Who Was The Lonely Maytag Man? The Story Behind The Icon

Jesse White, born Jesse Marc Weidenfeld on January 3, 1917, was a beloved American actor. He’s best known for his role as Ol’ Lonely, the repairman in Maytag television commercials from 1967 to 1988. White brought a touch of humor and warmth to the commercials, portraying a lonely man who longed for company and found solace in the reliability of Maytag appliances.

His character became an iconic symbol of Maytag’s commitment to quality and durability. He was so memorable that people would often refer to him as “the Maytag Man” or “Ol’ Lonely.” White’s portrayal was so convincing that viewers felt a genuine connection with him. It was almost as if he was a neighbor they knew personally.

Before finding his niche as the Maytag man, White had a varied career in acting and television. He had a small but memorable role in the 1955 film *Marty* which earned him an Academy Award nomination. He also made appearances in numerous television shows, including *The Phil Silvers Show*, *The Twilight Zone*, and *The Alfred Hitchcock Hour*.

However, it was his portrayal of the Maytag man that cemented his place in popular culture. His performance, along with the memorable jingle that accompanied the commercials, helped to make Maytag one of the most recognizable appliance brands in the world. White continued to play the Maytag man for over two decades, retiring from the role in 1988. He passed away on January 9, 1997, but his legacy as the Maytag man continues to live on.