Joseph Maher, a veteran character actor with a storied career spanning both stage and screen, was best known for his silver hair and, often, his mustache. Frequently cast in comedic roles, he became a familiar face in portrayals of butlers, clerics, and other eccentric figures. Born in Ireland, Joseph Maher relocated to Canada at the age of 22, where he initially worked for an oil company and later as a bartender before discovering his passion for acting.
He joined an amateur theater group, which eventually led to his professional debut in 1959 with the Canada Players in a production of The Taming of the Shrew. Three years later, Joseph Maher moved to the United States, where he quickly gained recognition in the theater world. Among his notable stage appearances were performances alongside Dustin Hoffman in Eh? (1966–67), Zoe Caldwell in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1968), and Al Pacino in The Local Stigmatic (1969).
Throughout this period, Joseph Maher divided his time between New York City and regional theaters across the country. In addition to his stage work, he also made appearances in the occasional television production, such as his supporting role opposite Julie Harris in the NBC broadcast of Little Moon of Alban (1964).
Joseph Maher’s most acclaimed film is Time After Time (1979), which stands out as his highest-rated work. On the other end of the spectrum, his film Under the Rainbow (1981) is regarded as his lowest-rated movie. While Joseph Maher has been part of many notable projects throughout his career, these two films represent the extremes in terms of critical reception. Time After Time is often praised for its unique concept and strong performances, whereas Under the Rainbow has received a fair share of criticism. Despite this, Joseph Maher’s contributions to cinema remain a significant part of his legacy.