Person
Gavan O'Herlihy
Dublin, Ireland
Gavan O’Herlihy (29 July 1951 – 15 September 2021) was an Irish actor whose career spanned film, television, and stage, marked by a distinctive presence and a talent for commandin…
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Gavan O’Herlihy (29 July 1951 – 15 September 2021) was an Irish actor whose career spanned film, television, and stage, marked by a distinctive presence and a talent for commanding roles. Born in Dublin to actor Dan O’Herlihy and artist Elsie Bennett, he spent his early years between Ireland and the United States, eventually attending Phillips Academy Andover and later the University of California, where he excelled as a champion tennis player before turning fully toward acting. O’Herlihy first gained attention as Chuck Cunningham in the early episodes of Happy Days, a role he deliberately left behind to avoid being typecast in light comedic parts. He instead built a diverse and often hard‑edged body of work, appearing in major productions including Never Say Never Again (as the villainous Jack Petachi), Superman III, Death Wish 3, Willow (as the warrior Airk Thaughbaer), and the acclaimed miniseries Lonesome Dove. His television career was equally varied, with appearances in Twin Peaks, Star Trek: Voyager, The Six Million Dollar Man, Murder, She Wrote, and numerous British productions after relocating to the UK. Across more than fifty screen credits, O’Herlihy became known for portraying complex, often formidable characters — soldiers, outlaws, antagonists, and men with a dangerous edge — roles he embraced for the challenge and dramatic weight they offered. Off‑screen, he was regarded as thoughtful, private, and deeply committed to his craft, preferring character work over celebrity. He died in Bath, England, on 15 September 2021 at the age of 70, reportedly of natural causes.
Filmography
Movies and shows, newest first
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2009
The Descent: Part 2
Movie Vaines
-
2002
Cruise of the Gods
Movie Mickey
-
2002
Butterfly Man
Movie Bill Kincaid
-
2000
18 Wheels of Justice
TV show
-
1997
Sharpe: The Legend
Movie Leroy
-
1997
Prince Valiant
Movie King Thane
-
1997
Jonathan Creek
TV show Hal Drucker
-
1997
Top of the World
Movie Lieutenant Logan
-
1997
Midsomer Murders
TV show George Arlington
-
1995
The Shooter
Movie Dick Powell
-
1995
Star Trek: Voyager
TV show Maje Jabin
-
1994
The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes
TV show John Garrideb / James Winter
-
1993
The Last Outlaw
Movie Marshal Sharp
-
1993
Sharpe's Eagle
Movie Captain Thomas Leroy
-
1993
Sharpe
TV show Cpt. Leroy
-
1991
Conagher
Movie Chris Mahler, Cowboy
More credits
-
1990
Twin Peaks
TV show Officer Preston King
-
1989
Red King, White Knight
Movie Clancy
-
1989
Tales from the Crypt
TV show Richard
-
1989
Lonesome Dove
TV show Dan Suggs
-
1988
Willow
Movie Airk
-
1988
China Beach
TV show
-
1987
A Killing on the Exchange
TV show Dan Maitland
-
1985
Death Wish 3
Movie Manny Fraker
-
1985
The Dirty Dozen: Next Mission
Movie Conrad E. Perkins
-
1984
Cover Up
TV show
-
1984
Sherlock Holmes
TV show John Garrideb / James Winter
-
1984
Space Riders
Movie Ron Harris
-
1983
Agatha Christie's Partners in Crime
TV show Julius P. Hersheimmer
-
1983
The Secret Adversary
Movie Julius P. Hersheimmer
-
1983
Never Say Never Again
Movie Jack Petachi
-
1983
Superman III
Movie Brad Wilson
-
1982
Matt Houston
TV show Michael Sheridan
-
1982
We'll Meet Again
TV show Capt Red Burwash
-
1980
A Rumor of War
TV show Stanton
-
1979
Mark Twain: Beneath the Laughter
Movie Young Clemens
-
1978
A Wedding
Movie Wilson Briggs
-
1978
Sergeant Matlovich vs. the U.S. Air Force
Movie Art Stinson
-
1978
The Amazing Spider-Man
TV show David
-
1978
A Death in Canaan
Movie Father Mark
