughters Billie Jo, Bobbie Jo, and ...

'';''

The Munsters ''The Munsters'' is an American sitcom depicting the home life of a family of benign monsters. The series starred Fred Gwynne as Frankenstein's monsterEpisodes referring to the fact that Herman is Frankenstein's monster include #55, "Just Anoth ...

''; ''

The Addams Family ''The Addams Family'' is a fictional family created by American cartoonist Charles Addams. They originally appeared in a series of 150 unrelated single-panel cartoons, about half of which were originally published in ''The New Yorker'' over ...

''; '' That Girl''; and '' I Dream of Jeannie''. In a memorable cameo, he played a frustrated airport tower controller (alongside

Paul Ford Paul Ford Weaver (November 2, 1901 – April 12, 1976) was an American character actor who came to specialize in authority figures whose ineptitude and pompous demeanor were played for comic effect, notably as Mayor Shinn in ''The Music Man'' (1 ...

Carl Reiner Carl Reiner (March 20, 1922 – June 29, 2020) was an American actor, stand-up comedian, director, screenwriter, and author whose career spanned seven decades. He was the recipient of many awards and honors, including 11 Primetime Emmy Awards, ...

Eddie Ryder Eddie Ryder (January 23, 1923 – March 29, 1997) was an American television and film actor, as well as a writer and television director. Ryder was born in New York City and died in El Paso, Texas. Career Ryder was a veteran of 92 movies and te ...

) in Stanley Kramer's ''

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World ''It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World'' is a 1963 American comedy film produced and directed by Stanley Kramer with a story and screenplay by William Rose and Tania Rose. The film, starring Spencer Tracy with an all-star cast of comedians, is a ...

'' (1963). In 1966, he accepted the role of Donelli in '' The Reluctant Astronaut'', playing a curmudgeonly janitorial supervisor who instructed his students in the use of a mop in a deadpan delivery rivaling that of an aerospace engineer. In a short but memorable performance, he routinely castigated Don Knotts's bumbling character Roy Fleming for his "lack of dedication" to cleaning floors. An advertising director who saw his performance on the film's release soon cast him in a television advertising campaign for the Maytag Corporation. Prior to his "career" as a washing machine repairman, White was briefly employed as a general repairman in the ''Twilight Zone'' episode: " Once Upon A Time" (episode 78, airing in 1961) appearing with Buster Keaton. White played the role of a lonely

repairman, a man with nothing to do as a result of his company's dependable products. In one of the campaign's first spots, White's character unmistakably alluded to his former role as 'Donelli': "At ease men! Now, you men have all volunteered to be Maytag Repairmen and so I'm gonna give it to you straight.

washers and dryers are built to last. That makes the Maytag Repairman the loneliest guy in town!" The campaign proved wildly successful, and the actor began a long-running and highly paid career as the ever-lonely Maytag repairman. White continued appearing in both television and films during his many years as the Maytag repairman. His final film role was a small but pivotal role in the 1993 Joe Dante comedy '' Matinee'' starring

John Goodman John Stephen Goodman (born June 20, 1952) is an American actor. He gained national fame for his role as the family patriarch Dan Conner in the American Broadcasting Company, ABC comedy series ''Roseanne'' (1988–1997; 2018), for which he rec ...

, and his last TV role was in an episode of '' Seinfeld'' in 1996, " The Cadillac". ''Seinfeld'' co-creator/star Jerry Seinfeld, who also co-wrote the episode, had been a fan of White since his appearances on ''The Ann Sothern Show'', and described having him on ''Seinfeld'' as a boyhood dream come true. White was also a member of the stellar band of voiceover actors who voiced Stan Freberg's classic lampoon of American history, '' Stan Freberg Presents The United States of America: Volume One The Early Years'', and thirty-five years later, "The Middle Years." In addition to film and television work, White lent his voice to such cartoons as ''

Jonny Quest ''Jonny Quest'' is a science fiction-adventure media franchise that revolves around the titular boy named Jonny Quest, who accompanies his scientist father on extraordinary adventures. The franchise started with a 1964–1965 television serie ...

'' and ''

Garfield and Friends ''Garfield and Friends'' is an American animated television series based on the comic strip ''Garfield'' by Jim Davis. The show aired on CBS as part of its Saturday morning children's lineup from September 17, 1988 to December 10, 1994. The sho ...

