Trivia

Michael B. Druxman, a close friend, said he was famed for his sense of humor. He recalled him wearing his lizard costume while driving home from the studio after filming his role as a friendly reptilian alien in The Last Starfighter (1984).

He studied architecture at the National University of Ireland.

Received a degree in architecture from the National University of Ireland. He later took minor roles at Dublin's Abbey Theatre. He was spotted there by movie director Carol Reed, who cast him in Odd Man Out (1947).

He was the only actor to receive an Academy Award nomination under the direction of Luis Buñuel.

His first starring role in a television series was on Schlitz Playhouse (1951) in an episode called, "Log the Man Innocent", by Eric Scott.

Father of Gavan O'Herlihy, Patricia O'Herlihy, Lorcan O'Herlihy and Cormac O'Herlihy. Uncle of Conal O'Herlihy.

In 1959 Dan and Elsie O'Herlihy and children Olwen, Patricia, Gavan, Cormac and Lorcan moved from their Los Angeles home to Malibu where the couple resided until his passing 45 years later. His widow died at 95 on June 2, 2019 in her Camarilo, California home.

Older brother of director Michael O'Herlihy.

He was directed by his younger brother Michael O'Herlihy in both Richard T. Ely (1964) and Termination with Extreme Prejudice (1975).

Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Actors Branch)

Grandfather of Colin O'Herlihy and Micaela O'Herlihy.

Dan O'Herlihy passed away on February 17, 2005, less than three months away from what would have been his 86th birthday on May 1.

In the fall of 1965 O'Herlihy took over for Edmond O'Brien, who reportedly dissatisfied with his prominence, or lack there of, on 20th Century Fox Television's "The Long, Hot Summer" series for ABC, departed. O'Brien originated the role of 'Boss' Will Varner with the filmed pilot and continued in the summer of 1965 when the series went into production. He concluded with the 13th episode. Missing from the 14th episode within the main title and the hour was the character, with advisement within the episode's dialogue that Will Varner was away. On Jan. 6, 1966 O'Herlihy debuted in the main title and episode number 15, 'Face of Fear', as Will Varner and continued throughout the remainder of the run, that being hour 26, ''Man with Two Faces,' April 13, 1966.

Father-in-law of Cornelia Hayes O'Herlihy and Vincent Dowling.

Has never appeared in a film nominated for the Best Picture Oscar.