Denis O'Dea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Denis O'Dea
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Denis O'Dea in 1933. Photo by Carl Van Vechten
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| Born | 26 April 1905 Dublin, Ireland
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| Died | 5 November 1978 (aged 73) Dublin
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| Years active | 1935–1960 |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 1 |
Denis O'Dea (born April 26, 1905 – died November 5, 1978) was a well-known Irish actor. He starred in many plays and films during his career. Denis was born in Dublin, Ireland, and went to school at Synge Street CBS.
Before becoming an actor, he worked in insurance. But his true passion was acting! He became a very important member of Dublin's famous Abbey Theatre. He acted there from 1929 to 1953, which is a long time! You can find a list of all his performances in the Abbey Theatre's records.
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Denis O'Dea's Acting Career
Denis O'Dea also appeared in many plays written by Irish playwright Teresa Deevy. Some of these plays even traveled to New York and England. His great work on stage helped him get many roles in movies.
Early Film Roles
In the mid-1930s, Denis O'Dea worked with famous director John Ford. He appeared in two of Ford's films: The Informer (1935) and The Plough and the Stars (1936). These movies helped him become known in Hollywood.
Another big role for him was in Carol Reed's film Odd Man Out (1947). In this movie, he played a police inspector. He was chasing an IRA man played by James Mason.
More Movies and Famous Directors
Denis O'Dea continued to act in many other films. He worked with Carol Reed again in The Fallen Idol (1948), where he once more played a police inspector. He also appeared in a movie directed by the legendary Alfred Hitchcock, called Under Capricorn (1949).
He even worked with Disney! He played Dr. Livesey in Disney's Treasure Island (1950). This was a very popular adventure film. Later, he was in another John Ford film, Mogambo (1953).
Some of his other notable films include:
- The Mark of Cain (1947)
- The Bad Lord Byron (1949)
- Niagara (1953)
- Darby O'Gill and the Little People (1959) – another Disney film!
- Esther and the King (1960) – this was his last movie role.
Denis O'Dea's Family Life
Denis O'Dea was married to a famous actress named Siobhán McKenna. They got married in 1946. They stayed together until Denis passed away in 1978. He was 73 years old when he died.
They had one son together, named Donnacha O'Dea. Donnacha grew up to be a champion swimmer! He is also a professional poker player.
Filmography
- Guests of the Nation (1935)
- The Informer (1935) – Street Singer
- Beloved Enemy (1936) – Sean's I.R.A. Friend (uncredited)
- The Plough and the Stars (1936) – The Covey
- Odd Man Out (1947) – Inspector
- The Mark of Cain (1947) – Sir William Godgrey
- The Fallen Idol (1948) – Inspector Crowe
- The Bad Lord Byron (1949) – Prosecuting Counsel
- Marry Me! (1949) – Saunders
- Under Capricorn (1949) – Mr. Corrigan
- Landfall (1949) – Capt. Burnaby
- Treasure Island (1950) – Dr. Livesey
- The Long Dark Hall (1951) – Sir Charles Morton
- Captain Horatio Hornblower (1951) – RAdm. Sir Rodney Leighton
- Peppino e Violetta (1951) – Father Damico
- Never Take No for an Answer (1951) – Father Damico
- Niagara (1953) – Inspector Starkey
- Sea Devils (1953) – Lethierry
- Mogambo (1953) – Father Josef
- Captain Lightfoot (1955) – Regis Donnell
- The Rising of the Moon (1957) – Police Sergeant Tom O'Hara (3rd Episode)
- The Story of Esther Costello (1957) – Father Devlin
- Darby O'Gill and the Little People (1959) – Father Murphy
- Esther and the King (1960) – Mordecai (final film role)
Playography
