His 60 year career as a professional performer included eight seasons at the Stratford Festival, three national tours with the Canadian Opera Company, over 30 productions at Neptune Theatre and countless other performances at theaters across Canada and the United States. He was a veteran of over 200 CBC Radio dramas and countless television and film performances. For his last performances, he appeared as Pope Calixtus in the feature film "The Conclave" and as Wilbur in the mobile device movie, "The Electric Chair". A life member of ACTRA, Rutten served as Branch Councillor for ACTRA Maritimes. Joseph was a good person who made a tremendous contribution to the performing arts.