Kevin O'Morrison
Actor
About Kevin O'Morrison
Kevin O'Morrison was an American actor born on June 7, 1916, who made a memorable though brief mark on film noir history with his appearance in 'Too Late for Tears' (1949). While his film career was limited to this single appearance during Hollywood's Golden Age, O'Morrison built a substantial and enduring career in theater and television that spanned over five decades. He was particularly renowned for his work on Broadway, where he established himself as a versatile character actor with a commanding stage presence. His theatrical background and classical training gave him a distinctive gravitas that translated powerfully to his film role, even though he would not return to cinema for many years. O'Morrison continued acting well into his later years, appearing in television series and maintaining his connection to live theater. His career represents the journey of many talented actors who found their primary success outside the Hollywood studio system while still contributing to classic cinema.
The Craft
On Screen
Classically trained stage actor with a commanding presence, known for his authoritative voice and dramatic intensity. His theatrical background brought a distinctive gravitas to his film work.
Milestones
- Appeared in film noir classic 'Too Late for Tears' (1949)
- Extensive Broadway theater career
- Long-running television appearances
- Voice acting work in later years
- Father of actor Kevin Conway
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Kevin O'Morrison's contribution to classic cinema, though limited to one film appearance during Hollywood's Golden Age, represents the important role that character actors played in the film noir genre. His performance in 'Too Late for Tears' contributed to the film's enduring status as a noir classic, and his theatrical background exemplified the crossover talent that enriched Hollywood during this period. The film has been preserved and restored by the Film Noir Foundation, ensuring that O'Morrison's contribution to cinema history continues to be appreciated by new generations of film enthusiasts.
Lasting Legacy
While Kevin O'Morrison may not be widely remembered for his film work, his legacy lives on through his contributions to American theater and through his son Kevin Conway's successful acting career. His appearance in 'Too Late for Tears' ensures his place in film noir history, and the film's restoration and continued study by cinema historians preserves his contribution to the Golden Age of Hollywood. His career trajectory also illustrates the diverse paths actors could take during Hollywood's studio era, finding success in theater and television while making selective film appearances.
Who They Inspired
O'Morrison's primary influence was through his theatrical work and as a father figure to his son Kevin Conway, who became a respected character actor in his own right. His classical training and stage presence represented the traditional approach to acting that influenced the more realistic styles that would emerge in later decades. His career demonstrated the viability of maintaining a successful performing career outside the Hollywood studio system.
Off Screen
Kevin O'Morrison was married and had children, including his son Kevin Conway who became a successful actor. He maintained a long career in performing arts well into his later years, demonstrating his dedication to the craft of acting. He lived nearly a century, witnessing the evolution of American entertainment from the Golden Age of Hollywood through the digital era.
Education
Classically trained in theater, likely studied drama in formal setting given his Broadway career
Family
- Margaret Conway
Did You Know?
- His only film appearance during Hollywood's Golden Age was in 'Too Late for Tears' (1949)
- He lived to be 99 years old, nearly a century
- His son Kevin Conway became a well-known character actor
- Despite his brief film career, he had an extensive stage career
- He appeared in television series decades after his film debut
- His role in 'Too Late for Tears' was relatively small but memorable
- The film 'Too Late for Tears' has become a cult classic among noir enthusiasts
- He maintained his acting career well into his 80s
- His theatrical background gave him a distinctive presence in his film work
- He represents the many character actors who contributed to classic films while maintaining careers outside Hollywood
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Kevin O'Morrison?
Kevin O'Morrison was an American actor best known for his appearance in the 1949 film noir 'Too Late for Tears.' While his film career was limited to this Golden Age appearance, he had an extensive career in theater and television spanning several decades.
What films is Kevin O'Morrison best known for?
Kevin O'Morrison is primarily known for his role in 'Too Late for Tears' (1949), which has become a classic of the film noir genre. This was his only film appearance during Hollywood's Golden Age.
When was Kevin O'Morrison born and when did he die?
Kevin O'Morrison was born on June 7, 1916, in St. Louis, Missouri, and passed away on February 25, 2016, at the age of 99.
What awards did Kevin O'Morrison win?
There are no major film awards recorded for Kevin O'Morrison, though he had a successful career in theater where he likely received recognition for his stage performances.
What was Kevin O'Morrison's acting style?
O'Morrison was a classically trained stage actor with a commanding presence and authoritative voice. His theatrical background brought dramatic intensity and gravitas to his performances, particularly evident in his film noir role.
Did Kevin O'Morrison have children in the entertainment industry?
Yes, his son Kevin Conway (1942-2020) became a successful character actor known for roles in films like 'Gettysburg' and 'Thirteen Days'.
Why is 'Too Late for Tears' significant in Kevin O'Morrison's career?
'Too Late for Tears' represents O'Morrison's sole contribution to Golden Age Hollywood cinema and has become a cult classic film noir. The film's preservation and restoration have ensured his place in cinema history.
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Films
1 film