''.

Personal life

In 1942, White married Celia Cohn (July 17, 1914 – August 5, 2003). The couple had two daughters, Carole Ita White (who later became an actress) and Janet Jonas.

Death

On January 9, 1997, White died from a

heart attack A myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow decreases or stops to the coronary artery of the heart, causing damage to the heart muscle. The most common symptom is chest pain or discomfort which ma ...

following surgery, six days after his 80th birthday. He is interred at Mount Sinai Memorial Park in

Los Angeles Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the List of municipalities in California, largest city in the U.S. state, state of California and the List of United States cities by population, sec ...

Filmography

Film

* ''

Stage Door Canteen The Stage Door Canteen was an entertainment venue for American and Allied servicemen that operated in the Broadway theatre district of New York City throughout World War II. Founded by the American Theatre Wing (ATW) in 1942, the entertainers we ...

'' (1943) as Jesse White (uncredited) * '' Kiss of Death'' (1947) as Taxi Driver (uncredited) * ''

Gentleman's Agreement A gentlemen's agreement, or gentleman's agreement, is an informal and legally non-binding agreement between two or more parties. It is typically oral, but it may be written or simply understood as part of an unspoken agreement by convention or th ...

'' (1947) as Elevator Starter (uncredited) * ''

Texas, Brooklyn and Heaven ''Texas, Brooklyn & Heaven'' is a 1948 American black-and-white romantic comedy film directed by William Castle and starring Guy Madison, Diana Lynn, James Dunn, and Florence Bates. A reporter in Dallas, Texas, goes to New York with the dre ...

'' (1948) as Customer (uncredited) * ''

Guilty Bystander ''Guilty Bystander'' is a 1950 American crime drama directed by Joseph Lerner, and starring Zachary Scott and Faye Emerson. The film was shot on location entirely in New York City. It also marked the last motion picture screen appearances for ch ...

'' (1950) as Masher * '' Harvey'' (1950) as Marvin Wilson * '' Katie Did It'' (1951) as Jim Dilloway * '' Bedtime for Bonzo'' (1951) as Babcock * ''

Francis Goes to the Races ''Francis Goes to the Races'' is a 1951 American black-and-white comedy film from Universal-International, produced by Leonard Goldstein, directed by Arthur Lubin, that stars Donald O'Connor, Piper Laurie, and Cecil Kellaway. The distinctive voic ...

'' (1951) as Frank Damer * '' Callaway Went Thataway'' (1951) as Georgie Markham * ''

Death of a Salesman ''Death of a Salesman'' is a 1949 stage play written by American playwright Arthur Miller. The play premiered on Broadway in February 1949, running for 742 performances. It is a two-act tragedy set in late 1940s Brooklyn told through a montage ...

'' (1951) as Stanley * '' The Girl in White'' (1952) as Alec, Ambulance Driver * ''

Million Dollar Mermaid ''Million Dollar Mermaid'' (also known as ''The One Piece Bathing Suit'' in the UK) is a 1952 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer biographical film of the life of Australian swimming star Annette Kellerman. It was directed by Mervyn LeRoy and produced by Arthur ...

'' (1952) as Doc Cronnol * '' Gunsmoke, '' aka ''Roughshod'', ''A Man's Country'' (1953) as Professor * ''

Champ for a Day ''Champ for a Day'' is a 1953 American crime film directed by William A. Seiter and written by Irving Shulman. The film stars Alex Nicol, Audrey Totter, Charles Winninger, Hope Emerson, Joseph Wiseman and Barry Kelley. The film was released on ...

'' (1953) as Willie Foltis * '' Forever Female'' (1953) as Willie Wolfe * '' Witness to Murder'' (1954) as Tubby Otis * '' Hell's Half Acre'' (1954) as Eddie Vincent * ''

Not as a Stranger ''Not as a Stranger'' is a 1955 American film noir drama film produced and directed by Stanley Kramer, starring Olivia de Havilland, Robert Mitchum, Frank Sinatra and Gloria Grahame. It is based on the 1954 novel of the same name by Morton Thomp ...

'' (1955) as Ben Cosgrove * ''

The Girl Rush ''The Girl Rush'' is a 1955 American musical comedy film starring Rosalind Russell, filmed in Technicolor and VistaVision, and released by Paramount Pictures.

