Joseph Maher

Joseph Sylvester Maher (pronounced Ma-her or Ma-HARR, December 29, 1933 – July 17, 1998) was an Irish-born naturalized American character actor, playwright and director, best known for his roles in motion pictures, television and the theater. 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 also known for appearing in plays by Joe Orton. 2Early life Maher was one of ten children born to Delia A. (née O'Malley) and Joseph Maher, a schoolteacher, in Westport, County Mayo, Irish Free State. 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. 2Stage Maher's Broadway theatre credits include The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, King Henry V, The Royal Family, Night and Day, and Loot. 2Film 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, Frankenweenie, My Stepmother is an Alien, Sister Act, Funny Farm, I.Q., In & Out, Mars Attacks! and The Out-of-Towners. 2Television Maher's appearances on television included roles in the Soap operas Guiding Light and Another Worl