Edmond O'Brien
Edmond O'Brien (September 10, 1915 – May 9, 1985) was an American actor and director. He had a successful career in film, television, and theater, and was known for his versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters. O'Brien appeared in over 100 films and received numerous accolades for his work.
O'Brien was born in New York City. He initially pursued journalism and worked as a reporter before deciding to pursue acting. He began his career on stage and made his Broadway debut in the play "Daughters of Atreus" in 1936.
O'Brien's talent and presence quickly gained attention, and he made a successful transition to film in the late 1930s.
In the 1940s and 1950s, O'Brien established himself as a reliable character actor, known for his ability to tackle both dramatic and comedic roles. He appeared in films such as "The Killers" (1946), "White Heat" (1949), and "D.O.A." (1950). His performance as the alcoholic press agent in "The Barefoot Contessa" (1954) earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
O'Brien's versatility allowed him to excel in various genres, including film noir, crime dramas, westerns, and thrillers. He worked with renowned directors such as Alfred Hitchcock, John Ford, and Otto Preminger, showcasing his range as an actor.
In addition to his film work, O'Brien also appeared on television and stage. He made notable guest appearances on popular television shows of the time, including "The Twilight Zone" and "Columbo." O'Brien continued to act in both mediums throughout his career, receiving critical acclaim for his performances.
In the 1960s, O'Brien began to take on more directing roles in theater. He directed several successful productions, including the play "The Hasty Heart," which received positive reviews. O'Brien also ventured into writing and wrote several scripts and screenplays during his career.
As his health declined in the 1980s, O'Brien's acting roles became less frequent. He passed away on May 9, 1985, at the age of 69, due to Alzheimer's disease complications.
Edmond O'Brien's contributions to film, television, and theater left a lasting impact. His ability to bring depth and authenticity to his characters, regardless of genre, cemented his reputation as a talented and respected actor. His performances continue to be celebrated and remembered by audiences and critics alike.
O'Brien was born in New York City. He initially pursued journalism and worked as a reporter before deciding to pursue acting. He began his career on stage and made his Broadway debut in the play "Daughters of Atreus" in 1936.
O'Brien's talent and presence quickly gained attention, and he made a successful transition to film in the late 1930s.
In the 1940s and 1950s, O'Brien established himself as a reliable character actor, known for his ability to tackle both dramatic and comedic roles. He appeared in films such as "The Killers" (1946), "White Heat" (1949), and "D.O.A." (1950). His performance as the alcoholic press agent in "The Barefoot Contessa" (1954) earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
O'Brien's versatility allowed him to excel in various genres, including film noir, crime dramas, westerns, and thrillers. He worked with renowned directors such as Alfred Hitchcock, John Ford, and Otto Preminger, showcasing his range as an actor.
In addition to his film work, O'Brien also appeared on television and stage. He made notable guest appearances on popular television shows of the time, including "The Twilight Zone" and "Columbo." O'Brien continued to act in both mediums throughout his career, receiving critical acclaim for his performances.
In the 1960s, O'Brien began to take on more directing roles in theater. He directed several successful productions, including the play "The Hasty Heart," which received positive reviews. O'Brien also ventured into writing and wrote several scripts and screenplays during his career.
As his health declined in the 1980s, O'Brien's acting roles became less frequent. He passed away on May 9, 1985, at the age of 69, due to Alzheimer's disease complications.
Edmond O'Brien's contributions to film, television, and theater left a lasting impact. His ability to bring depth and authenticity to his characters, regardless of genre, cemented his reputation as a talented and respected actor. His performances continue to be celebrated and remembered by audiences and critics alike.
Quotes:
"Versatility is a dangerous thing. It's very satisfying to portray many types of roles, but often your own identity gets lost. Seldom does a producer say, "This is an Eddie O'Brien part." On the other hand, while the rewards may be great in fame and financially for stars, the work becomes monotonous. No actor who plays himself is a happy person."
- Edmond O'Brien
Trivia:
At the age of 10 he learned conjuring tricks from his neighbor, Harry Houdini.
Recited works of William Shakespeare with Keith Moon at Sam Peckinpah's surprise birthday party.
In an interview, director Don Siegel recalled that during the production of China Venture (1953), he noticed that O'Brien was spending more and more time in his trailer before a scene, and was beginning to arrive late for shooting, which he had never done before. Suspecting that O'Brien might be secretly drinking before he went on camera--an experience Siegel had undergone with several well-known actors he had worked with--the director peeked through the windows of O'Brien's trailer one day and was surprised to see a young man reading O'Brien's lines to him. It turned out that O'Brien's eyesight and memory were beginning to fail him, he didn't want the studio to find out and fire him, so he had his assistant read him his lines and stage directions immediately before he was to shoot a scene so he wouldn't forget them on-camera.