'' (1955) as Ludwig - Pit Boss * ''

The Come On ''The Come On'' is a 1956 American film noir directed by Russell Birdwell and starring Anne Baxter, Sterling Hayden and John Hoyt.. It was distributed by Allied Artists Pictures. Plot While fishing on a Mexican beach Dave Arnold (Sterling Hayde ...

'' (1956) as J.J. McGonigle * '' He Laughed Last'' (1956) as Max Lassiter * '' Back from Eternity'' (1956) as Pete Boswick * ''

'' (1956) as Emory Wages * ''

'' (1957) as Charlie Arneg * '' God Is My Partner'' (1957) as Louis 'The Lump' Lumpkin * '' Johnny Trouble'' (1957) as Parsons * ''

Country Music Holiday ''Country Music Holiday'' is a 1958 American musical film directed by Alvin Ganzer and written by Harry Spalding. The film stars Ferlin Husky, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Rocky Graziano, Faron Young, Al Fisher, Lou Marks and June Carter Cash. The film was ...

'' (1958) as Sonny Moon * '' Marjorie Morningstar'' (1958) as Lou Michaelson * '' The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond'' (1960) as Leo "Butcher" Bremer * '' The Big Night'' (1960) as Wegg * ''Three Blondes in His Life'' (1961) as Ed Kelly * ''A Fever in the Blood'' (1961) as Police Sgt. Michael 'Mickey' Beers * ''The Right Approach'' (1961) as Brian Freer * '' Tomboy and the Champ'' (1961) as Windy Skiles * '' On the Double'' (1961) as Corporal Joseph Praeger * ''Sail a Crooked Ship'' (1961) as McDonald * ''

Period of Adjustment ''Period of Adjustment'' is a 1960 play by Tennessee Williams that was adapted in the film version of 1962. Both the stage and film versions are set on Christmas Eve and tell the gentle, light-hearted story of two couples, one newlywed and the ...

'' (1962) as Christmas Caroler (uncredited) * ''

It's Only Money ''It's Only Money'' is a 1962 American comedy film directed by Frank Tashlin and starring Jerry Lewis and was released by Paramount Pictures. It was the final film of Zachary Scott. Plot Lester March is a 25-year-old orphan who is an electroni ...

'' (1962) as Pete Flint * '' The Yellow Canary'' (1963) as Ed Thornburg * ''

'' (1963) as Radio tower operator at Rancho Conejo * '' Looking for Love'' (1964) as Tiger Shay * '' A House is Not a Home'' (1964) as Rafferty * '' Pajama Party'' (1964) as J. Sinister Hulk * '' Dear Brigitte'' (1965) as Cliff Argyle - the Bookie * '' The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini'' (1966) as J. Sinister Hulk * '' The Reluctant Astronaut'' (1967) as Donelli * ''

The Spirit Is Willing ''The Spirit Is Willing'' is a 1967 American horror/comedy film directed by William Castle, written by Ben Starr, and starring Sid Caesar, Vera Miles, Barry Gordon, John McGiver, Cass Daley, Ricky Cordell and Mary Wickes. Based on ''The Visito ...

'' (1967) as Fess Dorple * ''Togetherness'' (1970) as Henry * '' Bless the Beasts and the Children'' (1971) as Sid Shecker * '' The Brothers O'Toole'' (1973) as the Mayor * ''Las Vegas Lady'' (1975) as Big Jake * ''Return to Campus'' (1975) as Sports announcer * ''

Nashville Girl ''Nashville Girl'' is a 1976 film from New World Pictures about an aspiring country and western singer. It was also known as ''New Girl in Town'' and ''Country Music Daughter'' to capitalize on the success of the similar film '' Coal Miner's Daug ...

'' (1976) as C.Y. Ordell * ''

Won Ton Ton, the Dog Who Saved Hollywood ''Won Ton Ton, the Dog Who Saved Hollywood'' is a 1976 American comedy film directed by Michael Winner, and starring Bruce Dern, Madeline Kahn, Teri Garr and Art Carney. Spoofing the craze surrounding Rin Tin Tin, the film is notable for the lar ...

