George O'Brien (actor) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids George O'Brien
O'Brien in 1926
Born	(1899-04-19)April 19, 1899 San Francisco, California, U.S.
Died	September 4, 1985(1985-09-04) (aged 86) Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, U.S.
Occupation	Actor, singer
Years active	1922–1964
Spouse(s)	Marguerite Churchill (m. 1933; div. 1948)
Children	3, including Darcy and Orin O'Brien

George O'Brien (born April 19, 1899 – died September 4, 1985) was an American actor. He was very popular during the silent film era and continued acting into the 1930s. People today remember him best as the main actor in F. W. Murnau's 1927 film Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans. He also appeared in many Western movies in the 1930s and 1940s.

Early Life and Military Service
Acting Career
Personal Life
Later Years and Legacy
Awards
Images for kids
See also

Early Life and Military Service

George O'Brien was born in San Francisco, California. He was the oldest son of Daniel J. and Margaret L. O'Brien. His father later became the chief of police for San Francisco.

In 1917, O'Brien joined the United States Navy to fight in World War I. He served on a submarine chaser. He bravely volunteered to help carry wounded Marines. He was even given awards for his courage. After the war, O'Brien became the Light Heavyweight boxing champion of the Pacific Fleet.

During World War II, O'Brien served again in the Pacific. He was a "beachmaster," helping to manage landings. He received several awards for his service. He left the Navy as a commander. Later, he joined the United States Naval Reserve and retired as a captain in 1962. He was recommended four times to become an admiral.

Acting Career

With Dolores Costello in Noah's Ark (1928)

George O'Brien came to Hollywood in his early 20s. He hoped to work as a cameraman. He started by helping cameramen for famous actors like Tom Mix. Soon, he began acting in small roles and as a stuntman.

His first main role was in the 1924 movie The Man Who Came Back. In the same year, director John Ford chose him to star in The Iron Horse. This film was a huge success. After that, O'Brien made nine more movies with John Ford.

In 1927, he starred in Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans. This film won three major Academy Awards. It is still his most famous movie. He also played the lead in the big film East Side, West Side.

O'Brien and Beatrice Roberts in Park Avenue Logger (1937)

Throughout the rest of the 1920s, O'Brien was a very popular leading man. He often starred in action and adventure films. He acted alongside popular actresses like Janet Gaynor and Dolores Costello. When movies started having sound, O'Brien showed he had a strong voice. He continued to be a top star in Westerns and outdoor adventure movies.

In 1938, he joined RKO Radio Pictures to star in a series of Westerns. O'Brien, often riding his horse Mike, was very well-liked. He was always ranked among the top 10 cowboy stars. This series of Westerns stopped after 17 movies when O'Brien rejoined the Navy.

Trailer for She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949)

After his military service in World War II, O'Brien sometimes took roles in films directed by John Ford. These included Fort Apache and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon. His last main acting role was in the 1951 movie Gold Raiders. In this film, O'Brien handled the action, while The Three Stooges provided the comedy.

While in the Naval Reserve, O'Brien worked on a project for the Department of Defense. This was part of President Eisenhower's "People to People" program. He helped create a series of films about three Asian countries. One film about Korea was directed by John Ford.

Personal Life

In the 1920s, George O'Brien dated actress Olive Borden for many years. Many people thought they would get married. However, their relationship ended. He later married actress Marguerite Churchill on July 15, 1933. Their first child, Brian, sadly died shortly after birth.

Their daughter, Orin O'Brien, became a double bassist for the New York Philharmonic orchestra. Their youngest child, Darcy O'Brien, became a successful writer and college professor. George and Marguerite divorced in 1948.

Later Years and Legacy

George O'Brien had a stroke in 1981. He was bedridden for the last four years of his life. He passed away in 1985 in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. His son Darcy was a professor at the University of Tulsa, which is nearby.

For his important work in the movie industry, George O'Brien received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. You can find it at 6201 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles.