Actor Al Waxman, who endeared himself to Canadians in the 1970s cbc sitcom The King of Kensington, died Jan. 18 at Toronto Western Hospital following heart bypass surgery. He was 65.

Known and loved for his work in theatre, tv and film, the Toronto-born actor’s long list of television credits also includes Cagney & Lacey, Power Play and Twice in a Lifetime.

Among his more notable big-screen ventures are Atlantic City, Millennium, Bogus and The Hurricane.

Well-respected by his peers, Waxman received numerous awards over the years, including Gemini, Emmy and Clio awards. He was named to the Order of Ontario in 1996 and the Order of Canada in 1997.

A past chairman of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, Waxman received the acct’s Earle Grey Award for his body of work in 1998.

He also penned an autobiography, That’s What I Am.

Waxman is survived by his wife Sarah, daughter Tobaron and son Adam.

His funeral was held Jan. 19 at Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto.

Next issue, Playback looks back on the life of Al Waxman.