Al Waxman

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.