William H. O'Brien

Born:July 19, 1891

Place of Birth:Peak Hill, New South Wales, Australia

Died:April 18, 1981

Known For:Acting

Biography

William H. O'Brien, a talented Australian actor, made his mark on the silver screen with his captivating performances that spanned over five decades. Born with a natural flair for acting, O'Brien embarked on his screen career in his homeland of Australia in 1918 before venturing to Hollywood in 1921 to further hone his craft. His transition to Hollywood proved to be a pivotal move that opened doors to a plethora of opportunities in the film industry.

Throughout his illustrious career, O'Brien showcased his versatility as an actor, effortlessly adapting to various roles in both films and television series. His ability to immerse himself in diverse characters endeared him to audiences worldwide and solidified his status as a respected figure in the entertainment industry. O'Brien's dedication to his craft and his passion for storytelling shone through in each of his performances, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.

As he graced the silver screen with his presence, O'Brien captivated audiences with his commanding presence and nuanced portrayals. Whether he was portraying a heroic figure, a cunning villain, or a lovable sidekick, O'Brien brought depth and authenticity to every character he inhabited. His commitment to delivering compelling and memorable performances set him apart as a true talent in the world of acting.

Beyond his on-screen achievements, O'Brien's contributions to the entertainment industry extended to his work behind the scenes. His insights and expertise as an actor were invaluable to the success of many projects, earning him the admiration and respect of his peers. O'Brien's dedication to his craft and his professionalism on set made him a sought-after collaborator among directors and fellow actors alike.

Despite the ever-evolving landscape of the film industry, O'Brien remained a steadfast presence, adapting to the changing times while staying true to his artistic integrity. His enduring legacy as an actor continues to inspire aspiring performers and cinephiles alike, serving as a testament to the timeless appeal of his work. O'Brien's impact on the world of cinema transcends generations, with his performances standing the test of time and leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of audiences.

As he navigated the complexities of Hollywood, O'Brien's passion for storytelling and his unwavering commitment to his craft never wavered. His dedication to bringing characters to life with depth and authenticity earned him accolades and recognition throughout his career. O'Brien's ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level and evoke a range of sentiments through his performances cemented his status as a revered actor in the annals of cinematic history.

In addition to his on-screen accomplishments, O'Brien's influence extended beyond the realm of acting, as he served as a mentor and inspiration to many aspiring talents in the industry. His guidance and wisdom helped shape the careers of numerous actors and filmmakers, leaving an indelible impact on the next generation of storytellers. O'Brien's legacy as a mentor and role model endures, embodying the spirit of generosity and passion that defined his own journey in the world of entertainment.

With a career that spanned over five decades, William H. O'Brien left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, enriching the medium with his talent, dedication, and artistry. His timeless performances continue to captivate audiences and serve as a testament to his enduring legacy as a cinematic icon. O'Brien's contributions to the film industry remain a source of inspiration for generations to come, reminding us of the transformative power of storytelling and the lasting impact of a true artist.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Citizen Kane

Secretary (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 Graduate

Hotel Guest (uncredited)

1967

A disillusioned college graduate finds himself torn between his older lover and her daughter.

Some Like It Hot

Hotel Guest (uncredited)

1959

Two musicians witness a mob hit and struggle to find a way out of the city before they are found by the gangsters. Their only opportunity is to join an all-girl band as they leave on a tour. To make their getaway they must first disguise themselves as women, then keep their identities secret and deal with the problems this brings - such as an attractive bandmate and a very determined suitor.

Ocean's Eleven

Waiter at Burlesque Club (uncredited)

1960

Danny Ocean and his gang attempt to rob the five biggest casinos in Las Vegas in one night.

High Noon

Church Member (uncredited)

1952

Will Kane, the sheriff of a small town in New Mexico, learns a notorious outlaw he put in jail has been freed, and will be arriving on the noon train. Knowing the outlaw and his gang are coming to kill him, Kane is determined to stand his ground, so he attempts to gather a posse from among the local townspeople.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)

1962

Scout Finch, 6, and her older brother Jem live in sleepy Maycomb, Alabama, spending much of their time with their friend Dill and spying on their reclusive and mysterious neighbor, Boo Radley. When Atticus, their widowed father and a respected lawyer, defends a black man named Tom Robinson against fabricated rape charges, the trial and tangent events expose the children to evils of racism and stereotyping.