'' (1976) as Rudy's Agent * ''

The Cat from Outer Space ''The Cat from Outer Space'' is a 1978 American science fiction comedy film directed by Norman Tokar (his final film before his death the following year) starring Ken Berry, Sandy Duncan, Harry Morgan, Ronnie Schell, Roddy McDowall and McLean ...

'' (1978) as Earnest Ernie * '' Monster in the Closet'' (1986) as Ben * '' Matinee'' (1993) as Mr. Spector

Television

* ''

'' (1 episode, 1954) * '' The Loretta Young Show'' (1 episode, 1954) * '' Dear Phoebe'' (1 episode, 1954) as Murray Kragon * ''

Treasury Men in Action ''Treasury Men in Action'' (also known as ''Federal Men'') is an American crime drama series broadcast live and which aired from September 11, 1950, through April 1951 on ABC and then on NBC through 1955. The series stars Walter Greaza, Ross M ...

'' (1 episode, 1955) as Ronald Terni * ''

Lux Video Theatre ''Lux Video Theatre'' is an American television anthology series that was produced from 1950 until 1957. The series presented both comedy and drama in original teleplays, as well as abridged adaptations of films and plays. Overview The ''Lux Vid ...

'' (1 episode, 1955) as Sigmund * ''

The Lone Ranger The Lone Ranger is a fictional masked former Texas Ranger who fought outlaws in the American Old West with his Native American friend Tonto. The character has been called an enduring icon of American culture. He first appeared in 1933 in ...

'' (1 episode, 1955) as Col. Willoughby J. Oglethorpe * '' Jane Wyman Presents The Fireside Theatre'' (1 episode, 1955) as Al * '' TV Reader's Digest'' (1 episode, 1955) * ''

'' (1 episode, 1955) as Mr. Simpson * '' Damon Runyon Theater'' (1 episode, 1955) as Chesty Charlie * ''

Cavalcade of America ''Cavalcade of America'' is an anthology drama series that was sponsored by the DuPont Company, although it occasionally presented musicals, such as an adaptation of ''Show Boat'', and condensed biographies of popular composers. It was initially ...

'' (1 episode, 1956) * ''

'' (5 episodes, 1954–56) as Mickey Calhoun / 'Cagey' Calhoun / Mickey 'Cagey' Calhoun * ''

Climax! ''Climax!'' (later known as ''Climax Mystery Theater'') is an American television anthology series that aired on CBS from 1954 to 1958. The series was hosted by William Lundigan and later co-hosted by Mary Costa. It was one of the few CBS progra ...

'' (1 episode, 1957) as Philly * ''

The 20th Century Fox Hour ''The 20th Century Fox Hour'' is an American drama anthology series televised in the United States on CBS from 1955 to 1957. Some of the shows in this series were restored, remastered and shown on the Fox Movie Channel in 2002 under the title ' ...

'' (4 episodes, 1956–57) as Doberman / George / George Kirby / Eddie Hoke * ''

Circus Boy ''Circus Boy'' was an American adventure family western that aired in prime time on NBC, and then on ABC, from 1956 to 1957. It was then rerun by NBC on Saturday mornings, from 1958 to 1960. Summary Set in the late 1890s, the title of the ser ...

'' (1 episode, 1957) as Spike Marlin * '' Mr. Adams and Eve'' (1 episode, 1958) as Director * ''

'' (1 episode, 1958) as H.R. Hap Henderson * ''

'' (1 episode, 1958) as San Fernando Harry * ''

Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse ''Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse'' is an American television anthology series produced by Desilu Productions. The show ran on the Columbia Broadcasting System between 1958 and 1960. Three of its 48 episodes served as pilots for the 1950s televisio ...

'' (2 episodes, 1958) as Bartender / Barney Snyder * ''

The Thin Man ''The Thin Man'' (1934) is a detective novel by Dashiell Hammett, originally published in a condensed version in the December 1933 issue of ''Redbook''. It appeared in book form the following month. A film series followed, featuring the main cha ...

'' (1 episode, 1959) as Nitro Noonan * ''

'' (1 episode, 1959) as Vance * '' The Texan'' (1 episode, 1959) as Sheriff Weeb Martin * '' Lux Playhouse'' (1 episode, 1959) as Detective Drake * ''

Richard Diamond, Private Detective ''Richard Diamond, Private Detective'' is an American detective drama, created by Blake Edwards, which aired on radio from 1949 to 1953, and on television from 1957 to 1960. Radio Dick Powell starred in the ''Richard Diamond, Private Detective' ...

