Gavan O'Herlihy
Known for Acting · 50 credits
- Born
- 1951-07-29
- Died
- 2021-09-15
- Place of birth
- Dublin, Ireland
Biography
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 acclaimed miniseries Lonesome Dove. His television career was equally varied, with appearances in Twin Peaks, Star Trek: Voyager, The Six Million Dollar Man, Murder, She Wrote, and numerous British productions after relocating to the UK.
Across more than fifty screen credits, O’Herlihy became known for portraying complex, often formidable characters — soldiers, outlaws, antagonists, and men with a dangerous edge — roles he embraced for the challenge and dramatic weight they offered. Off‑screen, he was regarded as thoughtful, private, and deeply committed to his craft, preferring character work over celebrity.
He died in Bath, England, on 15 September 2021 at the age of 70, reportedly of natural causes.
Known For
TV Shows (24)
Midsomer Murders
1997
as George Arlington
Twin Peaks
1990
as Officer Preston King
Star Trek: Voyager
1995
as Maje Jabin
The Mary Tyler Moore Show
1970
as Josh McBride (as Gavin O'Herlihy)
Happy Days
1974
as Chuck Cunningham
Sherlock Holmes
1984
as John Garrideb / James Winter
The Six Million Dollar Man
1974
as Dan
Marcus Welby, M.D.
1969
as Herb Frane
Police Woman
1974
as Gordon Stuart
Tales from the Crypt
1989
as Richard
The Bionic Woman
1976
Matt Houston
1982
as Michael Sheridan
China Beach
1988
Jonathan Creek
1997
as Hal Drucker
Sharpe
1993
as Cpt. Leroy
Cover Up
1984
18 Wheels of Justice
2000
Lonesome Dove
1989
as Dan Suggs
Agatha Christie's Partners in Crime
1983
as Julius P. Hersheimmer
The Amazing Spider-Man
1978
as David
The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes
1994
as John Garrideb / James Winter
We'll Meet Again
1982
as Capt Red Burwash
A Rumor of War
1980
as Stanton
A Killing on the Exchange
1987
as Dan Maitland
Movies (26)
Never Say Never Again
1983
as Jack Petachi
Willow
1988
as Airk
The Descent: Part 2
2009
as Vaines
Superman III
1983
as Brad Wilson
Butterfly Man
2002
as Bill Kincaid
Death Wish 3
1985
as Manny Fraker
Prince Valiant
1997
as King Thane
The Secret Adversary
1983
as Julius P. Hersheimmer
Sharpe: The Legend
1997
as Leroy
Sharpe's Eagle
1993
as Captain Thomas Leroy
The Last Outlaw
1993
as Marshal Sharp
Red King, White Knight
1989
as Clancy
Cruise of the Gods
2002
as Mickey
The Dirty Dozen: Next Mission
1985
as Conrad E. Perkins
Conagher
1991
as Chris Mahler, Cowboy
The Shooter
1995
as Dick Powell
The California Kid
1974
as Tom
A Wedding
1978
as Wilson Briggs
Top of the World
1997
as Lieutenant Logan
Sergeant Matlovich vs. the U.S. Air Force
1978
as Art Stinson
The Healers
1974
A Death in Canaan
1978
as Father Mark
The Ghost of Cypress Swamp
1977
as Big Bob Landers
Call to Danger
1973
as Mechanic
Space Riders
1984
as Ron Harris
Mark Twain: Beneath the Laughter
1979
as Young Clemens
About Gavan O'Herlihy
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… With 50 credits spanning from 1969 to 2009, Gavan O'Herlihy has appeared in 26 films and 24 TV shows.
Fans searching for Gavan O'Herlihy movies, Gavan O'Herlihy filmography, or the latest projects starring Gavan O'Herlihy can stream many of these titles on Bowood.TV, free and in HD, with no subscription required.
Most Popular Gavan O'Herlihy Movies
- Never Say Never Again (1983) — as Jack Petachi
- Willow (1988) — as Airk
- The Descent: Part 2 (2009) — as Vaines
- Superman III (1983) — as Brad Wilson
- Butterfly Man (2002) — as Bill Kincaid
Where to Watch Gavan O'Herlihy Films
Most Gavan O'Herlihy movies and series are available to stream on Bowood.TV in full HD, completely free and without signup. Browse the complete filmography above to jump directly to any title. For more films and the latest web series featuring Gavan O'Herlihy, check our movies catalogue and browse page.