Al Waxman
Encyclopedia
Albert Samuel Waxman, CM
, O.Ont
(March 2, 1935 – January 18, 2001) was a Canadian
actor
and director
of over 1000 productions on radio, television, film, and stage. He is best known for his starring roles in the television series King of Kensington
(CBC
) and Cagney & Lacey
(CBS
).
.
His parents operated and owned Melinda Lunch, a small restaurant. His father, Aaron Waxman, died when Al was nine.
In the 1980 award winning film Atlantic City starring Burt Lancaster
, Waxman appeared as a rich cocaine buyer with a seemingly endless amount of cash.
During the 1980s Waxman starred as the gruff but endearing Lt Bert Samuels in the highly successful CBS
television drama Cagney & Lacey (1982–1988).
During the 1990s Waxman appeared in a variety of films and television shows but began spending more time acting and directing in the theatre. He was also a founding member of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television
.
In 1997 he was awarded the best actor Gemini Award
for his performance in the television film Net Worth
.
Waxman also appeared at the Stratford Festival
, beginning with his critically acclaimed performance as Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman
in 1997. He also directed a memorable Anne Frank at the Stratford Festival in 2000. He was to return to Stratford for his highly anticipated portrayal of Shylock
in The Merchant of Venice
in 2001. In the wake of Waxman's death one month before rehearsals were to begin Paul Soles
accepted the part of Shylock and the play was performed in honour of Waxman.
His last television role was as celestial Judge Othneil in Twice in a Lifetime
(1999–2001). The last episode on which he worked right up until the afternoon before his elective heart bypass surgery was about a man, popular in his community, who needed routine bypass surgery but died during the operation. Although some sections of the episode were rewritten, at the end of this final episode Waxman's character is asked rhetorically 'why do the good die young' to which he has no answer. He's then told 'you were quite a warrior'. His response - not merely the end of the episode, but one of Waxman's last lines ever recorded, and spoken with a smile of resignation from the heavens - was: 'I had my day'.
Throughout his career he responded to the need for his services in community work and was involved with charitable causes from coast to coast. He was spokesperson for organizations such as United Appeal, United Jewish Appeal, Israel Bonds, Variety Club, the Muscular Dystrophy Telethons, and Big Brothers (for which he also became an honorary member). From June 1979 to June 1981 he was the National Campaign Chairman for the Canadian Cancer Society
, and from 1988-1989 he was an official spokesperson for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario. Together with his wife, Sara Waxman, he also created the Sara and Al Waxman Neo-Natal Unit at the Shaare Zedek Medical Centre in Jerusalem.
Al Waxman was accorded many tributes for his volunteer and philanthropic work. In 1978 he was honoured with the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal. In 1989 he was the recipient of the B'nai Brith of Canada Humanitarian Award. In 1996 Waxman was inducted into the Order of Ontario
and in 1997 into the Order of Canada
. In 1998 he was given the Earle Grey Award
for lifetime achievement in Canadian television. A statue erected for his popularity as a Canadian star actor, director, and humanitarian stands in Kensington Market
. The inscription in front of it reads 'There's lots to do down the road, there's always more. Trust your gut instincts. In small matters trust your mind, but in the important decisions of life - trust your heart.'
surgery
on January 18, 2001, at the age of 65. His unexpected passing sent shock waves through the media and across the country that admired him as much for his charity and his indefatigable spirit as for the enormous body of work that he had achieved over his career. The Toronto neighbourhood that his starring role in King of Kensington made famous, Kensington Market, erected a memorial to Waxman following his death.
