View source for Dan O'Herlihy

{{Cast Data
| image= Ravishol.jpg
| character=[[Ravashol]]
| series=TOS
| born_month= 5
| born_day= 1
| born_year= 1919
| death_month= 2
| death_day= 17
| death_year=2005
| nationality= IRL
| site=
| imdb= 0641397
| sortkey=O'Herlihy, Dan
}}
'''Dan O'Herlihy''' (born May 1, 1919 in Wexford, Ireland; died February 17, 2005 in Malibu, California) was an Irish actor who portrayed Dr. [[Ravashol]], the brilliant but morally conflicted creator of the [[Theta]]-class lifeforms and the [[Ravashol pulsar]] weapon, in the [[Original Series]] two-part episode "[[The Gun on Ice Planet Zero]]".

== Career ==

Born in Wexford, County Wexford, Ireland, O'Herlihy initially pursued architecture rather than acting. He moved with his family to Dublin as a young boy and was educated at Christian Brothers College in Dún Laoghaire.<ref group="external" name="tcm_oherlihy_obituary_2005">{{cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/articles/90351/dan-o-herlihy-1919-2005#:~:text=He%20was%20born%20on%20May%201%2C%201919%20in%20Wexford%2C%20Ireland|title=Dan O'Herlihy, 1919-2005|author=Michael T. Toole|publisher=Turner Classic Movies|date=22 February 2005|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> He studied at University College Dublin, graduating in 1944 with a degree in architecture.<ref group="external" name="tcm_oherlihy_biography">{{cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/143398%7C35187/Dan-O-Herlihy/#:~:text=An%20architecture%20student%20who%20turned%20to%20acting%20to%20earn%20money%20for%20college|title=Dan O'Herlihy|publisher=Turner Classic Movies|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> While at university, O'Herlihy joined several amateur theatre groups as a bit player to earn money, and after graduating decided to pursue acting full-time.<ref group="external" name="tcm_oherlihy_obituary_2005" />

=== Theatre Origins ===

O'Herlihy worked at both the Abbey Theatre and Gate Theatre in Dublin, initially as a set designer before transitioning to acting roles.<ref group="external" name="playbill_oherlihy_theatre_designer">{{cite web|url=https://playbill.com/article/veteran-actor-of-film-and-stage-dan-oherlihy-is-dead-at-85-com-124302#:~:text=He%20turned%20to%20the%20theatre%20as%20a%20way%20to%20earn%20money%2C%20first%20as%20a%20set%20designer%2C%20then%20as%20an%20actor|title=Veteran Actor of Film and Stage Dan O'Herlihy Is Dead at 85|author=Robert Simonson|publisher=Playbill|date=22 February 2005|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> His first notable acting role came in 1944 when he played the lead role of Ayamonn Breydon in the Gate Theatre's production of ''Red Roses For Me'', written and directed by Seán O'Casey.<ref group="external" name="rte_oherlihy_theatre_career">{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2005/0218/403489-oherlihyd/#:~:text=He%20worked%20with%20the%20Gate%20Theatre%20and%20the%20Abbey%20Players%2C%20where%20he%20appeared%20in%20over%2070%20plays|title=Irish actor Dan O'Herlihy dies, 85|publisher=RTÉ|date=18 February 2005|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> He appeared in approximately seventy plays at the Gate and Abbey theatres before moving into film and radio work.<ref group="external" name="rte_oherlihy_theatre_career" /><ref group="external" name="playbill_oherlihy_70_plays">{{cite web|url=https://playbill.com/article/veteran-actor-of-film-and-stage-dan-oherlihy-is-dead-at-85-com-124302#:~:text=he%20appeared%20in%20more%20than%2070%20plays%20in%20Dublin|title=Veteran Actor of Film and Stage Dan O'Herlihy Is Dead at 85|author=Robert Simonson|publisher=Playbill|date=22 February 2005|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref>

