Sandy Webster

Alexander (Sandy) Webster (January 30, 1923 - March 22, 2017) was a Canadian actor, best known for his regular supporting role as forensic investigator Dr. Chisholm in the drama television series The Great Detective.^[1]

Background

Born and raised in Fort William, Ontario,^[2] he served in the Canadian Air Force during World War II, and subsequently studied at Queen's University.^[3] While at Queen's he was involved with campus radio station CFRC-FM, including acting in radio dramas and serving a stint as the station's program director.^[4]

Career

He began his career as an actor in CBC Radio dramas in the 1950s.^[2] On one occasion he had to fill in for more established actor Frank Peddie on short notice, but had not had time to prepare or create his own unique characterization in advance — so he simply performed the role as a straight imitation of Peddie's voice and style, and was so convincing that at least one newspaper singled out Peddie's performance for praise.^[2]

He also had film and television roles, with frequent performances in CBC Television anthology series such as First Performance, Encounter, Festival, Performance and For the Record. He portrayed Dr. Baird in the original 1956 teleplay Flight into Danger,^[5] as well as playing a doctor in the 1968 film The Best Damn Fiddler from Calabogie to Kaladar.^[6]

He was associated most prominently with stage roles,^[3] including regular roles at the Shaw Festival since its inception.^[7] He notably also originated the role of Wiff Roach in the original Tarragon Theatre production of David French's play Of the Fields, Lately in 1973.^[8]

He portrayed Canadian cabinet minister James Ralston in the 1988 television miniseries The King Chronicle,^[9] for which he received a Gemini Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Program or Series at the 3rd Gemini Awards in 1988.^[10]

He was also active in the Canadian Actors' Equity Association,^[11] serving a stint as president of the organization in the 1980s.^[12]