Sabrina

Bartender (uncredited)

1954

Linus and David Larrabee are the two sons of a very wealthy family. Linus is all work – busily running the family corporate empire, he has no time for a wife and family. David is all play – technically he is employed by the family business, but never shows up for work, spends all his time entertaining, and has been married and divorced three times. Meanwhile, Sabrina Fairchild is the young, shy, and awkward daughter of the household chauffeur, who goes away to Paris for two years, and returns to capture David's attention, while falling in love with Linus.

Scarface

Waiter (uncredited)

1932

In 1920s Chicago, Italian immigrant and notorious thug, Antonio 'Tony' Camonte, aka Scarface, shoots his way to the top of the mobs while trying to protect his sister from the criminal life.

Judgment at Nuremberg

German Prisoner in Cafeteria (uncredited)

1961

In 1947, four German judges who served on the bench during the Nazi regime face a military tribunal to answer charges of crimes against humanity. Chief Justice Haywood hears evidence and testimony not only from lead defendant Ernst Janning and his defense attorney Hans Rolfe, but also from the widow of a Nazi general, an idealistic U.S. Army captain and reluctant witness Irene Wallner.

Rebecca

Hotel Waiter (uncredited)

1940

Story of a young woman who marries a fascinating widower only to find out that she must live in the shadow of his former wife, Rebecca, who died mysteriously several years earlier. The young wife must come to grips with the terrible secret of her handsome, cold husband, Max De Winter. She must also deal with the jealous, obsessed Mrs. Danvers, the housekeeper, who will not accept her as the mistress of the house.

Witness for the Prosecution

Barrister (uncredited)

1957

An ailing famous barrister agrees to defend a man in a sensational murder trial where his self-possessed wife's unconvincing testimony confuses him.

Dial M for Murder

Waiter at Stag Dinner (uncredited)

1954

When American writer Mark Halliday visits the very married Margot Wendice in London, he unknowingly sets off a chain of blackmail and murder.

A Streetcar Named Desire

Waiter (uncredited)

1951

A disturbed, aging Southern belle moves in with her sister for solace — but being face-to-face with her brutish brother-in-law accelerates her downward spiral.

The Big Sleep

Waiter (uncredited)

1946

Private Investigator Philip Marlowe is hired by wealthy General Sternwood regarding a matter involving his youngest daughter Carmen. Before the complex case is over, Marlowe sees murder, blackmail, deception, and what might be love.

Rio Lobo

Man in Army Post Saloon (uncredited)

1970

After the Civil War, a former Union colonel searches for the two traitors whose perfidy led to the loss of a close friend.

All About Eve

Waiter at Margo's Party (uncredited)

1950

From the moment she glimpses her idol at the stage door, Eve Harrington is determined to take the reins of power away from the great actress Margo Channing. Eve maneuvers her way into Margo's Broadway role, becomes a sensation and even causes turmoil in the lives of Margo's director boyfriend, her playwright and his wife. Only the cynical drama critic sees through Eve, admiring her audacity and perfect pattern of deceit.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks

Portobello Road Passerby (uncredited)

1971

Three children evacuated from London during World War II are forced to stay with an eccentric spinster. The children's initial fears disappear when they find out she is in fact a trainee witch.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Ship Passenger (uncredited)

1953

Lorelei Lee is a beautiful showgirl engaged to be married to the wealthy Gus Esmond, much to the disapproval of Gus' rich father, Esmond Sr., who thinks that Lorelei is just after his money. When Lorelei goes on a cruise accompanied only by her best friend, Dorothy Shaw, Esmond Sr. hires Ernie Malone, a private detective, to follow her and report any questionable behavior that would disqualify her from the marriage.

Airport

Waiter at Men's Club

1970

An airport manager tries to keep his terminals open during a snowstorm, while a suicide bomber plots to blow up a Boeing 707 airliner in flight.

Around the World in Eighty Days

Extra (uncredited)

1956

Based on the famous book by Jules Verne the movie follows Phileas Fogg on his journey around the world. Which has to be completed within 80 days, a very short period for those days.

