Robert Emmett O'Connor

Biography

Robert Emmett O'Connor (born March 18, 1885 – died September 4, 1962) was a prominent American actor known for his extensive work in the film industry. Over the course of his career, O'Connor appeared in a remarkable 204 films from 1919 until 1950. He is perhaps most recognized for his role as the affable bootlegger Paddy Ryan in the classic film The Public Enemy (1931) and as Detective Sergeant Henderson, who is in pursuit of the Marx Brothers in the comedy A Night at the Opera (1935). Additionally, he portrayed Jonesy, the elderly gate guard for Paramount, in Billy Wilder's acclaimed 1950 film Sunset Boulevard. O'Connor also featured in a brief cameo at both the beginning and conclusion of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer animated short Who Killed Who? (1943). His contributions to cinema, particularly during the early to mid-20th century, have solidified his place in film history as a memorable character actor.