of the Bee People, (prior to his work with The Look People
, The Royal Jelly Orchestra and various projects) was a founder of the Al Waxman Fan Club. The Fan Club began in 1984 following the heyday of the King of Kensington television show. Bee, his associates Clay Tyson (son of Ian and Sylvia
), Bazl Salazar, Bruce J. Scott and artist Max MacDonald would host parties and write songs in honour of Waxman. They even created a dance called "The Waxman Wiggle". Some other Bee People songtitles included: "Have Al Instead", "Al or Nothing", "UniversAl" and "Puff, The Waxman Poodle". While the Fan Club initially appeared to be a publicity stunt, this led to a long and successful association between Jaymz Bee and Al Waxman. Waxman attended some of the Fan Club events as organised by Bee, most of which raised money for charities such as The Canadian Cancer Foundation and Big Brother. Bee attended Waxman's funeral, and joined with his Fan Club to hold a wake
in Toronto
on 25 January 2001. They had a New Orleans-style funeral march with a jazz band and paraded from The Cameron House to Kensington Market where they recorded his hit TV theme song with Vezi Tayeb at Kensington Sound. The AWFC boasted over 1,000 card carrying members and while the bulk of members were from Toronto, some were as far away as Japan and Africa. President Bee received a terse reply from Buckingham Palace however, notifying him that The Queen does not "join a fan club". Al Waxman realized over the years that this organization, while appearing tongue in cheek, was a group of bonafide fans who enjoyed celebrating "the King of Canada". Members of the now dormant AWFC can still be seen wandering through Kensington Market to shake the hand of the Al Waxman statue that resides there.
Order of Canada
The Order of Canada is a Canadian national order, admission into which is, within the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada, the second highest honour for merit...
, O.Ont
Order of Ontario
The Order of Ontario is the most prestigious official honour in the Canadian province of Ontario. Instituted in 1986 by Lieutenant Governor Lincoln Alexander, on the advice of the Cabinet under Premier David Peterson, the civilian order is administered by the Governor-in-Council and is intended to...
(March 2, 1935 – January 18, 2001) was a Canadian
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
and director
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
of over 1000 productions on radio, television, film, and stage. He is best known for his starring roles in the television series King of Kensington
King of Kensington
King of Kensington was a Canadian television sitcom which aired on CBC Television from 1975 to 1980.The show starred Al Waxman as Larry King, a convenience store owner in Toronto's Kensington Market who was known for helping friends and neighbours solve problems. His multicultural group of friends...
(CBC
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, commonly known as CBC and officially as CBC/Radio-Canada, is a Canadian crown corporation that serves as the national public radio and television broadcaster...
) and Cagney & Lacey
Cagney & Lacey
Cagney & Lacey is an American television series that originally aired on the CBS television network for seven seasons from October 8, 1981 to May 16, 1988...
(CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
).
Early life
Waxman was born in Toronto to Jewish immigrants from PolandPoland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
.
His parents operated and owned Melinda Lunch, a small restaurant. His father, Aaron Waxman, died when Al was nine.
Career
Waxman's career began at the age of twelve on CBC radio but it wasn't until 1975, when he began playing the role of Larry King on CBC's King of Kensington (1975–1980), that he became a Canadian icon.In the 1980 award winning film Atlantic City starring Burt Lancaster
Burt Lancaster
Burton Stephen "Burt" Lancaster was an American film actor noted for his athletic physique and distinctive smile...
, Waxman appeared as a rich cocaine buyer with a seemingly endless amount of cash.
During the 1980s Waxman starred as the gruff but endearing Lt Bert Samuels in the highly successful CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
television drama Cagney & Lacey (1982–1988).
During the 1990s Waxman appeared in a variety of films and television shows but began spending more time acting and directing in the theatre. He was also a founding member of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television
Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television
The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television is a Canadian non-profit organization created in 1979 to recognize over 4,000 Canadian film industry and television industry professionals...
.
In 1997 he was awarded the best actor Gemini Award
Gemini Award
The Gemini Awards are annual television broadcasting industry awards in Canada.First awarded in 1986, the Geminis celebrate the achievements of TV members of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. Essentially, it presents awards for the best television productions in Canada. Awards are...
for his performance in the television film Net Worth
Net Worth (TV film)
Net Worth is a 1995 television film that starred Aidan Devine, Al Waxman, R.H. Thomson and Kevin Conway. It was directed by Jerry Ciccoritti from a script written by Don Truckey, Phil Savath, David Cruise and Allison Griffiths...
