Robert Emmett O'Connor was a renowned American film actor, whose illustrious career spanned over three decades. Born on March 18, 1885, O'Connor's professional journey began in 1919, and he went on to appear in an impressive 204 films before his retirement in 1950.
Throughout his distinguished career, O'Connor left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. He is arguably most remembered for his captivating portrayal of Paddy Ryan, the warmhearted bootlegger, in the 1931 classic, The Public Enemy. Additionally, he brought to life the character of Detective Sergeant Henderson, who relentlessly pursued the Marx Brothers in the 1935 comedy, A Night at the Opera.
O'Connor's remarkable range and versatility as an actor also led to memorable appearances in other notable films. He played the role of Jonesy, the older Paramount gate guard, in Billy Wilder's 1950 masterpiece, Sunset Boulevard. Furthermore, he made a significant cameo appearance at the beginning and end of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer cartoon short, Who Killed Who?, in 1943.
O'Connor's remarkable contributions to the world of cinema have left a lasting legacy, and his name remains synonymous with excellence in the film industry.