Joseph Bottoms comes from a family deeply rooted in the arts—being one of four sons born to a sculptor, with each brother eventually finding their way into acting. Right after high school, Joseph Bottoms landed a major break, stepping into the lead role of the 1974 film The Dove, an epic tale inspired by a true story of a young sailor’s five-year solo journey around the globe. Under the mentorship of producer Gregory Peck, Joseph Bottoms brought depth and vulnerability to the character, portraying not just physical challenges but also inner turmoil. His performance was widely praised and earned him a Golden Globe Award—an early sign of his dramatic promise.
While that role put him on the map, it was television that gave Joseph Bottoms a platform for some of his most powerful work. In 1978, he delivered a standout performance in the acclaimed mini-series Holocaust, playing a courageous Jewish resistance fighter during World War II. That same year, Joseph Bottoms starred opposite Elizabeth Taylor in the Hallmark Hall of Fame production Return Engagement. Notably, Taylor herself had personally requested Joseph Bottoms for the part, drawn to his ability to embody the earnestness of a young student facing off against her seasoned professor character.
Joseph Bottoms continued to demonstrate his commitment to meaningful storytelling in 1981 when he took over the role in the New York stage production of Lanford Wilson’s The Fifth of July—a poignant exploration of life after the Vietnam War. He stepped in for his brother Timothy, marking Joseph Bottoms’ Broadway debut and further cementing his reputation as a serious, emotionally intelligent actor.
In the years that followed, Joseph Bottoms remained active primarily on television, appearing in a variety of roles across both prime-time and daytime series. From legal dramas like Street Legal to soap operas such as Santa Barbara, Joseph Bottoms consistently brought nuance to his performances. A unique highlight came in 1987 with the TV movie Island Sons, set in Hawaii—this project was special because it marked the only time all four Bottoms brothers—Joseph Bottoms, Timothy, Sam, and Ben—appeared together on screen, making it a rare family milestone in Hollywood history.
Well, when it comes to Joseph Bottoms, his highest-rated movie is definitely The Black Hole from 1979. Interestingly enough—though it might seem a bit surprising—Joseph Bottoms also has that same film listed as his lowest rated. Yeah, you heard that right: for Joseph Bottoms, The Black Hole (1979) holds both the top spot and the bottom in terms of ratings. It’s kind of ironic, isn’t it? But hey, that’s how the numbers stack up for Joseph Bottoms.