'' (1 episode, 1959) as Walt Conlin * ''

The David Niven Show ''The David Niven Show'' is an American half-hour television anthology series that was broadcast from April 7 until July 7, 1959. Premise This series is an anthology series hosted by David Niven. Cast *David Niven as host Episodes Guest stars ...

'' (1 episode, 1959) as Paul Reisner * '' Alcoa Theatre'' (1 episode, 1959) as John Burke * ''

'' (2 episodes, 1959–60) as Pete Granger / Mike Davis * ''

Man with a Camera ''Man with a Camera'' is an American television crime drama starring Charles Bronson as a war veteran turned photographer and investigator. Throughout the 1950s, Bronson spent most of his early acting career performing in TV shows as well as ...

'' (1960) as Frankie Billings * ''The Best of the Post'' (1 episode, 1961) as Benny * ''

'' (1 episode, 1961) as Fred Boone * '' Westinghouse Playhouse'' (2 episodes, 1961) as Fred Sanford * '' The Ann Sothern Show'' (6 episodes, 1960–61) as Oscar Pudney / Simpson * ''

Angel In various theistic religious traditions an angel is a supernatural spiritual being who serves God. Abrahamic religions often depict angels as benevolent celestial intermediaries between God (or Heaven) and humanity. Other roles inclu ...

'' (1 episode, in "Promise to a Friend", 1961) as Max * ''

'' (1 episode, 1961) as Bill * ''

General Electric Theater ''General Electric Theater'' was an American anthology series hosted by Ronald Reagan that was broadcast on CBS radio and television. The series was sponsored by General Electric's Department of Public Relations. Radio After an audition show ...

'' (3 episodes, 1954–61) as Mike / Joe Maskowitz * '' The Roaring 20s'' (1 episode, 1961) as Boots * ''77 Sunset Strip'' (1 episode, 1961) as Marvin Heywood * ''Calvin and the Colonel'' (1 episode, 1961) as Sgt. Thomas (voice) * ''

'' (2 episodes, 1961–1962) as Harmon Cavender / Repair Man * ''Ichabod and Me'' (2 episodes, 1962) as Lippy Bourke * ''King of Diamonds'' (1 episode, 1962) as Sig Norge * ''Pete and Gladys'' (1 episode, 1962) as Martin * ''Adventures in Paradise (TV series), Adventures in Paradise'' (1 episode, 1962) as Frank Crayle * ''Cain's Hundred'' (1 episode, 1962) as Rudy * '' Oh! Those Bells'' (1 episode, 1962) as Ankles * ''Naked City (TV series), Naked City'' (1 episode, 1962) as Harold Slate * ''I'm Dickens, He's Fenster'' (1 episode, 1963) as Hershey * ''Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre'' (1 episode, 1963) as Marvin * ''The Jack Benny Program'' (4 episodes, 1957–64) as Steve Burke / Talent Agent Weber / Mr. Weber * ''Ben Casey'' (1 episode, 1964) as Mr. Barringer * ''Bonanza'' (Episode: "The Saga of Muley Jones", 1964) as Eskey * ''Linus! The Lion Hearted'' (2 episodes, 1964) as Claudius Crow (voice) * ''

'' (1 episode, 1964) as Pasha Peddler (voice) * ''

'' (1 episode, 1964) as Sid * ''The Addams Family (1964 TV series), The Addams Family'' (1 episode, 1964) as Sgt. Haley * ''Kraft Suspense Theatre'' (1 episode, 1965) as Emil Glueck * ''

'' (1 episode, 1965) as J. R. Finlater * ''

'' (5 episodes, 1958–65) as Max Armstead / Tony Cerro / Burt Renshaw / Cecil / Luke Hickey * ''The Wild Wild West'' (1 episode, 1966) as Governor Lewis * ''Please Don't Eat the Daisies (TV series), Please Don't Eat the Daisies'' (1 episode, 1966) * ''Tammy Grimes, The Tammy Grimes Show'' (1 episode, 1966) as Gus * ''Green Acres'' (2 episodes, 1965–67) as Charlie / George Wilkins * ''Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.'' (1 episode, 1967–1968) as Harry Krasna / The Owner * ''