=== Film Debut and Early Career ===

O'Herlihy made his film debut in 1947 with British director Carol Reed's ''[[w:Odd Man Out|Odd Man Out]]'', shot on location in Belfast.<ref group="external" name="findagrave_oherlihy_memorial">{{cite web|url=https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/10495815/dan-o%27herlihy#:~:text=His%20other%20films%20include%20%22Odd%20Man%20Out%22%20(1947)|title=Dan O'Herlihy (1919-2005)|publisher=Find a Grave Memorial|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> Reed discovered O'Herlihy while watching him perform at the Abbey Theatre.<ref group="external" name="tcm_tatara_odd_man_out">{{cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/articles/143179/odd-man-out#:~:text=It%20was%20there%20%5Bat%20the%20Abbey%20Theatre%5D%20that%20British%20director%20Sir%20Carol%20Reed%20caught%20him%20in%20a%20small%20role|title=Odd Man Out|author=Paul Tatara|publisher=Turner Classic Movies|date=14 August 2006|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> O'Herlihy later expressed profound respect for the director, stating: "I was more in awe of [Carol Reed] than any director I've ever worked with, more even than Buñuel."<ref group="commentary" name="weaver_science_fiction_confidential_reed">{{cite book|title=Science Fiction Confidential: Interviews with Monster Stars & Filmmakers|author=Tom Weaver|publisher=McFarland & Co.|location=Jefferson, NC|year=2002|isbn=0786411759|pages=73-77}}</ref>

His first American film role was as Macduff in [[w:Orson Welles|Orson Welles]]' version of ''[[w:Macbeth (1948 film)|Macbeth]]'' (1948), followed by supporting roles in films such as the Red Scare thriller ''[[w:Invasion, U.S.A. (1952 film)|Invasion, U.S.A.]]'' (1952), ''[[w:Soldiers Three (film)|Soldiers Three]]'' (1951), and the swashbuckler ''[[w:The Black Shield of Falworth|The Black Shield of Falworth]]'' (1954).<ref group="external" name="tcm_oherlihy_biography" />

=== ''Robinson Crusoe'' and Oscar Nomination ===

O'Herlihy's career took a significant turn in 1954 when he was cast in the title role of Luis Buñuel's ''[[w:The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe (film)|Robinson Crusoe]]'', earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.<ref group="external" name="imdb_oherlihy_biography_robinson_crusoe">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0641397/bio/#:~:text=His%20best%20known-roles%20include%20an%20Oscar-nominated%20portrayal%20of%20Robinson%20Crusoe%20(1954)|title=Dan O'Herlihy - Biography|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> According to O'Herlihy, the film's producers initially wanted Buñuel to cast Orson Welles in the role, but Buñuel refused, saying Welles was too large for the part. When producers arranged a screening of Welles' ''Macbeth'' to demonstrate how a bearded Welles might appear, Buñuel instead noticed O'Herlihy's performance as Macduff and demanded him for the lead.<ref group="external" name="tcm_toole_robinson_casting">{{cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/articles/90351/dan-o-herlihy-1919-2005#:~:text=Buñuel%20originally%20thought%20of%20casting%20Welles%20in%20the%20lead%2C%20but%20he%20was%20far%20more%20impressed%20with%20O'Herlihy's%20looks%20and%20presence|title=Dan O'Herlihy, 1919-2005|author=Michael T. Toole|publisher=Turner Classic Movies|date=22 February 2005|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref>

Filming began on July 7, 1952, on the west coast of Mexico near Manzanillo, Colima. O'Herlihy performed each scene twice—once in English and once in Spanish—for simultaneous release versions.<ref group="production" name="altfg_robinson_production_details">{{cite web|url=https://www.altfg.com/dan-oherlihy-actor/#:~:text=Filming%20began%20July%207%2C%201952|title=Dan O'Herlihy (Actor): Unique Oscar Nominee|publisher=Alt Film Guide|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> According to O'Herlihy, the script was used only for the first week of shooting; afterward, he and Buñuel would discuss the story and character reactions directly without reference to written dialogue.<ref group="production" name="altfg_robinson_production_details" /> Turner Classic Movies critic Michael T. Toole noted that "O'Herlihy's lean, hungry, athletic performance was the key to the film's success."<ref group="external" name="tcm_toole_robinson_casting" />

