William Joseph Patrick O'Brien was an American film actor with more than 100 screen credits. Of Irish descent, he often played Irish and Irish-American characters and was referred to as "Hollywood's Irishman in Residence" in the press. One of the best-known screen actors of the 1930s and 1940s, he played priests, cops, military figures, pilots, and reporters. He is especially well-remembered for his roles in Knute Rockne, All American (1940), Angels with Dirty Faces (1938), and Some Like It Hot (1959). He was frequently paired onscreen with Hollywood star and close friend James Cagney. O'Brien also appeared on stage and television.
Pat O'Brien, American actor (died 1983)
On November 11, in the year 1899, Pat O'Brien, American actor (died 1983). This event is recorded as a Notable Births event in the history of November 11, one of 454 recorded events on this date across all of history.
1 notable person is associated with this event, including Pat O'Brien (actor). Learn more below.
Key Facts
- This event took place on November 11, 1899 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Notable Births event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 1 Wikipedia article.
- 1 notable person is recorded as involved in or associated with this event.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 29 July 2026.
On This Date in History 454
This article draws on content from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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