'' (2 episodes, 1963–67) as Mr. Mortimer / H.H.H. Jones * ''Rango (TV series), Rango'' (1 episode, 1967) as Gus * '' I Dream of Jeannie'' (1 episode, 1967) as Sam * ''Accidental Family'' (1 episode, 1967) as Mr. Fenton * ''Hawaii Five-O (1968 TV series), Hawaii Five-O'' (1 episode, 1968–69) as Nat Keller * '' That Girl'' (5 episodes, 1969) as Eddy Edwards / Hal Grissom / Phil Bender / Clinton Hayworth * ''The Jackie Gleason Show'' (2 episodes, 1967–69) as 'Swifty' Jenkins / Bob Cosgrove * ''Land of the Giants'' (1 episode, 1969) as Max Manfred * ''The Debbie Reynolds Show'' (1 episode, 1970) as Mayor Keiselbach * ''Dad, Can I Borrow the Car?'' (1970) * ''Mannix'' (1 episode, 1971) as Sam Westlake * ''Love, American Style'' (2 episodes, 1969–71) as Bailiff (segment "Love and the Jury") / Pun Jab (segment "Love and the Divorce Sale") * ''Walt Disney anthology television series, The Wonderful World of Disney'' (1 episode, 1972) * ''Here's Lucy'' (1 episode, 1972) as Hickey * ''Of Thee I Sing'' (1972) as Matthew Fulton * ''Harvey'' (Hallmark Hall of Fame, re-enacting his role in the 1950 film, 1972), as Marvin Wilson * ''These Are the Days (TV series), These Are the Days'' (unknown episodes, 1974–75) (voice) * ''Devlin (TV series), Devlin'' (unknown episodes, 1974) (voice) * ''Kolchak: The Night Stalker'' (1 episode, 1975) as Security Guard * ''Happy Days'' (1 episode, 1975) as Bander * ''New Zoo Revue'' (2 episodes, 1975) as Professor Gordon / Mr. Bigwig * ''Quincy, M.E.'' (1 episode, 1977) as Mechanic * ''ABC Weekend Special'' (1 episode, 1977) as Mr. Gabby * ''Alien Worlds'' (1 episode, 1979) (voice) * ''The Love Boat'' (1 episode, 1981) as Harry * ''Hart to Hart'' (1 episode, 1982) as Ernie * ''Pandamonium (TV series), Pandamonium'' (1982–83) as Chesty (voice) * ''Trapper John, M.D.'' (1 episode, 1983) as Mac Mulligan * ''Inspector Gadget (1983 TV series), Inspector Gadget'' (pilot episode, 1982, unreleased version) as Inspector Gadget (voice) * ''Small Wonder (TV series), Small Wonder'' (1 episode, 1987) * ''The New Gidget'' (1 episode, 1987) as Washing Machine Repairman * ''

'' (1 episode, 1989) as Howie (voice) * ''MacGyver (1985 TV series), MacGyver'' (1 episode, 1990) as Mel * '' Seinfeld'' (1 episode, 1996) as Ralph (final appearance)

Commercials

*''

'' (1967–1988) as Ol' Lonely the repairman

Theatre

* ''Sons and Soldiers'' (1943) as The Salesman * ''My Dear Public'' (1943) as Gus Wagner * ''Mrs. Kimball Presents'' (1944) as J. G. McGuire * ''Helen Goes To Troy'' (1944) as Ajax 1st * '' Harvey'' (1943) as Duane Wilson * ''Born Yesterday (play), Born Yesterday'' (1946) as Harry Brock * ''The Cradle Will Rock'' (1947) as Dick * ''Red Gloves'' (1948) as Marochek * ''Kelly (musical), Kelly'' (1965) as Stickpin Sidney Crane * ''The Front Page'' (1969) as The Mayor * ''Harvey'' (1970) as Duane Wilson

Notes

References

External links

* * *
A writeup about the Maytag Repairman, with photo
{{DEFAULTSORT:White, Jesse 1917 births 1997 deaths Male actors from Buffalo, New York American male film actors American male stage actors American male television actors American male voice actors Male actors from Akron, Ohio Male actors from Cleveland Male actors from Los Angeles Burials at Mount Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery 20th-century American male actors Jewish American male actors 20th-century American comedians Comedians from California 20th-century American Jews