Al Kaplon Biography

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Birth Name: Al (Alan) Kaplon

Born:

Birthplace: Woodland Hills, California

Fun Facts

  • Graduated from Taft High School in 1975
  • Went to Bill Kinamon professional umpire school on scholarship
  • Spent 10 years as Minor league baseball umpire
  • Went on to umpire in MLB until 1995
  • Has own production company
  • Appeared in 65-75 tv commercials
  • Appeared in several TV shows
  • Was cast as head referee in 2004 movie “Dodgeball”
  • Most recently he was cast as the referee in Southwest Airlines ad

Television Roles and Appearances

  • “American Gladiators” (2008) - Referee
  • “The Handler” (2004) Estate Manager (1 episode)
  • “Strong Medicine” (2003) - Softball Umpire (1 episode)
  • “Inside Schwartz” (2001) - Roomates Football Referee - (2 episodes)
  • “The X Files” (1999) - Umpire (1 episode)
  • “Leaving L.A.” (1997) - Softball Umpire (1 episode)

Movie Roles and Appearances

  • Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)
  • 61* (2001) - Memorial Stadium Umpire

Notable Commercials

  • Southwest Airlines - Referee who loses coin for coin toss
  • Cannon - Referee for pee-wee football game
  • Toyota - Plate umpire arguing with coach
  • Nike - plate umpire
  • Viagra - plate & first base umpire
  • Snickers  - referee in eye doctors office chair

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