Donald O'Brien
Biography
Donald O'Brien is a French-born Irish film and television actor. He was born on September 15, 1930, in Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France. O'Brien studied acting in Dublin and initially joined the Gate Theatre at age 19. He made his feature film debut in 1953 with Anatole Litvak's war drama Act of Love. Throughout his near 40-year career, O'Brien appeared in dozens of stage performances and in more than 60 film and television productions. He is known for his performances in films such as The Train, Grand Prix, and Act of Love. O'Brien passed away on April 23, 2018, at the age of 87.
Career overview
Donald O'Brien is a French-born Irish film and television actor. He made his feature film debut in 1953 with Anatole Litvak's war drama Act of Love. O'Brien studied acting in Dublin and initially joined the Gate Theatre at a young age. He later transitioned to film, appearing in numerous productions over the course of his near 40-year career.
O'Brien's performance in The Train, released in 1964, led to his first notable role in Grand Prix, a 1966 film in which he played a key character. His extensive filmography includes dozens of stage performances and over 60 film and television productions. The actor's career spanned multiple decades, during which he appeared in a wide range of productions.
Donald O'Brien's acting credits include numerous films and television shows. He continued to work in the entertainment industry until his passing in 2018.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
56 titles- Joe D'Amato Totally Uncut: The Horror Experience (2001) as Self
- Bandits: Love and Liberty (1994) as Barone
- The Sect (1991) as Justice Jonathan Ford
- Return from Death: Frankenstein 2000 (1991) as Rico
- Flight from Paradise (1990)
- Cellini: A Violent Life (1990) as Bernardino, hermit
- Quest for the Mighty Sword (1990) as Gunther
- Mortacci (1989) as Archibald Williams
- Ghosthouse (1988) as Valkos
- The Name of the Rose (1986) as Pietro d'Assisi
- Hands of Steel (1986) as Professor Olster
- Warriors of the Year 2072 (1984) as Monk
- Panther Squad (1984) as General
- 2020 Texas Gladiators (1983) as Black One
- Doctor Butcher M.D. (1980) as Dr. Obrero / Dr. Butcher
- The Day Christ Died (1980) as Roman Soldier
- Flying Sex (1980) as Mr. Slider
- Tough to Kill (1979) as Major Hagerty
- Images in a Convent (1979) as Exorcist
- The Inglorious Bastards (1978) as SS Officer
- Silver Saddle (1978) as Flertcher
- Emanuelle and the Last Cannibals (1977) as Donald McKenzie
- Yeti: The Giant of the 20th Century (1977) as Sgt. Stricker
- A Man Called Blade (1977) as Burt Craven
- Keoma (1976) as Caldwell
- Four of the Apocalypse (1975) as Sheriff of Salt Flat
- White Fang to the Rescue (1975) as Caroll
- Erotic Games of a Respectable Family (1975) as Professor Riccardo Rossi
- Challenge to White Fang (1974) as Liverpool
- Sex of the Witch (1973) as Inspector
- Kung Fu Brothers in the Wild West (1973) as Outlaw
- The Executioner of God (1973) as Frank
- Six Bounty Killers for a Massacre (1973) as Frank
- Two Brothers in Trinity (1972) as Lester O'Hara
- God Is My Colt (1972) as Collins
- The Sheriff of Rock Spring (1971) as Burt Jones
- Paid in Blood (1971) as Lee Rast
- Finders Killers (1971) as Jack Forest
- The Last Traitor (1971) as Captain Ned Carter
- Run, Man, Run (1968) as Daniel Cassidy
- Western, Italian Style (1968) as Self
- The Night of the Generals (1967) as Plotting German Officer (uncredited)
- Grand Prix (1966) as Wallace Bennett
- Line of Demarcation (1966)
- L'homme de l'Interpol (1966) as Polard
- A Matter of Resistance (1966) as American Officer
- Cloportes (1965) as Gallery visitor
- Hail! Mafia (1965) as Mafia Thug
- Nick Carter and Red Club (1965)
- Operation Diplomatic Passport (1965) as Dolbry
- The Train (1964) as Schwartz
- Weekend at Dunkirk (1964) as L'officier anglais
- On Murder Considered as One of the Fine Arts (1964)
- Tales of Paris (1962) as American Tourist (segment "Ella") (uncredited)
- Dynamite Jack (1961)
- The Wretches (1960)
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Donald O'Brien best known for?
Donald O'Brien is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Quest for the Mighty Sword (1990), The Name of the Rose (1986), Hands of Steel (1986), Bingo America (2008).
When and where was Donald O'Brien born?
Donald O'Brien was born on September 15, 1930 in Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France. They passed away on April 23, 2018.
How many credits does Donald O'Brien have?
Donald O'Brien has accumulated over 56 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1960 to 2001.
What is Donald O'Brien's background in cinema and television?
Donald O'Brien is a French-born Irish film and television actor. He was born on September 15, 1930, in Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France. O'Brien studied acting in Dublin and initially joined the Gate Theatre at age 19. He made his feature film debut in 1953 with Anatole Litvak's war drama Act of Love. Throughout his n...
Donald O'Brien by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- The Train (1964) as Schwartz — aged about 33
- The Name of the Rose (1986) as Pietro d'Assisi — aged about 55
- Grand Prix (1966) as Wallace Bennett — aged about 35
- Keoma (1976) as Caldwell — aged about 45
- Weekend at Dunkirk (1964) as L'officier anglais — aged about 33
- The Night of the Generals (1967) as Plotting German Officer (uncredited) — aged about 36
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