Alexander (Sandy) Webster ( - ) was a Canadian actor, perhaps best known for his regular supporting role as forensic investigator Dr. Chisholm in the drama television series The Great Detective."The Great Detective premieres January 17". Telegraph-Journal, January 13, 1979.

Background Born and raised in Fort William, Ontario,"Webster Used to Coping with Adversity". The Daily Gleaner, May 23, 1990. he served in the Canadian Air Force during World War II, and subsequently studied at Queen's University.Andy Pedersen, "Elder Statesman: Sandy Webster has acted on Canadian stages for nearly half a century. He is happy to say there is no end in sight". Halifax Daily News, February 17, 1995. 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.Eric Arthur Zimmerman, In the Shadow of the Shield: The Development of Wireless Telegraphy and Radio Broadcasting in Kingston and at Queen's University : an Oral and Documentary History, 1902-1957. Ontario Heritage Foundation, 1991. .

Career He began his career as an actor on stage and in CBC Radio dramas in the 1950s. 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.

He was associated most prominently with stage roles, including regular roles at the Shaw Festival since its inception.Deirdre Kelly, "Shaw gets a gift for its birthday". The Globe and Mail, July 21, 1986. 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.John Fraser, "Of the Fields low key but brilliant". The Globe and Mail, October 1, 1973.

On screen, Webster had roles in theatrical film and television, with frequent performances on CBC Television anthology series such as General Motors Theatre (1955–61), First Performance (1957, 1958), Festival (1961–66), Performance (1975), and For the Record (1976). He portrayed Dr. Baird in the original 1956 teleplay Flight into Danger,Nik Havert, The Golden Age of Disaster Cinema: A Guide to the Films, 1950-1979. McFarland & Company, 2019. . p. 18. as well as playing a doctor in the 1968 film The Best Damn Fiddler from Calabogie to Kaladar."Show Stars Kate Reid". Saint John Times-Globe, August 10, 1968.

He portrayed Canadian cabinet minister James Ralston in the 1988 television miniseries The King Chronicle,Tony Atherton, "TV's King compelling portrait". Ottawa Citizen, March 26, 1988. 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.Henry Mietkiewicz, "Nominated for Canadian TV's best: The Gemini Awards". Toronto Star, October 13, 1988.

He was also active in the Canadian Actors' Equity Association,Zena Cherry, "Two awards given for service to theatre". The Globe and Mail, March 6, 1979. serving a stint as president of the organization in the 1980s."Fusco to serve as Equity president". The Globe and Mail, December 11, 1985.

Personal life and death In 1959 Webster married Ruth Marie Fennel, who died in 2015. They had three children. Webster died in Toronto, Ontario of complications from Alzheimer's disease.

Filmography

+ Sandy Webster film and television credits Year Title Role Notes 1955 Scope 1 episode 1955–1958 On Camera (various) 9 episodes 1955–1958 Folio (various) 3 episodes 1955–1961 General Motors Theatre (various) 14 episodes 1956 It's the Law 1 episode 1956 The Cage Theatrical short film 1956 Encounter Dr. Baird Episode: Flight into Danger 1957–1958 Explorations Self / Red Keller 3 episodes. Documentary 1957, 1958 First Performance 2 episodes 1958–1960 The Unforeseen 1959 Lord Elgin: Voice of the People Major Campbell Theatrical film 1960 Just Mary 1960 R.C.M.P. Dr. Wright 1 episode 1961 The Conquest of Cobbletown Television film 1961–1964 Playdate (various) 3 episodes 1961–1966 Festival (various) 5 episodes 1962 Scarlett Hill 1 episode 1963–1965 The Forest Rangers (various) 3 episodes 1966 Seaway McSorley 1 episode 1966 Wojeck 1 episode 1968 The Best Damn Fiddler from Calabogie to Kaladar Doctor Theatrical Film 1974 Dr. Simon Locke Bartender 1 episode. AKA Police Surgeon 1974 Running Time Police Captain Theatrical film 1974 The National Dream: Building the Impossible Railway Marcus Smith Television mini-series 1975 Performance 1 episode 1976 For the Record 1 episode 1977 Who Has Seen the Wind Judge Mortimer Theatrical Film 1979 Lost and Found Dr. Bryce Theatrical film 1979 The Littlest Hobo Mayor 1 episode 1979 King of Kensington Andy 1 episode 1979–1982 The Great Detective Dr. Archie Chisholm 22 episodes 1980 Nothing Personal Marshal #1 Theatrical film 1982, 1983 Hangin' In Ted 2 episodes 1987 Blue Monkey Fred Adams Theatrical film 1988 The King Chronicle James Ralston Television mini-series. Part 3: "Mackenzie King and the Zombie Army" 1989 Street Legal Richard Duguay 1 episode 1989 C.B.C.'s Magic Hour Announcer Episode: "The Rookies" (TV movie) 1990 War of the Worlds Gunther 1 episode 1990 Maniac Mansion Mr. Dodsworth 1 episode 1991 Katts and Dog 1 episode 1995 A Holiday to Remember Mr. Dave Television film 1996 Due South Murray 1 episode 1999–2000 Wind at My Back Harmon Drakeford 3 episodes

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