Gordon Jump Biography: Age, WKRP in Cincinnati, Net Worth, Maytag Commercials, Wife, Parents, Height, Children

Alexander Gordon Jump, also known as Gordon Jump, was a cherished American character actor and television veteran celebrated for his endearing, bumbling portrayals that added warmth and comedy to classic sitcoms.

Through his memorable role as Arthur Carlson in WKRP in Cincinnati and his long-running Maytag repairman commercials, he brought joy to millions, embodying the relatable everyman in American entertainment.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Alexander Gordon Jump
• Stage Name: Gordon Jump
• Born: April 1, 1932
• Age: 71 years old
• Died: September 22, 2003
• Birthplace: Dayton, Ohio, United States
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: American
• Occupation: Actor
• Height: 1.80 m
• Religion: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• Parents: Alexander Jump and Elizabeth Ann Morgan
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Olinda D. Kandt (married 1954, divorced 1962), Anna F. Inge Jump (married 1963, divorced 1992), Betty Sue McKeever (married 1993 until his death)
• Children: Cindy Jump, Kiva Jump, Maggi Jo Jump, Laura Jump, Chris Jump
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5 million USD

Early Life And Education

Alexander Gordon Jump was born on April 1, 1932, in Dayton, Ohio. He was brought up by his parents Alexander Jump and Elizabeth Ann Morgan in Centerville, a suburb of Dayton. He grew up having siblings whose details remain largely private.

He graduated from Centerville High School, attended Otterbein College, and earned a degree in journalism from Kansas State University in 1957, where he was involved in broadcasting and the Kappa Sigma fraternity. His ethnicity is American. His religion is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Career

Gordon Jump started his professional journey in radio and television stations across Kansas and Ohio, serving as a weather presenter, children’s show host, and producer. After relocating to Los Angeles in 1963, he transitioned into acting with guest appearances in shows like Daniel Boone and Get Smart.

He achieved lasting fame as the affable yet incompetent station manager Arthur “Big Guy” Carlson in the iconic sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982), a role he reprised in the spinoff The New WKRP in Cincinnati. Jump also became widely recognized as the lonely Maytag repairman “Ol’ Lonely” in a series of commercials from 1989 to 2003.

His extensive credits include guest spots on Diff’rent Strokes, Soap (as Chief of Police Tinkler), Growing Pains (as Ed Malone), and films such as Conquest of the Planet of the Apes. He appeared in several educational productions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and remained active in character roles until shortly before his passing in 2003 from pulmonary fibrosis.

His four-decade career highlighted his natural comedic talent and likable screen presence, making him a beloved figure in television history.

Social Media

• Alexander Gordon Jump does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

Alexander Gordon Jump was married three times. He first wed Olinda D. Kandt in 1954 (divorced 1962), then Anna F. Inge Jump in 1963 (divorced 1992), and finally Betty Sue McKeever in 1993, remaining together until his death.

He had five children: daughters Cindy Jump, Kiva Jump, Maggi Jo Jump, Laura Jump, and son Chris Jump. No other past relationships are prominently documented. He valued family life alongside his acting work. His height is 1.80 m.

Net Worth

Alexander Gordon Jump’s net worth is estimated at $5 million USD. His income primarily came from television acting roles, long-running Maytag repairman commercials, recurring guest appearances, and participation in church-produced educational films.

Filmography

• WKRP in Cincinnati (as Arthur “Big Guy” Carlson, 1978–1982)
• The New WKRP in Cincinnati (as Arthur Carlson, 1991–1993)
• Maytag Repairman commercials (as Ol’ Lonely, 1989–2003)
• Diff’rent Strokes (as Mr. Horton)
• Soap (as Chief of Police Tinkler)
• Growing Pains (as Ed Malone)
• Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (as auctioneer)
• The Singles Ward (as an airline passenger, 2002)
• The Fury (1978)
• Airport (1970)
• House Calls (1978)