[5] Seeing a local production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest inspired him to become an actor, and he began appearing in regional theatres.
[4] Thaler began his screen career in 1983, in the role of "Dancer" in the short-lived ABC crime drama television series The Renegades.
[5][6] Thaler was seen in a Los Angeles production of a play titled Tamara by Bridget and Jerome Dobson, creators of the television soap opera Santa Barbara.
[4] They created the role of Pearl Bradford, an eccentric waiter, for him,[4] and he joined the cast of Santa Barbara in October 1985.
Thaler also guest-starred in television programs including Hardcastle and McCormick, V, Remington Steele, T.J. Hooker and Hill Street Blues.