Donald O'Brien - Actor Profile

Donald O'Brien

Acting
Freshness: Jan 13, 2026
50Total Films
7.5 Highest Rated
Born: Sep 15, 1930
Birth Place: Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France

About Donald O'Brien

Donal "Donald" O'Brien (September 15, 1930) is a French-born Irish film and television actor. In his near 40-year career, O'Brien appeared in dozens of stage performances and in more than 60 film and television productions. O'Brien was born in Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, raised in both Northern France and Dublin, Ireland with his family, and made his feature film debut in 1953 with Anatole Litvak's war drama Act of Love. He studied acting in Dublin and initially joined the Gate Theatre at age 19 before making the transition to film several years later. O'Brien's performance in The Train (1964), in which he played an SSFeldwebel, led to his first breakout role in Grand Prix (1966) starring alongside James Garner and Eva Marie Saint.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Donald O'Brien reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Western

The majority of Donald O'Brien's filmography leans towards the Western genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 28% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Donald O'Brien remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Train, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Donald O'Brien Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Donald O'Brien's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Donald O'Brien.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2001 Joe D'Amato Totally Uncut: The Horror Experience Self Flop Similar →
1994 Bandits: Love and Liberty Barone Flop Similar →
1991 The Sect Justice Jonathan Ford Average Similar →
1991 Return from Death: Frankenstein 2000 Rico Hit Similar →
1990 Quest for the Mighty Sword Gunther Flop Similar →
1990 Cellini: A Violent Life Bernardino, hermit Flop Similar →
1990 Flight from Paradise - Hit Similar →
1989 Mortacci Archibald Williams Hit Similar →
1988 Ghosthouse Valkos Flop Similar →
1986 The Name of the Rose Pietro d'Assisi Super Hit Similar →
1986 Hands of Steel Professor Olster Flop Similar →
1984 Warriors of the Year 2072 Monk Flop Similar →
1983 2020 Texas Gladiators Black One Flop Similar →
1980 Doctor Butcher M.D. Dr. Obrero / Dr. Butcher Average Similar →
1980 The Day Christ Died Roman Soldier Average Similar →
1980 Flying Sex Mr. Slider Average Similar →
1979 Images in a Convent Exorcist Flop Similar →
1979 Tough to Kill Major Hagerty Flop Similar →
1978 Silver Saddle Flertcher Average Similar →
1978 The Inglorious Bastards SS Officer Average Similar →
1977 Yeti: The Giant of the 20th Century Sgt. Stricker Flop Similar →
1977 Emanuelle and the Last Cannibals Donald McKenzie Flop Similar →
1977 A Man Called Blade Burt Craven Hit Similar →
1976 Keoma Caldwell Hit Similar →
1975 Erotic Games of a Respectable Family Professor Riccardo Rossi Flop Similar →
1975 Four of the Apocalypse Sheriff of Salt Flat Hit Similar →
1975 White Fang to the Rescue Caroll Average Similar →
1974 Challenge to White Fang Liverpool Average Similar →
1973 Sex of the Witch Inspector Flop Similar →
1973 The Executioner of God Frank Flop Similar →
1973 Kung Fu Brothers in the Wild West Outlaw Average Similar →
1972 God Is My Colt Collins Average Similar →
1972 Two Brothers in Trinity Lester O'Hara Average Similar →
1971 Paid in Blood Lee Rast Flop Similar →
1971 Finders Killers Jack Forest Flop Similar →
1971 The Last Traitor Captain Ned Carter Flop Similar →
1968 Run, Man, Run Daniel Cassidy Average Similar →
1968 Western, Italian Style Self Average Similar →
1967 The Night of the Generals Plotting German Officer (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1966 Grand Prix Wallace Bennett Hit Similar →
1966 Line of Demarcation - Average Similar →
1966 A Matter of Resistance American Officer Hit Similar →
1965 Nick Carter and Red Club - Flop Similar →
1965 Cloportes Gallery visitor Average Similar →
1965 Hail! Mafia Mafia Thug Hit Similar →
1964 Weekend at Dunkirk L'officier anglais Hit Similar →
1964 The Train Schwartz Super Hit Similar →
1962 Tales of Paris American tourist (segment "Ella") (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1961 Dynamite Jack - Hit Similar →
1960 The Wretches - Average Similar →

Donald O'Brien - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Donald O'Brien?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Donald O'Brien is "The Train" with a rating of 7.5/10.

How many movies has Donald O'Brien acted in?

Donald O'Brien has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Donald O'Brien?

Other notable films include "The Name of the Rose", "Return from Death: Frankenstein 2000", and "Dynamite Jack".