Dennis O'Keefe
ActingAbout Dennis O'Keefe
Dennis O'Keefe (March 29, 1908 – August 31, 1968) was an American actor. He was the son of Irish vaudevillians working in the United States. As a small child he joined his parents' act and later wrote skits for the stage. O'Keefe started in films as an extra in the early 1930s. After a small but impressive role in Saratoga, Clark Gable recommended O'Keefe to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, which signed him to a contract in 1937. His film roles were bigger after that, starting with The Bad Man of Brimstone and Burn 'Em Up O'Connor. O'Keefe left MGM around 1940 but continued to work in mostly lower budget productions. In the 1950s he did some directing, wrote mystery stories and by the mid-1950s found work on television shows such as Justice, The Martha Raye Show, The Ford Show as well as his own series The Dennis O'Keefe Show.
Dennis O'Keefe Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Dennis O'Keefe reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Dennis O'Keefe's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 100% of Dennis O'Keefe's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Drums of Tahiti, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Dennis O'Keefe Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Dennis O'Keefe's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Dennis O'Keefe has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | All Hands on Deck | Brian O'Gara | Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | Sail Into Danger | Steve Ryman | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | Dragoon Wells Massacre | Capt. Matt Riordan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | Drums of Tahiti | Mike Macklin | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | The Lady Wants Mink | Jim Connors | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | One Big Affair | Jimmy Donovan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Good Morning, Judge | David Barton | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Girl from Havana | Woody Davis | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Pop Always Pays | Jeff Thompson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | La Conga Nights | Steve Collins | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Alias the Deacon | Johnny Sloan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | The Kid From Texas | William Quincy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Vacation from Love | Bill Blair | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | The Chaser | Tom Brandon | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Hold That Kiss | Tommy Bradford | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Easy Living | Office Manager (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Captains Courageous | Bit Role (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | The Great Gambini | Nightclub Patron | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Make Way for Tomorrow | Nightclub Patron (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | A Star Is Born | Burke's Party Guest (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Champagne Waltz | Dance Extra at Blue Danube Room | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Mama Steps Out | Dance Extra | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Rose Bowl | Jones | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Libeled Lady | Barker at Charity Affair (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Fury | Reporter (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Singing Kid | Bud (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Mr. Deeds Goes to Town | Courtroom Reporter (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | White Lies | Dinner Guest (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Here Comes the Band | Party Guest at Reunion (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Top Hat | Elevator Passenger / Hotel Guest / Dancer (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Daring Young Man | Wedding Participant | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Doubting Thomas | Member of Audience | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | A Night at the Biltmore Bowl | Dancer (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Misses Stooge | Party Guest (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | One New York Night | Extra | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Two Heads on a Pillow | Night Club Patron (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Desirable | Party Guest | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | The Red Rider | Minor Role | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | All of Me | Policeman (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Blood Money | Racetrack Spectator (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Duck Soup | Bridegroom at Firefly's Reception (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Only Yesterday | New Year's Eve Reveler (Uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Too Much Harmony | Cafe Patron | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Gold Diggers of 1933 | Theatregoer (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | From Hell to Heaven | Louie - Switchboard Operator (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Hello, Everybody! | Casino Patron (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang | Café Chateau Dancer (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Huddle | Dancer (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Scarface | Night Club Patron (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | Working Girls | Dance Extra (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
Dennis O'Keefe - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Dennis O'Keefe?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Dennis O'Keefe is "Drums of Tahiti" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Dennis O'Keefe acted in?
Dennis O'Keefe has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Dennis O'Keefe?
Other notable films include "Vacation from Love", "One New York Night", and "The Misses Stooge".