Joseph Alexander Caesar Herstall Vincent Calleja, better known as Joseph or Joe Calleia, was a Maltese actor and singer who rose to fame in Hollywood. Born on the island of Malta, Calleia was a proud representative of his heritage, and his cultural roots played a significant role in shaping his career.
Calleia began his career as a singer, performing with a harmonica band that toured Europe during World War I. He eventually made his way to New York, where he transitioned into acting, making his Broadway debut in the original drama "Broadway" in 1926. He went on to appear in seven more plays, including the 1930-31 run of "Grand Hotel," where he took on a double role as actor and stage manager.
Calleia's unique look, which included heavy-lidded eyes and dark features, made him a natural fit for roles as a mobster or villain. He was typecast in these roles throughout the 1930s, appearing in films such as "After the Thin Man" and "Algiers." However, he also demonstrated his range by playing a priest in "Full Confession" and a government cop in "Five Came Back."
In the 1940s, Calleia continued to take on ethnic roles, including appearances as Hispanics and Native Americans. Two of his most notable roles during this period were as Buldeo in "The Jungle Book" and as Detective Obregon in "Gilda."
Calleia's later years saw him appear in fewer films, but he continued to work in television and took on character roles that showcased his versatility. One of his final notable roles was as Sergeant Menzies in "Touch of Evil," a film directed by and starring Orson Welles.
Calleia returned to his native Malta in 1963, where he spent the rest of his life. He was a kind and generous man who appreciated his fans and was proud of his Maltese heritage. After his passing, the government of Malta honored him with two commemorative stamps and a bust was erected before the house where he was born.
