Actor. Muscular, barrel-chested, yet sensitively talented silent star, O'Brien went to Hollywood at the beginning of the 20's where he worked as a stuntman and part-time actor for time being. He was truly Hollywood's first perfect male physique. To his first movies belong "White Hands", "Woman-Proof" and "The Man Who Came Back." O'Brien was consistently in the Top Ten money-making Western Stars. He made a successful transition to sound soon thereafter, and began playing tough but good-humored heroes in many enjoyable B-budget Westerns including "Riders of the Purple Sage" (1931) and "Mystery Ranch" (1932). He served in the US Navy both during WWI (Heavyweight boxing champion of the Pacific Fleet) and again in World War II where he again served in the Pacific Fleet and was decorated multiple times. He spent his later years ranching, but following a heart attack, was confined to bed for the last few years of his life.
Actor. Muscular, barrel-chested, yet sensitively talented silent star, O'Brien went to Hollywood at the beginning of the 20's where he worked as a stuntman and part-time actor for time being. He was truly Hollywood's first perfect male physique. To his first movies belong "White Hands", "Woman-Proof" and "The Man Who Came Back." O'Brien was consistently in the Top Ten money-making Western Stars. He made a successful transition to sound soon thereafter, and began playing tough but good-humored heroes in many enjoyable B-budget Westerns including "Riders of the Purple Sage" (1931) and "Mystery Ranch" (1932). He served in the US Navy both during WWI (Heavyweight boxing champion of the Pacific Fleet) and again in World War II where he again served in the Pacific Fleet and was decorated multiple times. He spent his later years ranching, but following a heart attack, was confined to bed for the last few years of his life.
Bio by: MC
Gravesite Details
Burial at sea off the coast of San Diego by the U. S. Navy.
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