.
Waxman also appeared at the Stratford Festival
Stratford Festival of Canada
The Stratford Shakespeare Festival is an internationally recognized annual celebration of theatre running from April to November in the Canadian city of Stratford, Ontario...
, beginning with his critically acclaimed performance as Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman
Death of a Salesman
Death of a Salesman is a 1949 play written by American playwright Arthur Miller. It was the recipient of the 1949 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Tony Award for Best Play. Premiered at the Morosco Theatre in February 1949, the original production ran for a total of 742 performances.-Plot :Willy Loman...
in 1997. He also directed a memorable Anne Frank at the Stratford Festival in 2000. He was to return to Stratford for his highly anticipated portrayal of Shylock
Shylock
Shylock is a fictional character in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice.-In the play:In The Merchant of Venice, Shylock is a Jewish moneylender who lends money to his Christian rival, Antonio, setting the security at a pound of Antonio's flesh...
in The Merchant of Venice
The Merchant of Venice
The Merchant of Venice is a tragic comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. Though classified as a comedy in the First Folio and sharing certain aspects with Shakespeare's other romantic comedies, the play is perhaps most remembered for its dramatic...
in 2001. In the wake of Waxman's death one month before rehearsals were to begin Paul Soles
Paul Soles
Paul Robert Soles is a Canadian actor and television personality.-Acting roles:He is best known as the voice of Hermie the misfit elf in Rankin/Bass' Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in 1964....
accepted the part of Shylock and the play was performed in honour of Waxman.
His last television role was as celestial Judge Othneil in Twice in a Lifetime
Twice in a Lifetime (TV series)
Twice in a Lifetime is a Canadian mystery/drama series that originally aired from 1999 to 2001. Created by Steve Sohmer, the series aired on CTV in Canada and PAX in the United States.-Synopsis:...
(1999–2001). The last episode on which he worked right up until the afternoon before his elective heart bypass surgery was about a man, popular in his community, who needed routine bypass surgery but died during the operation. Although some sections of the episode were rewritten, at the end of this final episode Waxman's character is asked rhetorically 'why do the good die young' to which he has no answer. He's then told 'you were quite a warrior'. His response - not merely the end of the episode, but one of Waxman's last lines ever recorded, and spoken with a smile of resignation from the heavens - was: 'I had my day'.
Throughout his career he responded to the need for his services in community work and was involved with charitable causes from coast to coast. He was spokesperson for organizations such as United Appeal, United Jewish Appeal, Israel Bonds, Variety Club, the Muscular Dystrophy Telethons, and Big Brothers (for which he also became an honorary member). From June 1979 to June 1981 he was the National Campaign Chairman for the Canadian Cancer Society
Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based charitable organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of those living with the disease....
, and from 1988-1989 he was an official spokesperson for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario. Together with his wife, Sara Waxman, he also created the Sara and Al Waxman Neo-Natal Unit at the Shaare Zedek Medical Centre in Jerusalem.
Al Waxman was accorded many tributes for his volunteer and philanthropic work. In 1978 he was honoured with the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal. In 1989 he was the recipient of the B'nai Brith of Canada Humanitarian Award. In 1996 Waxman was inducted into the Order of Ontario
Order of Ontario
The Order of Ontario is the most prestigious official honour in the Canadian province of Ontario. Instituted in 1986 by Lieutenant Governor Lincoln Alexander, on the advice of the Cabinet under Premier David Peterson, the civilian order is administered by the Governor-in-Council and is intended to...
and in 1997 into the Order of Canada
Order of Canada
The Order of Canada is a Canadian national order, admission into which is, within the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada, the second highest honour for merit...
. In 1998 he was given the Earle Grey Award
Earle Grey Award
The Earle Grey Award is the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Canadian Gemini Awards. The Earle Grey Award is presented annually to an actor or actress in recognition of their body of work in television...
for lifetime achievement in Canadian television. A statue erected for his popularity as a Canadian star actor, director, and humanitarian stands in Kensington Market
Kensington Market
Kensington Market is a distinctive multicultural neighbourhood in Downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Market is an older neighbourhood and one of the city's most well-known. In November 2006, it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada. Robert Fulford wrote in 1999 that "Kensington...
