Al Waxman


Biography

Destined to become one of Canada's leading actors, Al Waxman was inspired after seeing "The Jolson Story" at age nine. He went on to study acting at the University of Western Ontario, the Neighborhood Playhouse under Lee Strasberg, and the London School of Film Technique. By the '60s, he was landing roles on Canadian television. He would go on to earn credits as a writer, director and pr...

Biography

Destined to become one of Canada's leading actors, Al Waxman was inspired after seeing "The Jolson Story" at age nine. He went on to study acting at the University of Western Ontario, the Neighborhood Playhouse under Lee Strasberg, and the London School of Film Technique. By the '60s, he was landing roles on Canadian television. He would go on to earn credits as a writer, director and producer, but was undoubtedly best known as a actor. In 1975, Waxman became a household name in Canada as the lead on the popular sitcom "King of Kensington." He broke through to American audiences in the '80s, as Lieutenant Samuels on the crime drama "Cagney & Lacey." The show was critically lauded and ran for seven seasons. Waxman's portrayal as the gruff cop with a heart of gold earned him fame, acclaim, and the rank of honorary lieutenant, awarded by the New York City Police Department in 1986. In a career spanning 41 years, Waxman made 83 appearances in television and film, and accrued many accolades. Also a noted philanthropist, he's been awarded a number of honors in his homeland including the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal, the B'nai Brith of Canada Humanitarian Award, and the Earle Grey Award for lifetime achievement in Canadian television. After his death during surgery, a statue of his likeness was erected in his honor at Kensington Market, the locale of his first hit show.

Filmography

 

Director (Feature Film)

The Diamond Fleece (1992)
Director
White Light (1991)
Director

Cast (Feature Film)

What Makes a Family (2001)
Frank Cataldi
The Thin Blue Lie (2000)
The Hurricane (1999)
In the Company of Spies (1999)
Myron Sindell
At The End Of The Day: The Sue Rodriguez Story (1999)
John Hofsess
A Saintly Switch (1999)
Naked City: A Killer Christmas (1998)
Burt
The Assignment (1997)
Carl Mickens--Cia
Critical Care (1997)
Rescuers: Stories of Courage: Two Women (1997)
Holiday Affair (1996)
Bogus (1996)
School Principal
Iron Eagle IV (1995)
The Shamrock Conspiracy (1995)
O'Connor
Operation Golden Phoenix (1994)
Cagney & Lacey: The Return (1994)
Lieutenant Samuels
I Know My Son Is Alive (1994)
Herb
Quiet Killer (1992)
Mayor Andrew Carmichael
Collision Course (1992)
Teamster Boss: The Jackie Presser Story (1992)
Schrei aus Stein (1991)
The Hitman (1991)
I Still Dream of Jeannie (1991)
General Wescott
Millennium (1989)
Dr Brindle
Mob Story (1989)
Sam
Malarek (1989)
Switching Channels (1988)
Meatballs (Part 3) (1987)
Saint Peter
Spasms (1986)
Warren Crowley
Class of 1984 (1982)
Detective Stawiski
Heavy Metal (1981)
Voice
Cagney & Lacey (1981)
Double Negative (1981)
D'Allasandro
Atlantic City (1980)
Wild Horse Hank (1979)
Jay Connors
The Clown Murders (1976)
Police Officer
When Michael Calls (1972)
Sheriff Hap Washbrook
Isabel (1968)
Herb
Man in the Middle (1964)
Corporal Zimmerman
The Victors (1963)
The War Lover (1962)
Prien

Director (Special)

Maggie's Secret (1990)
Director

Cast (Special)

Empire of the Bay (2000)
The Trial of Red Riding Hood (1994)
Judge Fairly

Cast (TV Mini-Series)

Life With Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows (2001)
Louis B Mayer
The Reindeer Hunter (Do Not Use) (1995)
Voice
The Return of Ben Casey (1988)

Life Events

Bibliography