Maude Cast List

Reference
Updated March 31, 2024 11 items

The groundbreaking series Maude tackled contemporary issues with wit and insight. This show, which aired from 1972 to 1978, was developed by Norman Lear as an American sitcom spin-off from the popular All in the Family series. Maude's success and popularity can largely be attributed to the talented cast members who brought the characters to life. Each character played a crucial part in shaping this TV show.  From lovable favorites to polarizing figures, these characters are household names for countless television enthusiasts. 

The brilliance of this acclaimed show goes beyond merely well-written scripts - it's the actors' exceptional talent that brings each character to life. Among them are talents such as Bea Arthur, Bill Macy, and Conrad Bain - each bringing a unique flair to the screen. Bea Arthur portrayed the titular character with her signature wit and strength; Bill Macy shone as her husband Walter Findlay, showcasing both his comedic timing and dramatic range; while Conrad Bain played Maude's neighbor, Dr. Arthur Harmon, with finesse and charm. 

The talent of each actor in creating their memorable portrayals solidified Maude's spot among television classics. Maude may not have achieved its enduring legacy within TV history absent such an excellent cast. The Maude cast list serves as a testament to the importance of actors in crafting an unforgettable television experience. 

  • Adrienne Barbeau
    Carnivàle, Maude, Gotham Girls
    Adrienne Jo Barbeau (born June 11, 1945) is an American actress, singer and the author of three books. Barbeau came to prominence in the 1970s as Broadway's original Rizzo in the musical Grease, and as Carol Traynor, the divorced daughter of Maude Findlay (played by Beatrice Arthur) on the sitcom Maude (1972–1978). In 1980 she began appearing in horror and science fiction films, including The Fog (1980), Creepshow (1982), Swamp Thing (1982) and Escape from New York (1981). Other films included: Back to School (1986) and Argo (2012). During the 1990s, she became known for providing the voice of Catwoman on Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995), and subsequent Batman cartoon series. In the 2000s, she appeared on the HBO series Carnivàle as Ruthie the snake dancer.
  • Bea Arthur
    The Golden Girls, Maude, Amanda's
    Bea Arthur, born as Bernice Frankel on May 13, 1922 in Brooklyn, New York, was an eminent American actress and comedian whose career spanned over six decades. She kick-started her career in off-Broadway productions before gaining recognition in the early 50s. Her breakthrough role came in the Broadway musical Mame in 1966, where she portrayed the character Vera Charles, earning her a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Arthur's success on stage paved the way for her transition to television, where she left an indelible mark with her iconic roles. Best known for portraying strong female characters, Arthur starred in the CBS sitcom Maude, a spin-off of the popular TV show All in the Family. Her portrayal of Maude Findlay, a feminist living in the suburbs of New York, earned her an Emmy Award in 1977. After seven successful seasons of Maude, Arthur further cemented her legacy in television history by starring in the NBC sitcom The Golden Girls. Her portrayal of Dorothy Zbornak, a sharp-tongued, no-nonsense substitute teacher, garnered her another Emmy Award in 1988. Off-screen, Bea Arthur was just as tenacious and admirable as the characters she played. A dedicated animal rights activist, she used her celebrity status to advocate for animal welfare. In 2002, she was honored with The PETA Humanitarian Award for her tireless work. Bea Arthur passed away on April 25, 2009, leaving behind a rich legacy of stage and screen performances that resonate with audiences even today. Her robust personality, sharp wit, and unwavering dedication to her craft made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
  • Bernadette Peters
    Animaniacs, Faerie Tale Theatre, The Martian Chronicles
    Bernadette Peters, a name synonymous with the Broadway stage, is an American actress and singer known for her impressive range of performances spanning five decades. Born Bernadette Lazzara on February 28, 1948, in Queens, New York, she displayed a talent for performing at an early age. She started her career as a child actress, appearing on television shows and stage productions, and by the age of nine, she had already received her Actors Equity Card, a coveted token of professional recognition. Peters's breakthrough performance came in 1968 when she starred in the musical Dames at Sea. Her portrayal of Ruby garnered her widespread acclaim and served as a springboard for her illustrious career. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Peters cemented her place as a Broadway mainstay, earning Tony Award nominations for her roles in On the Town, Sunday in the Park with George, and The Goodbye Girl. Her stellar performances in Song and Dance and Annie Get Your Gun won her two Tony Awards, establishing her as one of Broadway's most revered actresses. Apart from her Broadway success, Peters has also made significant strides in film and television. Her role in the 1981 film, Pennies from Heaven, earned her a Golden Globe award, showcasing her versatility as an actress. She has appeared in various TV series including The Muppet Show, Smash, and Mozart in the Jungle, further expanding her acting repertoire. With a career characterized by remarkable longevity and versatility, Bernadette Peters continues to captivate audiences worldwide with her charismatic performances and unique voice.
  • Bill Macy

