Maytag Repairman too busy to be Mr. Lonely

BENTON HARBOR, Mich., April 2 (UPI) -- A guy from Richmond, Va., won't face the problem Jesse White, Gordon Jump and Hardy Rawls did: What to do to while away the hours as the Maytag Repairman.

Clay Jackson was selected the new Maytag Repairman from a nationwide search, Benton Harbor, Mich.-based Whirlpool Corp., Maytag's parent company, said in a news release. Jackson will play a major role in revitalizing the 100-year-old appliance brand of quality and dependability.

Jackson, a professional actor before selling real estate, said the chance "to combine my love of acting with being a spokesman for the Maytag brand was something I couldn't ignore."

He was selected from more than 1,500 audition participants.

Besides becoming the fourth Maytag Repairman in 40 years, Jackson will sport a new uniform and attitude -- and a full-time schedule of appearances and media promotion beginning in May, the company said.

"The new Maytag Repairman will help revitalize the Maytag brand and its heritage by keeping one foot in our past while putting the other in our future," said Jeff Davidoff, Maytag vice president, brand marketing and communications.