In 1978, James Garner won the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Male TV Performer. More recently, you may have seen him in a new TV role — as spokesman for Financial Freedom, a lender that offers reverse mortgages.

Reverse mortgages can offer a financial boost for older homeowners who are house-rich but cash-poor. These loans let seniors who are at least 62 draw on a portion of their home equity while living in their home. When they die or move out, they or their heirs repay the amount, plus the accrued interest, with the money from the sale of the house. If the house sells for less than the amount owed, the lender eats the difference.