O'Brien, Pat, 1899-1983

American film star Pat O'Brien was most known for his portrayal of Irish-American characters in films throughout the mid 1900s. He was born on November 11, 1899 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Margaret Mcgovern and William J. O'Brien, originally named William Joseph Patrick O'Brien. He attened Marquette College, he joined the drama club and became adept at acting. O'Brien became friends with Spencer Tracy and the two dropped out of high school to join the United States Navy, during which time O'Brien earned his American Legion Distinguished Service Medal. After returning from the war, the O'Brien attended Marquette University where he pursued a law degree. However, O'Brien left school to move to New York, New York with Tracy in order to attend an acting academy. His acting career began in the 1920s and lasted until the 1980s, including an appearance as Hildy Johnson in Howard Hughes' production The Front Page (1931) and over 100 films.

O'Brien married Margaret Eloise Taylor on January 21, 1931 in Los Angeles, California. The couple adopted three children, Margaret Mavourneen, Patrick Sean Young, and Terence Kevin O'Brien. O'Brien died on October 15, 1983 in Santa Monica, California.

Sources:

Genealogy files about "William Joseph of Pat O'Brien." Accessed on November 5, 2021 on FamilySearch.org.

"Pat O'Brien, Movies' All-American, Is Dead.". 1983 New York Times (1923-), Oct 16. http://ezproxy.library.unlv.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/pat-obrien-movies-all-american-is-dead/docview/122201717/se-2?accountid=3611.