Who is Hiram A. Murray?

Hiram A. Murray was a well-known commercial actor in the late 1980s and early 1990s, whose distinct voice and lively performances earned him a loyal following among TV viewers of that era.

Murray was born in New York City in 1950 and showed an early interest in performance, leading him to study theater at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in the early 1970s. However, his big break came in the world of advertising, when he landed a gig as a voiceover artist for a popular soda company's radio ads in the mid-1970s.

From there, Murray's career snowballed, as he landed one commercial after another, often playing the roles of husband, father, or neighbor in relatable scenarios that viewers could identify with. He became known for his friendly demeanor, his clear delivery, and his ability to switch from serious to humorous tone on a dime.

Perhaps his most iconic role was as the spokesman for a discount furniture chain in the late 1980s, where he used his distinct voice to promote the store's low prices and stylish furniture pieces. The accompanying jingle, which sang of the store's "Couch potato section," became a cultural touchstone of the era.

Murray's career began to decline in the late 1990s as the advertising industry moved towards more diverse representation and Murray's brand of commercial acting fell out of favor. However, his legacy as a quintessential "everyman" commercial actor remains, and his work continues to be celebrated by fans online who remember fondly his relatable performances and his unmistakable voice.