Edward Mulhare

Edward Mulhare was an Irish actor who had a long and successful career in theatre, film, and television. He began his acting career in Ireland, where he performed at the Gate Theatre in Dublin and the Liverpool Repertory Company. He moved to London in 1951, where he worked with Orson Welles and John Gielgud in a production of Othello. He was discovered by Alan Jay Lerner, who cast him as the understudy to Rex Harrison in the original Broadway production of My Fair Lady. He took over the role of Professor Higgins in 1957 and played it for three years in New York and on an international tour. He also starred in other Broadway plays, such as Mary, Mary and The Devil's Advocate. He made his film debut in 1955 in Hill 24 Doesn't Answer, the first feature film produced in Israel. He appeared in several other films, such as Von Ryan's Express, Our Man Flint, and Caprice, usually playing villains or supporting roles. He became famous for his starring roles in two television series: The Ghost & Mrs. Muir, where he played the charming ghost of a sea captain, and Knight Rider, where he played the boss of David Hasselhoff's character. He was nominated for an Emmy Award for his performance in The Ghost & Mrs. Muir. He also guest-starred in many other television shows, such as Daniel Boone, The Streets of San Francisco, and Battlestar Galactica. He hosted a series about the paranormal, called Secrets and Mysteries, in 1988. He died of lung cancer in 1997, while filming a cameo role in the comedy Out to Sea. He was a bachelor and had no children. He was known for his suave personality, resonant voice, and commanding presence. He was often compared to Rex Harrison, whom he succeeded in several roles. He was regarded as one of the finest Irish actors of his generation.