. The inscription in front of it reads 'There's lots to do down the road, there's always more. Trust your gut instincts. In small matters trust your mind, but in the important decisions of life - trust your heart.'
Death
He died in Toronto during heartHuman heart
The human heart is a muscular organ that provides a continuous blood circulation through the cardiac cycle and is one of the most vital organs in the human body...
surgery
Surgery
Surgery is an ancient medical specialty that uses operative manual and instrumental techniques on a patient to investigate and/or treat a pathological condition such as disease or injury, or to help improve bodily function or appearance.An act of performing surgery may be called a surgical...
on January 18, 2001, at the age of 65. His unexpected passing sent shock waves through the media and across the country that admired him as much for his charity and his indefatigable spirit as for the enormous body of work that he had achieved over his career. The Toronto neighbourhood that his starring role in King of Kensington made famous, Kensington Market, erected a memorial to Waxman following his death.
Fan club
Musician Jaymz BeeJaymz Bee
Jaymz Bee is a Canadian musician, writer and radio personality.-Personal life:Jaymz was born and raised in North Bay, Ontario. He is a graduate of Inglenook Community High School.-Early career:...
of the Bee People, (prior to his work with The Look People
The Look People
Look People was a Canadian alternative rock band in the 1980s and 1990s. They had a moderate hit in 1991 with a cover of War's "Low Rider", and received five CASBY Award nominations for their CD Small Fish, Big Pond....
, The Royal Jelly Orchestra and various projects) was a founder of the Al Waxman Fan Club. The Fan Club began in 1984 following the heyday of the King of Kensington television show. Bee, his associates Clay Tyson (son of Ian and Sylvia
Ian and Sylvia
Ian & Sylvia were a Canadian folk and country music duo which consisted of Ian and Sylvia Tyson, née Fricker. They began performing together in 1959, married in 1964, and divorced and stopped performing together in 1975.-Early lives:...
), Bazl Salazar, Bruce J. Scott and artist Max MacDonald would host parties and write songs in honour of Waxman. They even created a dance called "The Waxman Wiggle". Some other Bee People songtitles included: "Have Al Instead", "Al or Nothing", "UniversAl" and "Puff, The Waxman Poodle". While the Fan Club initially appeared to be a publicity stunt, this led to a long and successful association between Jaymz Bee and Al Waxman. Waxman attended some of the Fan Club events as organised by Bee, most of which raised money for charities such as The Canadian Cancer Foundation and Big Brother. Bee attended Waxman's funeral, and joined with his Fan Club to hold a wake
Wake (ceremony)
A wake is a ceremony associated with death. Traditionally, a wake takes place in the house of the deceased, with the body present; however, modern wakes are often performed at a funeral home. In the United States and Canada it is synonymous with a viewing...
in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
on 25 January 2001. They had a New Orleans-style funeral march with a jazz band and paraded from The Cameron House to Kensington Market where they recorded his hit TV theme song with Vezi Tayeb at Kensington Sound. The AWFC boasted over 1,000 card carrying members and while the bulk of members were from Toronto, some were as far away as Japan and Africa. President Bee received a terse reply from Buckingham Palace however, notifying him that The Queen does not "join a fan club". Al Waxman realized over the years that this organization, while appearing tongue in cheek, was a group of bonafide fans who enjoyed celebrating "the King of Canada". Members of the now dormant AWFC can still be seen wandering through Kensington Market to shake the hand of the Al Waxman statue that resides there.
Movies
- 1959: Sun In My Eyes
- 1962: The War LoverThe War LoverThe War Lover is a 1962 British black-and-white war film directed by Philip Leacock and written by Howard Koch loosely based on the 1959 novel, The War Lover by John Hersey, altering the names of characters and events but retaining its basic framework...
