Maher, Joseph, 1933-1998

Irish-born actor Joseph Maher had a prolific and illustrious career on stage, screen and television.

Best known for his comedic work, especially in the plays of Joe Orton, he received three Tony nominations for supporting actor for SPOKESONG (1979), Tom Stoppard's NIGHT AND DAY (1980), with Maggie Smith and Orton's LOOT (1986), as well as an Olivier Award Nomination for Best Actor in 1991 for WHAT THE BUTLER SAW, also by Orton. Memorable film roles include Warren Beatty's butler in HEAVEN CAN WAIT and the bishop in SISTER ACT with Whoopi Goldberg. While he made his stage debut in Shakespeare, in later life Maher often played comic authority figures such as befuddled doctors and detectives. His television work included appearances on SEINFELD and THIRTYSOMETHING.

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