At the 27th Academy Awards in 1955, O'Herlihy competed against formidable talent: Marlon Brando (''[[w:On the Waterfront|On the Waterfront]]'' – winner), Humphrey Bogart (''[[w:The Caine Mutiny (film)|The Caine Mutiny]]''), Bing Crosby (''[[w:The Country Girl (1954 film)|The Country Girl]]''), and James Mason (''[[w:A Star Is Born (1954 film)|A Star Is Born]]'').<ref group="external" name="altfg_oscar_competition">{{cite web|url=https://www.altfg.com/dan-oherlihy-actor/#:~:text=the%20least-known%20performer%20up%20until%20then%20to%20have%20been%20in%20the%20running%20in%20a%20lead%20acting%20category|title=Dan O'Herlihy (Actor): Unique Oscar Nominee|publisher=Alt Film Guide|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> Because the Mexican production was considered a B-movie by Hollywood standards, O'Herlihy invested his own money to arrange a Los Angeles theatrical run and offered free admission to Screen Actors Guild members to ensure voting awareness.<ref group="production" name="altfg_oscar_campaign">{{cite web|url=https://www.altfg.com/dan-oherlihy-actor/#:~:text=O'Herlihy%20had%20invested%20his%20own%20money%20for%20a%20Los%20Angeles%20theatrical%20run|title=Dan O'Herlihy (Actor): Unique Oscar Nominee|publisher=Alt Film Guide|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref>

=== 1950s-1960s Film Work ===

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, O'Herlihy appeared in notable films including Douglas Sirk's ''[[w:Imitation of Life (1959 film)|Imitation of Life]]'' (1959), ''[[w:The Young Land|The Young Land]]'' (1959), and ''[[w:One Foot in Hell|One Foot in Hell]]'' (1960).<ref group="external" name="tcm_oherlihy_filmography_1950s">{{cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/143398%7C35187/Dan-O-Herlihy/#:~:text=Imitation%20of%20Life%22%20(1959)|title=Dan O'Herlihy - Filmography|publisher=Turner Classic Movies|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> He gained particular recognition for his portrayal of Brigadier General Warren A. Black in Sidney Lumet's Cold War thriller ''[[w:Fail Safe (1964 film)|Fail Safe]]'' (1964), playing an anguished U.S. Air Force general contemplating catastrophic orders.<ref group="external" name="findagrave_oherlihy_fail_safe">{{cite web|url=https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/10495815/dan-o%27herlihy#:~:text=%22Fail%20Safe%22%20(1964)|title=Dan O'Herlihy (1919-2005)|publisher=Find a Grave Memorial|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> ''Variety'' praised the ensemble cast, noting that "Dan O'Herlihy, Edward Binns and Fritz Weaver score as army officers."<ref group="external" name="variety_fail_safe_review_1964">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1963/film/reviews/fail-safe-1200420656/#:~:text=Dan%20O'Herlihy%2C%20Edward%20Binns%20and%20Fritz%20Weaver%20score%20as%20army%20officers|title=Fail Safe|publisher=Variety|date=1964|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> ''TV Guide'' later described his performance as "very sensitive."<ref group="external" name="tvguide_fail_safe_1967">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0641397/publicity/#:~:text=TV%20Guide%20(July%2029%2C%201967)|title=Dan O'Herlihy - Publicity listings|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref>

Other significant film roles included Marshal Ney in the epic ''[[w:Waterloo (1970 film)|Waterloo]]'' (1970) and a dual role as Dr. Caligari in Robert Bloch's psychological thriller ''[[w:The Cabinet of Caligari (1962 film)|The Cabinet of Caligari]]'' (1962).<ref group="external" name="imdb_oherlihy_1960s_roles">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0641397/bio/#:~:text=a%20memorable%20dual%20role%20as%20the%20sinister%2C%20voyeuristic%20Dr.Caligari|title=Dan O'Herlihy - Biography|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref>

=== Television Career ===

O'Herlihy developed an extensive television career beginning in the 1950s with appearances in anthology programs including ''[[w:General Electric Theater|General Electric Theater]]'', ''[[w:Playhouse 90|Playhouse 90]]'', ''[[w:The United States Steel Hour|The United States Steel Hour]]'', ''[[w:Cavalcade of America|Cavalcade of America]]'', and ''Screen Directors Theatre''.<ref group="external" name="tcm_oherlihy_television_anthology">{{cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/articles/90351/dan-o-herlihy-1919-2005#:~:text=appeared%20on%20acclaimed%20anthology%20programs%20in%20the%20'50s%20(General%20Electric%20Theater%2C%20Playhouse%2090%2C%20The%20United%20States%20Steel%20Hour)|title=Dan O'Herlihy, 1919-2005|author=Michael T. Toole|publisher=Turner Classic Movies|date=22 February 2005|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref>