- 1963: The Victors
- 1968: Isabel
- 1970: The Last Act of Martin Weston
- 1974: Vengeance Is Mine
- 1975: The Clown MurdersThe Clown MurdersThe Clown Murders is a 1976 horror film directed by Martyn Burke. It was one of the earliest films in which John Candy appears. The Executive Producer was Stephen Stohn, who now produces the Degrassi: The Next Generation TV series.-Plot:...
- 1975: My Pleasure is my Business
- 1979: Wild Horse HankWild Horse HankWild Horse Hank is a movie filmed in 1978 directed by Eric Till starring Linda Blair, Michael Wincott and Richard Crenna. The movie is based on the teen novel The Wild Horse Killers, written by Mel Ellis in 1978.- Plot :...
- 1980: Atlantic City
- 1980: Double NegativeDeadly CompanionDeadly Companion is a 1980 Canadian mystery film based on the novel The Three Roads by Ross Macdonald.-Plot:...
- 1981: Heavy MetalHeavy Metal (film)Heavy Metal is a 1981 Canadian fantasy-animated film directed by Gerald Potterton and produced by Ivan Reitman and Leonard Mogel, who also was the publisher of Heavy Metal magazine....
(voice only) - 1981: TulipsTulips (film)Tulips is a 1981 comedy-drama movie directed by Rex Bromfield, Mark Warren, and Al Waxman, and starring Gabe Kaplan and Bernadette Peters.-Summary:Leland Irving is depressed and lonely but his attempts at suicide are unsuccessful...
- 1982: Class of 1984Class of 1984Class of 1984 is a 1982 action-thriller movie about a newly hired music teacher at a troubled inner city school, where students have to pass through a metal detector due to problems with gangs, drugs, and violence. It was directed by Mark L...
- 1983: SpasmsSpasms-Plot:Jason Kincaid has this massive serpent captured and brought to the US because it killed his brother and he now shares some kind of psychic link with it...
- 1987: Meatballs IIIMeatballs IIIMeatballs III: Summer Job is a 1986 film that was the third installment in the Meatballs film series, and the first in the series to be Rated R. Unlike Meatballs Part II, this film follows Rudy , grown up and working on a summer job for an angry boss named Mean Gene...
- 1988: Switching ChannelsSwitching ChannelsSwitching Channels not to be confused with channel surfing is a 1988 American comedy film remake of The Front Page . It stars Kathleen Turner as Christy Colleran, Burt Reynolds as John L...
- 1989: Collision CourseCollision Course (film)Collision Course is a 1989 action-comedy film starring Jay Leno as a Detroit police officer and Pat Morita as a Japanese cop forced to work together to recover a Japanese turbocharger stolen by villainous Chris Sarandon. It was directed by Lewis Teague and unreleased in the U.S. until 1992, when it...
- 1989: Malarek
- 1989: MillenniumMillennium (film)Millennium is a 1989 film directed by Michael Anderson and starring Kris Kristofferson, Cheryl Ladd, Robert Joy, Brent Carver, Al Waxman and Daniel J. Travanti. The original music score was composed by Eric N. Robertson...
- 1990: Mob StoryMob StoryMob Story is a Canadian film. The story is about a New York gangster who is forced to go on the run and hides out in the small town where he grew up.It was filmed in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada....
- 1991: Cerro Torre: Scream of Stone
- 1991: The HitmanThe Hitman (film)The Hitman is a 1991 action/crime film starring Chuck Norris. It was directed by Aaron Norris and written by Don Carmody, Robert Geoffrion and Galen Thompson.-Plot:...
- 1991: White LightWhite LightWhite Light may refer to:*Light with the color white*White Light , a 1980 novel by Rudy Rucke*White Light , 1971 album*White Light , 2010 album...
- 1992: Black DeathBlack DeathThe Black Death was one of the most devastating pandemics in human history, peaking in Europe between 1348 and 1350. Of several competing theories, the dominant explanation for the Black Death is the plague theory, which attributes the outbreak to the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Thought to have...
