Gavan O'Herlihy

About

Gavan O’Herlihy (29 July 1951 – 15 September 2021) was an Irish actor whose career spanned film, television, and stage, marked by a distinctive presence and a talent for commanding roles. Born in Dublin to actor Dan O’Herlihy and artist Elsie Bennett, he spent his early years between Ireland and the United States, eventually attending Phillips Academy Andover and later the University of California, where he excelled as a champion tennis player before turning fully toward acting. O’Herlihy first gained attention as Chuck Cunningham in the early episodes of Happy Days, a role he deliberately left behind to avoid being typecast in light comedic parts. He instead built a diverse and often hard‑edged body of work, appearing in major productions including Never Say Never Again (as the villainous Jack Petachi), Superman III, Death Wish 3, Willow (as the warrior Airk Thaughbaer), and the...

Known for

Midsomer MurdersSeries • 1997Star Trek: VoyagerSeries • 1995Twin PeaksSeries • 1990Happy DaysSeries • 1974Sherlock HolmesSeries • 1984The Six Million Dollar ManSeries • 1974The Mary Tyler Moore ShowSeries • 1970Police WomanSeries • 1974Marcus Welby, M.D.Series • 1969Tales from the CryptSeries • 1989Matt HoustonSeries • 1982China BeachSeries • 1988The Bionic WomanSeries • 1976Jonathan CreekSeries • 1997SharpeSeries • 1993Lonesome DoveSeries • 1989Cover UpSeries • 1984Never Say Never AgainMovie • 1983Agatha Christie's Partners in CrimeSeries • 1983The Amazing Spider-ManSeries • 1978WillowMovie • 1988The Descent: Part 2Movie • 2009Superman IIIMovie • 1983Death Wish 3Movie • 1985