His episodic television work spanned decades and included appearances on ''[[w:Dr. Kildare (TV series)|Dr. Kildare]]'', ''[[w:The Untouchables (1959 TV series)|The Untouchables]]'' (as Larry "Ace" Banner in "The Big Squeeze"), ''[[w:The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters (TV series)|The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters]]'' (1963-1964, as Dr. Sardius "Doc" McPheeters opposite young Kurt Russell), ''[[w:Bonanza|Bonanza]]'' (in the episode "The Artist" as Matthew Raine with [[w:Lorne Greene|Lorne Greene]]), ''[[w:The Big Valley|The Big Valley]]'', ''[[w:The Man from U.N.C.L.E.|The Man from U.N.C.L.E.]]'', ''[[w:Mission: Impossible (1966 TV series)|Mission: Impossible]]'', ''[[w:Ironside (1967 TV series)|Ironside]]'', and ''[[w:Hawaii Five-O (1968 TV series)|Hawaii Five-O]]''.<ref group="external" name="imdb_oherlihy_television_credits">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0641397/bio/#:~:text=Having%20appeared%20on%20Rawhide|title=Dan O'Herlihy - Biography|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> He appeared in the miniseries ''[[w:QB VII|QB VII]]'' and took on the lead role in ''[[w:The Long, Hot Summer (TV series)|The Long, Hot Summer]]'' series, replacing Edmond O'Brien as Will Varner midway through the program's single-season run in 1965.<ref group="external" name="imdb_oherlihy_long_hot_summer">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0641397/trivia/#:~:text=In%20the%20fall%20of%201965%20O'Herlihy%20took%20over%20for%20Edmond%20O'Brien|title=Dan O'Herlihy - Trivia|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref>

By the 1970s and 1980s, O'Herlihy continued with guest-starring roles on series including ''[[w:Serpico (TV series)|Serpico]]'', ''[[w:The Bionic Woman|The Bionic Woman]]'', ''[[w:The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries|The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries]]'', ''[[w:Barnaby Jones|Barnaby Jones]]'', ''[[w:Murder, She Wrote|Murder, She Wrote]]'', ''[[w:Remington Steele|Remington Steele]]'', and ''[[w:Charlie's Angels|Charlie's Angels]]''.<ref group="external" name="tcm_oherlihy_1970s_television">{{cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/articles/90351/dan-o-herlihy-1919-2005#:~:text='70s%20(Charlie's%20Angels%2C%20The%20Bionic%20Woman)|title=Dan O'Herlihy, 1919-2005|author=Michael T. Toole|publisher=Turner Classic Movies|date=22 February 2005|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> He also worked in television films such as ''Mark Twain: Beneath the Laughter''.<ref group="external" name="imdb_oherlihy_tv_films">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0641397/|title=Dan O'Herlihy|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref>

=== Later Career and Genre Films ===

In the 1980s and 1990s, O'Herlihy experienced a career resurgence with roles that introduced him to younger audiences. He portrayed the kind-spirited alien mentor Grig in the science fiction film ''[[w:The Last Starfighter|The Last Starfighter]]'' (1984), appearing unrecognizable in elaborate makeup and prosthetics.<ref group="external" name="tcm_oherlihy_last_starfighter">{{cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/articles/90351/dan-o-herlihy-1919-2005#:~:text=the%20lizard-like%20alien%20in%20The%20Last%20Starfighter%20(1984)|title=Dan O'Herlihy, 1919-2005|author=Michael T. Toole|publisher=Turner Classic Movies|date=22 February 2005|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> ''Starlog'' magazine interviewed O'Herlihy extensively about the role in their September 1984 issue, with the cover story titled "Dan O'Herlihy: Full-Time Actor, Part-Time Iguana," discussing his experience working under heavy prosthetic makeup as the reptilian alien navigator.<ref group="commentary" name="starlog_86_last_starfighter_interview">{{cite magazine|title=Dan O'Herlihy: Full-Time Actor, Part-Time Iguana|author=Brian Lowry|magazine=Starlog|issue=86|pages=27-29, 65|date=September 1984}}</ref>