    Bill Macy

    Maude, Hanging In, Nothing In Common
    Bill Macy (born Wolf Martin Garber; May 18, 1922) is an American actor.
  • Conrad Bain
    Diff'rent Strokes, Maude, The Edge of Night
    Conrad Stafford Bain (February 4, 1923 – January 14, 2013) was a Canadian/American actor and comedian and character actor. His television credits include a leading role as Phillip Drummond in the sitcom Diff'rent Strokes and as Dr. Arthur Harmon on Maude.
  • Esther Rolle
    Good Times, Maude, Scarlett
    Esther Rolle (November 8, 1920 – November 17, 1998) was an American actress. Rolle is best known for her role as Florida Evans, on the CBS television sitcom Maude, for two seasons (1972–1974), and its spin-off series Good Times, for five seasons (1974–77, 1978–79), for which Rolle was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Television Series Musical or Comedy in 1976. In 1979, Rolle accepted the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Special: Summer of My German Soldier.
  • Hermione Baddeley
    Maude, Camp Runamuck, The Good Life
    Hermione Youlanda Ruby Clinton-Baddeley (13 November 1906 – 19 August 1986) was an English character actress of theatre, film and television. She typically played brash, vulgar characters, often referred to as "brassy" or "blowsy". She found her milieu in revue, in which she played from the 1930s to the 1950s, co-starring several times with Hermione Gingold. Baddeley was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Room at the Top (1959) and a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play for The Milk Train Doesn't Stop Here Anymore in 1963. She portrayed Ellen the maid in the Disney film Mary Poppins. In 1975 she won a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series for her portrayal of Nell Naugatuck on the TV series Maude.
  • Rue McClanahan
    The Golden Girls, Maude, Mama's Family
    Eddi-Rue McClanahan (February 21, 1934 – June 3, 2010) was an American actress best known for her roles on television as Vivian Harmon on Maude (1972–78), Aunt Fran Crowley on Mama's Family (1983–84), and Blanche Devereaux on The Golden Girls (1985–92), for which she won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 1987.
  • J. Pat O'Malley
    Maude, My Favorite Martian, The Mickey Mouse Club
    James Patrick Francis O'Malley (March 15, 1904 – February 27, 1985) was an English singer and character actor, who appeared in many American films and television programmes from the 1940s to 1982, using the stage name J. Pat O'Malley. He also appeared on the Broadway stage in Ten Little Indians (1944) and Dial M for Murder (1954).A New York Times drama critic praised O'Malley's performance in Ten Little Indians, calling him "a rara avis, a comedian who does not gauge the success of his efforts by the number of laughs he induces at each performance".
  • Marlene Warfield (born June 19, 1941 in Queens, New York) is an American actress.She has acted in films and American television. She portrayed the underground revolutionary Laureen Hobbs in the 1976 film Network and played the character of Victoria Butterfield on the television sitcom Maude (1977–1978). Warfield starred in the play Janie Jones at the New Theatre, London (opened July 15, 1968).She won the Clarence Derwent Award in 1969 for Outstanding Broadway Debut Performance and a Theatre World Award for the role of Clara in The Great White Hope which she reprised in the 1970 film version.
  • Michael Keaton
    Rabbit Ears Productions, The Company, Working Stiffs
    Michael Keaton, born as Michael John Douglas on September 5, 1951, in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, is a highly acclaimed American actor known for his versatility and dynamic performances. A standout figure in the entertainment world, Keaton's career spans several decades, during which he has exhibited an exceptional range of acting abilities across diverse genres, from comedy and drama to action and thriller. His journey to stardom began with his early work on television shows such as Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and The Mary Tyler Moore Hour. Keaton's breakthrough came in the '80s when he collaborated with director Tim Burton for the first time in the movie Beetlejuice, earning him widespread recognition. However, it was his portrayal of the iconic DC superhero Batman in Burton's 1989 film and its 1992 sequel, Batman Returns, that cemented his status as a Hollywood heavyweight. Despite initial backlash from fans due to his comedic background, Keaton's performance was praised, and he became synonymous with the Dark Knight. His career took a turn towards dramatic roles in subsequent years, showcasing his incredible acting prowess. Notably, his performance in the critically acclaimed film Birdman, where he played a washed-up actor trying to make a comeback, earned him a Golden Globe Award and an Oscar nomination. Away from the limelight, Keaton is a dedicated environmentalist and a passionate advocate for causes related to climate change.