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Of Irish descent, he often played Irish and Irish-American characters and was referred to as "Hollywood's Irishman in Residence" in the press. One of the best-known screen actors of the 1930s and 1940s, he played priests, cops, military figures, pilots, and reporters.
He often portrayed Irish characters and played an Irish priest in 'Fighting Father Dunne' in 1947. He portrayed a priest again in 'The Fireball' in 1950, with Mickey Rooney and in 1951 he appeared, for the first time with his old schoolfriend, Spencer Tracy, in 'People Against O’Hara'.
Pat O'Brien. Actor: Some Like It Hot. Although he came to be called "Hollywood's Irishman in Residence"--and, along with good friends James Cagney, Allen Jenkins, Frank McHugh and a few others were called "The Irish Mafia"--and he often played Irish immigrants, Pat O'Brien was US-born and -bred.
- November 11, 1899
- October 15, 1983
- Mary Pickford (1892-1979) Though this true pioneer of a Hollywood actress was awarded the honorary title of “America’s Sweetheart,” Mary Pickford attributes many of her values and character inspirations to her Irish roots.
- Chauncey Olcott (1858-1932) 11 Chauncey Olcott circa 1896. (Public Domain) Though originally from New York, performer Chancellor Olcott, more informally known as Chauncey, made a successful and celebrated career inspired by his Irish descent.
- Charlie Chaplin (1889-1997) 11 Charlie Chaplin in a promotional still for his silent comedy 'The Gold Rush', 1925. As well as playing the starring role, Chaplin wrote, produced and directed the film.
- Helen Kane (1904-1966) 11 Helen Kane in 1929. (Public Domain) Helen Kane, our beloved original “Boop Boop a Doop Girl,” likely the inspiration for the iconic cartoon Betty Boop, also came from an Irish home.
Although he came to be called "Hollywood's Irishman in Residence"--and, along with good friends James Cagney, Allen Jenkins, Frank McHugh and a few others were called "The Irish Mafia"--and he often played Irish immigrants, Pat O'Brien was US-born and -bred. As a young boy the devoutly Roman Catholic O'Brien considered entering the seminary to ...
- 84 years old
- William Joseph Patrick O'Brien
- actor,soundtrack,producer
- Scorpio
Sep 16, 2024 · Born in Milwaukee in 1899, O’Brien’s Irish-Catholic roots heavily influenced his life and career.
Oct 15, 1983 · In all the pictues he made, he said, he portrayed only two Irish cops, one Irish warden and two Irish priests. But the characters he played usually had names to fit the face.