He achieved renewed recognition playing villainous roles, including the homicidal toymaker Conal Cochran in ''[[w:Halloween III: Season of the Witch|Halloween III: Season of the Witch]]'' (1982). O'Herlihy reflected on the role: "Whenever I use a Cork accent, I'm having a good time, and I used a Cork accent in [''Halloween III'']. I thoroughly enjoyed the role, but I didn't think it was much of a picture, no."<ref group="commentary" name="weaver_halloween_iii_quote">{{cite book|title=Science Fiction Confidential: Interviews with Monster Stars & Filmmakers|author=Tom Weaver|publisher=McFarland & Co.|location=Jefferson, NC|year=2002|isbn=0786411759|pages=73-77}}</ref> He also portrayed "The Old Man," the ruthless CEO of Omni Consumer Products, in ''[[w:RoboCop|RoboCop]]'' (1987) and ''[[w:RoboCop 2|RoboCop 2]]'' (1990), roles that made him a favorite among science fiction and fantasy fans.<ref group="external" name="findagrave_oherlihy_robocop_roles">{{cite web|url=https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/10495815/dan-o%27herlihy#:~:text=Science%20Fiction%20fans%20will%20remember%20him%20as%20%22The%20Old%20Man%2C%22%20the%20evil%20corporate%20executive%20in%20%22RoboCop%22%20(1987)%20and%20%22RoboCop%202%22%20(1990)|title=Dan O'Herlihy (1919-2005)|publisher=Find a Grave Memorial|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> ''Starlog'' magazine's June 1988 issue featured another extensive interview with O'Herlihy titled "Dan O'Herlihy: Tycoon of Tomorrow!" discussing his portrayal of the sinister OCP chairman in [[w:Paul_Verhoeven|Paul Verhoeven]]'s dystopian satire.<ref group="commentary" name="starlog_131_robocop_interview">{{cite magazine|title=Dan O'Herlihy: Tycoon of Tomorrow!|author=Eric Niderost|magazine=Starlog|issue=131|pages=59-61, 72|date=June 1988}}</ref>

O'Herlihy received critical acclaim for his performance as Mr. Browne in director [[w:John Huston|John Huston]]'s final film, ''[[w:The Dead (1987 film)|The Dead]]'' (1987), an adaptation of [[w:James Joyce|James Joyce]]'s short story.<ref group="external" name="tcm_oherlihy_the_dead_1987">{{cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/143398%7C35187/Dan-O-Herlihy/#:~:text=the%20lead%20character%20Mr.%20Browne%20in%20John%20Huston's%20film%20version%20of%20the%20James%20Joyce%20story%20%22The%20Dead%22%20(1987)|title=Dan O'Herlihy|publisher=Turner Classic Movies|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> O'Herlihy called it "a lovely experience to be with such a group [of accomplished Irish players] again."<ref group="commentary" name="weaver_the_dead_quote">{{cite book|title=Science Fiction Confidential: Interviews with Monster Stars & Filmmakers|author=Tom Weaver|publisher=McFarland & Co.|location=Jefferson, NC|year=2002|isbn=0786411759|pages=73-77}}</ref> He also became part of the cult television series ''[[w:Twin Peaks|Twin Peaks]]'' (1990-1991), portraying the inscrutable lumber tycoon Andrew Packard in several episodes.<ref group="external" name="imdb_oherlihy_twin_peaks">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0641397/bio/#:~:text=the%20inscrutable%20Andrew%20Packard%20in%20Twin%20Peaks%20(1990)%20on%20television|title=Dan O'Herlihy - Biography|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> ''The Irish Times'' noted he "seemed as much at home among the impeccable cast of John Huston's wonderful swansong" as "among the ensemble cast of [[w:David_Lynch|David Lynch]]'s entertainingly enigmatic 1990s TV series, ''Twin Peaks''."<ref group="external" name="irishtimes_oherlihy_versatility">{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/actor-of-great-gravitas-on-screen-1.416732#:~:text=O'Herlihy%20seemed%20as%20much%20at%20home%20among%20the%20impeccable%20cast%20of%20John%20Huston's%20wonderful%20swansong|title=Actor of great gravitas on screen|publisher=The Irish Times|date=19 February 2005|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref>

