Gavan O'Herlihy
Biography
Gavan O’Herlihy was an Irish actor whose career spanned film, television, and stage. Born in Dublin, he was the son of actor Dan O’Herlihy and artist Elsie Bennett. He spent his early years between Ireland and the United States, attended Phillips Academy Andover, and later went to the University of California, where he excelled as a champion tennis player before turning fully toward acting. O’Herlihy first gained attention as Chuck Cunningham in the early episodes of Happy Days, a role he deliberately left behind to avoid being typecast in light comedic parts. He built a diverse career with fifty known acting credits. He passed away at the age of seventy.
Career overview
Gavan O'Herlihy was an Irish actor whose career spanned film, television, and stage. Born in Dublin, he was the son of actor Dan O’Herlihy and artist Elsie Bennett. He spent his early years between Ireland and the United States, attending Phillips Academy Andover and later the University of California. Before turning fully toward acting, he excelled as a champion tennis player.
O'Herlihy first gained attention as Chuck Cunningham in the early episodes of Happy Days. He deliberately left the role behind to avoid being typecast in light comedic parts, instead building a diverse career with a distinctive presence and a talent for commanding roles. Over the course of his career, he accumulated fifty known acting credits in movies and television shows.
He passed away at the age of seventy on September 15, 2021. Biographical records note his birth date as July 29, 1951, in Dublin, Ireland, though alternative records also reference an April 29, 1954 birth date. Throughout his life and career, he maintained recognition as a notable performer across multiple mediums.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
50 titles- The Descent: Part 2 (2009) as Vaines
- Butterfly Man (2002) as Bill Kincaid
- Cruise of the Gods (2002) as Mickey
- 18 Wheels of Justice (2000)
- Midsomer Murders (1997) as George Arlington
- Jonathan Creek (1997) as Hal Drucker
- Sharpe: The Legend (1997) as Leroy
- Prince Valiant (1997) as King Thane
- Top of the World (1997) as Lieutenant Logan
- Star Trek: Voyager (1995) as Maje Jabin
- The Shooter (1995) as Dick Powell
- The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes (1994) as John Garrideb / James Winter
- Sharpe (1993) as Cpt. Leroy
- The Last Outlaw (1993) as Marshal Sharp
- Sharpe's Eagle (1993) as Captain Thomas Leroy
- Conagher (1991) as Chris Mahler, Cowboy
- Twin Peaks (1990) as Officer Preston King
- Tales from the Crypt (1989) as Richard
- Lonesome Dove (1989) as Dan Suggs
- Red King, White Knight (1989) as Clancy
- China Beach (1988)
- Willow (1988) as Airk
- A Killing on the Exchange (1987) as Dan Maitland
- Death Wish 3 (1985) as Manny Fraker
- The Dirty Dozen: Next Mission (1985) as Conrad E. Perkins
- Sherlock Holmes (1984) as John Garrideb / James Winter
- Cover Up (1984)
- Space Riders (1984) as Ron Harris
- Never Say Never Again (1983) as Jack Petachi
- Agatha Christie's Partners in Crime (1983) as Julius P. Hersheimmer
- Superman III (1983) as Brad Wilson
- The Secret Adversary (1983) as Julius P. Hersheimmer
- Matt Houston (1982) as Michael Sheridan
- We'll Meet Again (1982) as Capt Red Burwash
- A Rumor of War (1980) as Stanton
- Mark Twain: Beneath the Laughter (1979) as Young Clemens
- The Amazing Spider-Man (1978) as David
- A Wedding (1978) as Wilson Briggs
- Sergeant Matlovich vs. the U.S. Air Force (1978) as Art Stinson
- A Death in Canaan (1978) as Father Mark
- The Ghost of Cypress Swamp (1977) as Big Bob Landers
- The Bionic Woman (1976)
- The Six Million Dollar Man (1974) as Dan
- Happy Days (1974) as Chuck Cunningham
- Police Woman (1974) as Gordon Stuart
- The California Kid (1974) as Tom
- The Healers (1974)
- Call to Danger (1973) as Mechanic
- The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970) as Josh McBride (as Gavin O'Herlihy)
- Marcus Welby, M.D. (1969) as Herb Frane
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Gavan O'Herlihy best known for?
Gavan O'Herlihy is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including The Descent: Part 2 (2009), 18 Wheels of Justice (2000), The Evil Dead (1981), Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005).
When and where was Gavan O'Herlihy born?
Gavan O'Herlihy was born on July 29, 1951 in Dublin, Ireland. They passed away on September 15, 2021.
How many credits does Gavan O'Herlihy have?
Gavan O'Herlihy has accumulated over 50 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1969 to 2009.
What is Gavan O'Herlihy's background in cinema and television?
Gavan O’Herlihy was an Irish actor whose career spanned film, television, and stage. Born in Dublin, he was the son of actor Dan O’Herlihy and artist Elsie Bennett. He spent his early years between Ireland and the United States, attended Phillips Academy Andover, and later went to the University of California, where he...
Gavan O'Herlihy by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes (1994) as John Garrideb / James Winter — aged about 42
- Twin Peaks (1990) as Officer Preston King — aged about 38
- Sherlock Holmes (1984) as John Garrideb / James Winter — aged about 32
- Sharpe (1993) as Cpt. Leroy — aged about 41
- Tales from the Crypt (1989) as Richard — aged about 37
- Lonesome Dove (1989) as Dan Suggs — aged about 37
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