- 1992: Live WireLive Wire (film)Live Wire is a 1992 action movie, written by Bart Baker, directed by Christian Duguay and starring Pierce Brosnan, Ron Silver, Ben Cross and Lisa Eilbacher....
- 1992: The Diamond FleeceThe Diamond FleeceThe Diamond Fleece is a 1992 Canadian made-for-television film directed by Al Waxman and starring Ben Cross, Kate Nelligan and Brian Dennehy...
- 1994: Death Junction
- 1994: Operation Golden PhoenixOperation Golden PhoenixOperation Golden Phoenix is an annual preparedness exercise conducted in the southern California area which includes participation of civil, military and volunteer organizations...
- 1995: Net Worth (TV film)Net Worth
- 1995: Iron Eagle IVIron Eagle IVIron Eagle on the Attack, also known as Iron Eagle IV, is a 1995 direct-to-video action film directed by Sidney J. Furie and is the fourth installment in the Iron Eagle series. It stars Louis Gossett, Jr. reprising his role once again as retired Gen. Charles "Chappy" Sinclair...
- 1996: BogusBogus (film)Bogus is a 1996 American fantasy film directed by Norman Jewison, written by Alvin Sargent, and starring Whoopi Goldberg, Gerard Depardieu, and Haley Joel Osment. It features magic tricks with magician Whit Haydn as consultant. It did poorly at the box office and Goldberg was nominated for a Razzie...
- 1997: The Assignment
- 1997: Critical CareCritical Care (film)Critical Care is a 1997 film directed by Sidney Lumet. The film is a satire about American medicine. It is based on the novel by Richard Dooling and stars James Spader, Kyra Sedgwick, Anne Bancroft, Helen Mirren, Jeffrey Wright, and Albert Brooks. Rick Baker provided special makeup effects...
- 1998: At the End of the Day: The Sue Rodriguez StoryAt the End of the Day: The Sue Rodriguez StoryAt the End of the Day: The Sue Rodriguez Story is a 1998 Canadian documentary/drama film about the life of Canadian right to die advocate Sue Rodriguez....
- 1998: Summer's End
- 1999: The HurricaneThe Hurricane (1999 film)The Hurricane is a 1999 biographical film directed by Norman Jewison, and starring Denzel Washington. The script was adapted by Armyan Bernstein and Dan Gordon from the books Lazarus and the Hurricane by Sam Chaiton and Terry Swinton and The Sixteenth Round by Rubin "Hurricane" Carter.The film...
Television series
- 1975-1980: King of KensingtonKing of KensingtonKing of Kensington was a Canadian television sitcom which aired on CBC Television from 1975 to 1980.The show starred Al Waxman as Larry King, a convenience store owner in Toronto's Kensington Market who was known for helping friends and neighbours solve problems. His multicultural group of friends...
- 1981: Circus InternationalCircus InternationalCircus International is a Canadian documentary television miniseries which aired on CBC Television in 1981.-Premise:Episodes followed circus entertainers in situations such as rehearsals. Al Waxman hosted this series. Circus troupes from Moscow and China were included in the series...
- 1982-1988: Cagney & LaceyCagney & LaceyCagney & Lacey is an American television series that originally aired on the CBS television network for seven seasons from October 8, 1981 to May 16, 1988...
- 1990-1991: Missing Treasures
- 1997: Simply Wine and Cheese
- 1999-2001: Twice in a LifetimeTwice in a Lifetime (TV series)Twice in a Lifetime is a Canadian mystery/drama series that originally aired from 1999 to 2001. Created by Steve Sohmer, the series aired on CTV in Canada and PAX in the United States.-Synopsis:...
Television Appearances
- 1965: For the PeopleFor the PeopleFor The People is the debut album from Hip Hop collective Boot Camp Clik, consisting of Buckshot from Black Moon, Cocoa Brovaz, formerly known as Smif-N-Wessun, Heltah Skeltah and O.G.C. The crew officially organized in 1995, with all eight members appearing on the song "Cession At Da Doghillee"...