In April 2001, ''Starlog'' published a comprehensive career retrospective interview with O'Herlihy titled "The Man Alone," conducted by film historian Tom Weaver. This interview was later expanded for Weaver's 2002 book ''Science Fiction Confidential: Interviews with Monster Stars & Filmmakers''.<ref group="commentary" name="starlog_285_career_retrospective">{{cite magazine|title=The Man Alone|author=Tom Weaver|magazine=Starlog|issue=285|pages=73-77|date=April 2001}}</ref>

=== Voice Acting ===

Towards the end of his career, O'Herlihy took on voice acting roles for animated series. He provided voice work for ''[[w:The Pirates of Dark Water|The Pirates of Dark Water]]'' and voiced Mr. Freeze in the ''[[w:Batman: The Animated Series|Batman: The Animated Series]]'' episode "Deep Freeze".<ref group="external" name="imdb_oherlihy_voice_acting">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0641397/|title=Dan O'Herlihy|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> His final on-screen role was portraying Joe Kennedy in the 1998 television film ''[[w:The Rat Pack (film)|The Rat Pack]]''.<ref group="external" name="findagrave_oherlihy_final_role">{{cite web|url=https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/10495815/dan-o%27herlihy#:~:text=His%20last%20role%20was%20as%20Joe%20Kennedy%20in%20the%201998%20TV%20movie%20%22The%20Rat%20Pack.%22|title=Dan O'Herlihy (1919-2005)|publisher=Find a Grave Memorial|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref>

== Personal Life ==

O'Herlihy married Elsie Bennett on August 16, 1945, at University Church, St Stephen's Green, Dublin, and they remained married until his death sixty years later.<ref group="external" name="imdb_oherlihy_family_1959_move">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0641397/bio/#:~:text=In%201959%20Dan%20and%20Elsie%20O'Herlihy%20and%20children%20Olwen%2C%20Patricia%2C%20Gavan%2C%20Cormac%20and%20Lorcan%20moved%20from%20their%20Los%20Angeles%20home%20to%20Malibu|title=Dan O'Herlihy - Biography|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> In 1959, the O'Herlihys moved from Los Angeles to Malibu, California, where they resided for the remainder of their lives.<ref group="external" name="imdb_oherlihy_family_1959_move" /> The couple had five children: Olwen (a visual artist and theatrical producer), Patricia, [[imdb:nm0641398|Gavan]] (an actor), Cormac, and Lorcan (an architect).<ref group="external" name="playbill_oherlihy_obituary_family">{{cite web|url=https://playbill.com/article/veteran-actor-of-film-and-stage-dan-oherlihy-is-dead-at-85-com-124302#:~:text=He%20is%20also%20survived%20by%20son%20Gavin%2C%20also%20an%20actor|title=Veteran Actor of Film and Stage Dan O'Herlihy Is Dead at 85|author=Robert Simonson|publisher=Playbill|date=22 February 2005|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> His son Lorcan fulfilled the architectural aspirations O'Herlihy had originally pursued, becoming a prominent Los Angeles architect.<ref group="external" name="playbill_oherlihy_lorcan_architect">{{cite web|url=https://playbill.com/article/veteran-actor-of-film-and-stage-dan-oherlihy-is-dead-at-85-com-124302#:~:text=Lorcan%20O'Herlihy%2C%20his%20son%20with%20wife%20Else%20Bennett%2C%20who%20survives%20him%2C%20became%20an%20architect|title=Veteran Actor of Film and Stage Dan O'Herlihy Is Dead at 85|author=Robert Simonson|publisher=Playbill|date=22 February 2005|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref>

His son Gavan appeared in numerous television series including ''[[w:Happy Days|Happy Days]]'', ''[[w:Star Trek: Voyager|Star Trek: Voyager]]'', and ''Twin Peaks'' (where he worked alongside his father).<ref group="external" name="emmys_gavan_oherlihy_biography">{{cite web|url=https://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/gavan-oherlihy#:~:text=He%20relocated%20to%20England%20to%20star%20on%20the%201982%20ITV%20series%20We'll%20Meet%20Again%20and%20worked%20with%20his%20father%2C%20actor%20Dan%20O'Herlihy%2C%20on%20ABC's%20Twin%20Peaks%20in%201990-91|title=Gavan O'Herlihy|publisher=Television Academy|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> One of O'Herlihy's granddaughters, Micaela O'Herlihy, became a filmmaker whose work has been shown at the [[w:Sundance Film Festival|Sundance Film Festival]].<ref group="external" name="imdb_oherlihy_trivia_grandchildren">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0641397/trivia/#:~:text=One%20grandchild%2C%20Micaela%20O'Herlihy%2C%20is%20a%20filmmaker%20whose%20work%20has%20been%20shown%20at%20the%20Sundance%20Film%20Festival|title=Dan O'Herlihy - Trivia|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref>

