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.

Immigrated from Holland to Canada [1954]Performed at Canada's Stratford Festival for the first time, and for several years after that [1961]He was an accomplished at binding books by hand. Some of his work has been donated to the archives at Dalhousie University. He trained at the Dawson Print Shop in Halifax N.S. Canada.Lover of classical and folk music. His vast collection of CDs and LPs have been donated to the Dalhousie University Music Department in Halifax, N.S. Canada.