Pat O'Brien height - How tall is Pat O'Brien?

Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume One, 1981-1985, pages 607-608. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1998.

His final acting role was as a guest star in an episode of Happy Days (1974). The series was set in Milwaukee, WI, which was O'Brien's hometown.

Member and 1st Vice-President (beneeth President Gene Buck) of the Catholic Actors Guild of America (1945).

Formed his own production company in 1944, which made only one film: Secret Command (1944).

Had appeared with James Cagney in nine films: Here Comes the Navy (1934), Devil Dogs of the Air (1935), The Irish in Us (1935), Ceiling Zero (1936) Boy Meets Girl (1938), Angels with Dirty Faces (1938), The Fighting 69th (1940), Torrid Zone (1940) and Ragtime (1981).

Had been playing Walter Burns in "The Front Page" on Broadway before being tapped to appear in the 1931 film (The Front Page (1931)). The studio, confusing Burns with the other lead role, Hildy Johnson, offered O'Brien the latter role, assuming it was the one he had played onstage. He took the job, not informing them of their mistake.

Although he came to be called "Hollywood's Irishman in Residence"--and, along with good friends James Cagney, Allen Jenkins, Frank McHugh and a few others were called "The Irish Mafia"--and he often played Irish immigrants, Pat O'Brien was US-born and -bred. As a young boy the devoutly Roman Catholic O'Brien considered entering the seminary to study for the priesthood, but although he often played a Father, Monsignor or Bishop, he never actually followed through and entered the seminary. And although never a policeman, in movies he often wore the cop's badge and, although in real life he had no discernible Irish accent, he could pour on the "brogue" when the role called for it. Pat O'Brien excelled in roles as beneficent men but could also give convincing performances as wise guys or con artists. He was a most popular film star during the 1930s and 1940s.

Met his wife Eloise while appearing at the Selwyn Theatre in Chicago in 1927.

Alumnus of the AADA (American Academy of Dramatic Arts), Class of 1922.

First met his lifelong friend Spencer Tracy when Tracy enrolled at Milwaukee's Marquette Academy in 1917.

Was awarded two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: for Motion Pictures at 1531 Vine St. and for Television at 6240 Hollywood Blvd.