- 1969: Adventures in Rainbow CountryAdventures in Rainbow CountryAdventures in Rainbow Country was a Canadian television series, which aired on CBC Television in 1970 and 1971.A half hour family drama, the show starred Lois Maxwell as Nancy Williams, a widow raising her children Billy and Hannah in rural Northern Ontario...
- 1979, 1983-1984: The Littlest HoboThe Littlest HoboThe Littlest Hobo is a Canadian television series based upon a 1958 American film of the same name directed by Charles R. Rondeau. The series first aired from 1963 to 1965 in syndication, and was revived for a popular second run on CTV from October 11, 1979 to March 7, 1985.All three productions...
- 1985: Night HeatNight HeatNight Heat is a Canadian police drama series, which aired on CTV from 1985 to 1991. The show also aired on CBS in the United States from 1987 to 1993 and was the first Canadian-produced drama series to air on an American network...
- 1986: Philip Marlowe, Private EyePhilip Marlowe, Private EyePhilip Marlowe, Private Eye is a mystery series that aired on ITV in the United Kingdom and on HBO in the United States from April 16, 1983 through June 3, 1986. The series featured Powers Boothe as Raymond Chandler's titular character, and was the first drama produced for HBO.-Synopsis:The series...
- 1988: My Secret IdentityMy Secret IdentityMy Secret Identity is a Canadian television series starring Jerry O'Connell and Derek McGrath. Originally broadcast from September 1, 1988 to May 1, 1991 on CTV in Canada, the series also aired in syndication in the United States.-Synopsis:...
- 1988: Street LegalStreet Legal (TV series)Street Legal is a Canadian television series, which aired on CBC Television from 1987 to 1994.-Synopsis:A spinoff from the 1985 television movie Shellgame, Street Legal focused on the professional and private lives of the partners in a small Toronto, Ontario law firm, Barr, Robinovitch and Tchobanian...
- 1988-1989: Alfred Hitchcock PresentsAlfred Hitchcock PresentsAlfred Hitchcock Presents is an American television anthology series hosted by Alfred Hitchcock. The series featured dramas, thrillers, and mysteries. By the premiere of the show on October 2, 1955, Hitchcock had been directing films for over three decades...
- 1989: Hard Time on Planet EarthHard Time on Planet EarthHard Time on Planet Earth is a short-lived American science fiction series that aired on CBS as a midseason replacement in 1989. Airing for 13 episodes, the series starred Martin Kove and was created by Jim and John Thomas....
- 1989: Murder, She WroteMurder, She WroteMurder, She Wrote is an American television mystery series starring Angela Lansbury as mystery writer and amateur detective Jessica Fletcher. The series aired for 12 seasons from 1984 to 1996 on the CBS network, with 264 episodes transmitted. It was followed by four TV films and a spin-off series,...
- 1993: Sweating BulletsTropical HeatTropical Heat was a Canadian TV series produced in cooperation with Mexico and Israel that aired between 1991 and 1993 ....
- 1994: They Eat Horses, Don't They?
- 1996: Ace Ventura: Pet DetectiveAce Ventura: Pet DetectiveAce Ventura: Pet Detective is a 1994 American comedy film directed by Tom Shadyac and starring Jim Carrey. It co-stars Courteney Cox, Tone Loc, Sean Young and former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino....
- 1998: Due SouthDue SouthDue South is a Canadian crime drama series with elements of comedy. The series was created by Paul Haggis, produced by Alliance Communications, and stars Paul Gross, David Marciano, and latterly Callum Keith Rennie...
- 1998: Twitch CityTwitch CityTwitch City is a Canadian sitcom produced by CBC Television. The series aired as two short runs in 1998 and 2000. The series also aired in the United States on Bravo, and in Australia....
- 1998-2000: Power PlayPower Play (TV series)Power Play was a Canadian television drama series, which aired on CTV from 1998 to 2000. The series was filmed at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario....
