George O’Brien was an American actor who is best known for Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans, The Iron Horse, and Riders of the Purple Sage.
Personal and Family Life
George O’Brien was born on April 19, 1899, in San Francisco, California. His father, Daniel J. O’Brien, was the Chief of Police in San Francisco, and his mother was Margaret Donahue. He had a successful family life and was married to actress Marguerite Churchill from 1933 until their divorce in 1948. They had two children together: Orin and Darcy O’Brien.
Career Highlights
O’Brien started his career as a college athlete and became the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet light-heavyweight boxing champion during World War I. He transitioned to Hollywood in the early 1920s, initially working as a stuntman before landing a leading role in John Ford’s The Iron Horse in 1924. Over the years, he starred in numerous films, especially westerns, and was known for his rugged looks and strong screen presence.
Death and Legacy
George O’Brien passed away on September 4, 1985, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, due to a stroke. He left behind a legacy as a prominent cowboy star of B movies and a respected figure in early American cinema. His contributions to film, particularly in Westerns, remain appreciated by audiences even today.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans | 1927-11-04 | The Man (Anses) |
| The Iron Horse | 1924-08-24 | Davy Brandon |
| Riders of the Purple Sage | 1931-10-22 | Jim Lassiter |
| She Wore a Yellow Ribbon | 1949-10-22 | Maj. Mac Allshard |
| Cheyenne Autumn | 1964-10-15 | Major Braden |
| Thunder Mountain | 1935-09-27 | Kal Emerson |
| 3 Bad Men | 1926-08-28 | Dan O’Malley |
| Fort Apache | 1948-06-14 | Capt. Sam Collingwood |
| Ever Since Eve | 1934-03-25 | Neil Rogers |
| My Wild Irish Rose | 1947-12-24 | ‘Duke’ Muldoon |