Valley of the Dolls

Bartender (uncredited)

1967

In New York City, bright but naive New Englander Anne Welles becomes a secretary at a theatrical law firm, where she falls in love with attorney Lyon Burke. Anne befriends up-and-coming singer Neely O'Hara, whose dynamic talent threatens aging star Helen Lawson and beautiful but talentless actress Jennifer North. The women experience success and failure in love and work, leading to heartbreak, addiction and tragedy.

The Children's Hour

Funeral Assistant (uncredited)

1961

An unruly student at a private all-girls boarding school scandalously accuses the two women who run it of having a romantic relationship.

Ace in the Hole

Customer at Minosa's (uncredited)

1951

An arrogant reporter exploits a story about a man trapped in a cave to revitalize his career.

The Best Years of Our Lives

Nightclub Waiter (uncredited)

1946

It's the hope that sustains the spirit of every GI: the dream of the day when he will finally return home. For three WWII veterans, the day has arrived. But for each man, the dream is about to become a nightmare.

The Seven Year Itch

Man at Train Station (uncredited)

1955

With his family away for their annual summer holiday, a publishing executive decides to live a bachelor's life. The beautiful but ditzy blonde from the apartment above catches his eye and they soon start spending time together—maybe a little too much time!

Topaz

Butler (uncredited)

1969

Copenhagen, Denmark, 1962. When a high-ranking Soviet official decides to change sides, a French intelligence agent is caught up in a cold, silent and bloody spy war in which his own family will play a decisive role.

It Happened on Fifth Avenue

Executive (uncredited)

1947

A New Yorker hobo moves into a mansion and along the way he gathers friends to live in the house with him. Before he knows it, he is living with the actual home owners.

Sweet Smell of Success

Waiter at 21 (uncredited)

1957

New York City newspaper writer J.J. Hunsecker holds considerable sway over public opinion with his Broadway column, but one thing that he can't control is his younger sister, Susan, who is in a relationship with aspiring jazz guitarist Steve Dallas. Hunsecker strongly disapproves of the romance and recruits publicist Sidney Falco to find a way to split the couple, no matter how ruthless the method.

The Thin Man

Bartender (uncredited)

1934

A husband and wife detective team takes on the search for a missing inventor and almost get killed for their efforts.

Ball of Fire

Baseball Game Spectator (uncredited)

1941

A group of academics have spent years shut up in a house working on the definitive encyclopedia. When one of them discovers that his entry on slang is hopelessly outdated, he ventures into the wide world to learn about the evolving language. Here he meets Sugarpuss O’Shea, a nightclub singer, who’s on top of all the slang—and, it just so happens, needs a place to stay.

Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet the Invisible Man

Fight Spectator (uncredited)

1951

As novice detectives, Bud and Lou come face to face with the Invisible Man.

Elmer Gantry

Train Conductor

1960

A charismatic charlatan begins a business — and eventually romantic — relationship with a roadside evangelist to sell religion to 1920s America. Based on Sinclair Lewis' novel of the same name.

The Bad and the Beautiful

Waiter at Party (uncredited)

1952

Told in flashback form, the film traces the rise and fall of a tough, ambitious Hollywood producer, Jonathan Shields, as seen through the eyes of various acquaintances, including a writer, James Lee Bartlow; a star, Georgia Lorrison; and a director, Fred Amiel. He is a hard-driving, ambitious man who ruthlessly uses everyone on the way to becoming one of Hollywood's top movie makers.

The Damned Don't Cry

Waiter at Party (uncredited)

1950

Fed up with her small-town marriage, a woman goes after the big time and gets mixed up with the mob.

A Night at the Opera

Stagehand (uncredited)

1935

The Marx Brothers take on high society and the opera world to bring two lovers together. A sly business manager and two wacky friends of two opera singers help them achieve success while humiliating their stuffy and snobbish enemies.

Support Your Local Gunfighter

Old Chess Player (uncredited)

1971

A con artist arrives in a mining town controlled by two competing companies. Both companies think he's a famous gunfighter and try to hire him to drive the other out of town.

It's Always Fair Weather

Waiter (uncredited)

1955

Three World War II buddies promise to meet at a specified place and time 10 years after the war. They keep their word only to discover how far apart they've grown. But the reunion sparks memories of youthful dreams that haven't been fulfilled -- and slowly, the three men reevaluate their lives and try to find a way to renew their friendship.