Arthur O'Connell

Born:March 29, 1908

Place of Birth:New York City, New York, USA

Died:May 18, 1981

Known For:Acting

Biography

Arthur O'Connell, a distinguished American stage and film actor, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with his versatile performances. Hailing from New York City, O'Connell's journey in the world of acting began in the mid-1930s when he made his legitimate stage debut. His talent caught the eye of Orson Welles, leading to a notable role as a reporter in the closing scenes of the iconic film "Citizen Kane."

While O'Connell's film debut is often associated with "Citizen Kane," he had already showcased his acting prowess in various films and television programs. His portrayal of the middle-aged swain in "Picnic" on Broadway earned him an Oscar nomination, a role he later reprised in the 1956 film adaptation. O'Connell's ability to embody characters like alcoholics and losers with authenticity shone through in acclaimed films such as "Anatomy of a Murder," where he portrayed James Stewart's attorney mentor.

Throughout the 1960s, O'Connell continued to captivate audiences with his compelling character portrayals on both the big and small screens. Despite his remarkable talent, he remained selective about his projects, always striving for top billing. His appearance on the ABC medical drama "Breaking Point" and the sitcom "The Second Hundred Years" showcased his versatility and dedication to his craft.

In the later years of his career, O'Connell faced health challenges that led him to reduce his acting commitments. However, he remained active as a commercial spokesperson, endearing himself to audiences as a friendly pharmacist promoting Crest toothpaste. Even in his final days, O'Connell's passion for acting shone through as he continued to engage with viewers through these commercials.

Arthur O'Connell's legacy as a consummate actor lives on through his memorable performances on stage, television, and film. His contributions to the entertainment industry have solidified his a place in Hollywood history. As he rests in Calvary Cemetery, Queens, New York, his work continues to inspire aspiring actors and entertain audiences worldwide.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Citizen Kane

Reporter (uncredited)

1941

Newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane is taken from his mother as a boy and made the ward of a rich industrialist. As a result, every well-meaning, tyrannical or self-destructive move he makes for the rest of his life appears in some way to be a reaction to that deeply wounding event.

The Poseidon Adventure

John, the Chaplain

1972

When their ocean liner capsizes, a group of passengers struggle to survive and escape.

Anatomy of a Murder

Parnell Emmett McCarthy

1959

Semi-retired Michigan lawyer Paul Biegler takes the case of Army Lt. Manion, who murdered a local innkeeper after his wife claimed that he raped her. Over the course of an extensive trial, Biegler parries with District Attorney Lodwick and out-of-town prosecutor Claude Dancer to set his client free, but his case rests on the victim's mysterious business partner, who's hiding a dark secret.

Ben

Bill Hatfield

1972

A lonely boy becomes good friends with Ben, a rat. This rat is also the leader of a pack of vicious killer rats, killing lots of people.

Fantastic Voyage

Col. Donald Reid

1966

In order to save an assassinated scientist, a submarine and its crew are shrunk to microscopic size and injected into his bloodstream.

Bus Stop

Virgil Blessing

1956

Cowboys Beauregard Decker and Virgil Blessing attend a rodeo in Phoenix, where Decker falls in love with beautiful cafe singer Cherie. He wants to take Cherie back to his native Montana and marry her, but she dreams of traveling to Hollywood and becoming famous. When she resists his advances, Decker forces Cherie onto the bus back to Montana with him, but, when the bus makes an unscheduled stop due to bad weather, the tables are turned.

The Great Race

Henry Goodbody

1965

Professional daredevil and white-suited hero, The Great Leslie, convinces turn-of-the-century auto makers that a race from New York to Paris (westward across America, the Bering Straight and Russia) will help to promote automobile sales. Leslie's arch-rival, the mustached and black-attired Professor Fate vows to beat Leslie to the finish line in a car of Fate's own invention.

Operation Petticoat

Chief Motor Machinist's Mate Sam Tostin

1959

A World War II submarine commander finds himself stuck with a damaged sub, a con-man executive officer, and a group of army nurses.

The Naked City

Sgt. Shaeffer (uncredited)

1948

After a former model is drowned in her bathtub, Detective James Halloran and Lieutenant Dan Muldoon attempt to piece together her murder.