O'Herlihy was the brother of television and film director [[w:Michael O'Herlihy|Michael O'Herlihy]], who directed numerous episodes of popular series including ''[[w:Star Trek: The Original Series|Star Trek]]'', ''[[w:Gunsmoke|Gunsmoke]]'', and ''[[w:Hawaii Five-O (1968 TV series)|Hawaii Five-O]]''.<ref group="external" name="findagrave_oherlihy_brother_michael">{{cite web|url=https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/10495815/dan-o%27herlihy#:~:text=O'Herlihy%20was%20the%20brother%20of%20film%20and%20TV%20director%20Michael%20O'Herlihy|title=Dan O'Herlihy (1919-2005)|publisher=Find a Grave Memorial|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> O'Herlihy became a naturalized United States citizen in 1983.<ref group="external" name="imdb_oherlihy_naturalization_1983">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0641397/trivia/#:~:text=Dan%20became%20a%20naturalized%20U.S.%20citizen%20in%201983|title=Dan O'Herlihy - Trivia|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref>

Friend Michael B. Druxman recalled that O'Herlihy "was famed for his sense of humor," noting that he would wear his lizard costume from ''The Last Starfighter'' while "driving home from the studio to see if anyone noticed."<ref group="commentary" name="filmbuff_druxman_humor_anecdote">{{cite web|url=https://www.filmbuffonline.com/InRemembrance/DanOHerlihy.htm#:~:text=was%20famed%20for%20his%20sense%20of%20humor|title=In Remembrance: Dan O'Herlihy|author=John L. Gibbons|publisher=Film Buff Online|date=February 2005|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref>

In a 1988 interview, O'Herlihy expressed his ongoing passion for acting: "I'm not excessively 'theater' or excessively an actor, but if I stay away for more than six months, I get edgy. I like to work and I don't really see a time when I would retire."<ref group="external" name="imdb_oherlihy_1988_interview_quote">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0641397/bio/#:~:text=%5B1988%20interview%5D%20I'm%20not%20excessively%20%22theater%22%20or%20excessively%20an%20actor%2C%20but%20if%20I%20stay%20away%20for%20more%20than%20six%20months%2C%20I%20get%20edgy|title=Dan O'Herlihy - Biography|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref>

O'Herlihy died of natural causes at his Malibu home on February 17, 2005, less than three months before what would have been his 86th birthday. He was 85 years old.<ref group="external" name="tcm_oherlihy_death_2005">{{cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/articles/90351/dan-o-herlihy-1919-2005#:~:text=has%20died%20of%20natural%20causes%20at%20his%20Malibu%2C%20California%20home.%20He%20was%2085|title=Dan O'Herlihy, 1919-2005|author=Michael T. Toole|publisher=Turner Classic Movies|date=22 February 2005|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> ''The Irish Times'' obituary described him as "a tall, imposing figure who oozed gravitas on screen whenever required."<ref group="external" name="irishtimes_oherlihy_gravitas">{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/actor-of-great-gravitas-on-screen-1.416732#:~:text=a%20tall%2C%20imposing%20figure%20who%20oozed%20gravitas%20on%20screen%20whenever%20required|title=Actor of great gravitas on screen|publisher=The Irish Times|date=19 February 2005|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref> His widow, Elsie, continued to reside in Malibu until moving to Camarillo, California, where she died at age 95 on June 2, 2019.<ref group="external" name="imdb_oherlihy_elsie_death_2019">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0641397/bio/#:~:text=His%20widow%20died%20at%2095%20on%20June%202%2C%202019%20in%20her%20Camarilo%2C%20California%20home|title=Dan O'Herlihy - Biography|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=22 January 2026}}</ref>

== References ==

=== External Sources ===
{{reflist|group=external}}

=== Commentary and Interviews ===
{{reflist|group=commentary}}

=== Production History ===
{{reflist|group=production}}