Television specials
- 1961: The Hired Gun
- 1963: Man in the MiddleMan in the Middle (film)Man in the Middle is a 1963 film, starring Robert Mitchum and directed by Guy Hamilton. The movie, set in World War II India, tells the story of the murder trial of an American Army officer who killed a British soldier. Mitchum plays Lieut. Col. Barney Adams, who has been assigned as the accused...
- 1967: Do Not Fold, Staple, Or Spindle, Or Mutilate
- 1967: Counter Etiquette. Part 1
- 1970: The Last Act of Martin Weston
- 1971: When Michael CallsWhen Michael CallsWhen Michael Calls is a Thriller-drama television movie directed by Philip Leacock and starred Elizabeth Ashley, Ben Gazzara and Michael Douglas.-Plot:...
- 1972: The Sloane Affair
- 1974: A Star is Lost!
- 1979: Please Don't Eat the Planet (voice only)
- 1979: Intergalactic ThanksgivingIntergalactic ThanksgivingIntergalactic Thanksgiving is the fourth television special from the Canadian animation company, Nelvana.-Story:...
(voice only) - 1981: Cagney & LaceyCagney & LaceyCagney & Lacey is an American television series that originally aired on the CBS television network for seven seasons from October 8, 1981 to May 16, 1988...
(pilot TV movie) - 1988: The Return of Ben Casey
- 1990: Maggie's Secret
- 1990: Back to the Beanstalk
- 1991: I Still Dream of JeannieI Still Dream of JeannieI Still Dream of Jeannie is a 1991 made-for-television reunion film based on the 1965-70 series I Dream of Jeannie which aired on NBC on October 20, 1991 and produced by Columbia Pictures Television....
- 1992: Quiet Killer
- 1992: The Diamond FleeceThe Diamond FleeceThe Diamond Fleece is a 1992 Canadian made-for-television film directed by Al Waxman and starring Ben Cross, Kate Nelligan and Brian Dennehy...
- 1992: Teamster Boss: The Jackie Presser Story
- 1992: The Trial of Red Riding Hood
- 1994: Cagney & Lacey: The Return
- 1994: Web of Deceit
- 1994: I Know My Son Is Alive
- 1994: Death Junction
- 1995: The Shamrock Conspiracy
- 1996: Gotti
- 1996: Holiday Affair
- 1997: Rescuers: Stories of Courage
- 1998: Naked City: A Killer at Christmas
- 1999: In the Company of Spies
- 1999: A Saintly SwitchA Saintly SwitchA Saintly Switch is a made for TV comedy film directed by film director, Peter Bogdanovich and produced in 1999 in by Walt Disney Animations, first exhibited on The Wonderful World of Disney. The plot revolves around an aging NFL quarterback and his stay-at-home wife switching bodies...
- 1999: Unforgettable: 100 Years Remembered
- 2000: The Ride
- 2000: The Thin Blue LieThe Thin Blue LieThe Thin Blue Lie is a made for television film released on August 13, 2000 about Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Jonathan Neumann , who, along with his partner Phil Chadway , won the Pulitzer Prize in 1978 for a series of articles exposing Philadelphia mayor Frank Rizzo and the Philadelphia...
- 2000: Life with Judy Garland: Me and My ShadowsLife with Judy Garland: Me and My ShadowsLife with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows is a 2001 television film based on the memoirs of Lorna Luft, the daughter of Garland. The production is notable for its meticulous recreations of her films and concerts, and verisimilitudinous impressions of her by Tammy Blanchard and Judy Davis.The film,...
(released posthumously) - 2000: What Makes a FamilyWhat Makes a FamilyWhat Makes a Family is a 2001 television movie from Lifetime Television. The film premiered on the network on January 22, 2001.-Plot:Based on a true story, the movie involves a lesbian couple living in Florida who choose to have a child...
(released posthumously) - 2000: Messiah From Montreal (released posthumously)
External links
- Northern Stars: Al Waxman
- Jam: Al Waxman
- Canadian Jewish News obituary (25 January 2001)
- Toronto Star obituary (18 January 2001)
- NOW magazine obituary by Jaymz Bee