Joseph Maher

Joseph Sylvester Maher (pronounced Ma-her or Ma-HARR,^[1][2] December 29, 1933 – July 17, 1998) was an Irish-born naturalized American character actor, playwright and director, best known for his roles in 43 films. He was nominated for three Tony Awards, won a Drama Desk Award and Obie Award, and was a nominee of the Olivier Award for his supporting roles on the stage. He was best known for appearing in plays by Joe Orton.

Early life

Maher was one of ten children born to Delia A. (née O'Malley) and Joseph Maher, a schoolteacher, in Westport, County Mayo, Ireland. He was educated by the Irish Christian Brothers and emigrated to Canada in 1956 where he worked for an oil company before becoming interested in theater. He worked for three years with the Canadian Players before making his New York stage debut in Brendan Behan's The Hostage.^[3]

Stage

Maher's Broadway theatre credits include The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, King Henry V, The Royal Family, Night and Day, and Loot.

Film

Maher's film credits include For Pete's Sake, Heaven Can Wait, Time After Time, Just Tell Me What You Want, I'm Dancing as Fast as I Can, The Evil That Men Do, My Stepmother is an Alien, Sister Act, Funny Farm, I.Q., In & Out, Mars Attacks!, The Out-of-Towners and the 1984 film Frankenweenie. He also played Emile Dorian in Batman:The Animated Series, Episode "Tyger, Tyger."

Maher is also known for his portrayal of a drunken airline passenger on the Seinfeld episode "The Dog."

Death

Maher died of a brain tumor at his home in Los Angeles, California, on July 17, 1998. Maher's interment was in his hometown of Westport, County Mayo, Ireland.

References

External links

• Joseph Maher at the Internet Movie Database
• Joseph Maher at the Internet Broadway Database
  
• Joseph Maher at the Internet Off-Broadway Database
• Joseph Maher papers, 1960-1998, held by the Billy Rose Theatre Division, New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
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