Photo: Kate O'Brien / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Joseph Wiseman was credited as a stage actor, film actor and television actor. Born on May 15, 1918, Joseph Wiseman was from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Death is recorded on October 19, 2009, at the age of 91. Schooling on record includes John Adams High School.
My Take
Joseph Wiseman is, for me, one of cinema's underrated foundational villains. As Dr. No in 1962, he set the template every Bond antagonist after him would imitate, all icy restraint and menace conveyed through stillness. Yet what impresses me most is that he was first a stage giant, once called the spookiest actor in American theatre. That theatrical discipline shows in how little he needed to do to chill an audience. He passed in 2009 at 91, but his quiet, unnerving presence still lingers on screen, and I think he deserves to be remembered far better than he is.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Joseph Wiseman
- Name (Japanese)
- ジョセフ・ワイズマン
- Reading
- じょせふ・わいずまん
- Born
- May 15, 1918 – October 19, 2009
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Taurus / Horse
- Origin
- Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Occupation
- stage actor / film actor / television actor / actor
2. Background
- High school
- John Adams High School
3. Links
4. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-21
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Joseph Wiseman born?
Born May 15, 1918.
When did Joseph Wiseman die?
Died October 19, 2009, aged 91.
Where was Joseph Wiseman from?
Joseph Wiseman was from Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
What did Joseph Wiseman do?
Joseph Wiseman worked as stage actor, film actor, television actor, actor.
Stage actor — see all → · Film actor — see all → · More people from Canada →