Murray Westgate

Murray Westgate was a seminal Canadian actor whose career spanned more than five decades, becoming an iconic figure in both broadcast advertising and dramatic television. Born on April 16, 1918 in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, Westgate first served his country as a radio operator in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II, an experience that honed his vocal skills and laid the groundwork for his later work in radio drama. After the war he migrated to Vancouver where he joined the Everyman Theatre, quickly establishing himself on stage before transitioning to CBC Radio where he performed in a variety of serialized dramas, showcasing a versatile talent that would define his later screen presence. In 1952 he entered the public consciousness as the friendly Esso attendant on the pioneering Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts, a role he sustained until 1968 and which made his face a household image across the nation. The longevity of the campaign cemented Westgate’s status as a beloved commercial pitchman, but also created a paradoxical type‑casting challenge, as casting directors sometimes hesitated to offer him roles beyond the fuel‑pump persona. Undeterred, he diversified his portfolio with guest spots on series such as Jake and the Kid, R.C.M.P., Seaway, House of Pride and Seeing Things, and delivered notable film performances including a Genie‑nominated supporting turn in Blue City Slammers and a portrayal of the Prime Minister in the adaptation of Two Solitudes. His dramatic range earned him an ACTRA Award in 1979 for the CBC television film Tyler, further affirming his artistry beyond commercial fame. In 2002 Westgate’s contributions were recognized with induction into the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, a testament to his impact on Canadian media culture. He concluded his acting journey in 1991 with a nostalgic reprise of the Esso attendant for Imperial Oil commercials aired during that year’s Stanley Cup playoffs, a fitting full‑circle moment that celebrated his enduring legacy. Westgate celebrated his 100th birthday on April 16, 2018, and passed away on August 27, 2018 at Toronto’s Sunnybrook Veterans Centre, leaving behind a rich tapestry of performances that continue to inspire Canadian actors and audiences alike.