Notable thespian, born in Calcutta, India, and educated at the prestigious Magdalene College, Cambridge University, where he developed his passion for the performing arts. His illustrious acting career was momentarily interrupted by a six-year stint in the British Army during wartime, after which he joined the esteemed Old Vic Company, later transitioning to screen roles.
With his striking features, including a distinctive hooked nose and piercing eyes, Maitland proved himself to be a master of playing sinister villains, often portraying Arabic or Central Asian characters involved in nefarious activities such as diamond smuggling, drug dealing, or black market racketeering. However, he also showcased his range by taking on roles on the right side of the law, such as Commissioner Govindaswami in the 1956 film Bhowani Junction and a cardinal in The Shoes of the Fisherman (1968).
Early in his career, Maitland worked with Hammer Studios, where he had memorable roles, including Patel Shari, a member of the murderous Kali sect in The Stranglers of Bombay (1959),and an evil Malay servant dedicated to worshipping in The Reptile (1966).
Maitland was also a prolific presence on British television, appearing in notable series such as The Saint (1962),Department S (1969),and others, often playing characters with a mysterious or villainous edge. He stood out as the enigmatic dissident Pandit Baba in the critically acclaimed and award-winning miniseries The Jewel in the Crown (1984).
For the remainder of his life, Maitland resided in Rome, where he continued to work in the entertainment industry until his passing.
