Gavan O'Herlihy
Actor
July 29, 1951 — September 15, 2021 (70 years)
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.
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.
FreeMovies & Shows on Plex
Known For
Filmography
| 2009 | The Descent: Part 2 · as VainesOn Plex |
| 2006 | Seven Days of Grace · as Macnab |
| 2005 | Happy Days: 30th Anniversary Reunion · as Chuck Cunningham #1 |
| 2002 | Cruise of the Gods · as Mickey |
| 2002 | Butterfly Man · as Bill Kincaid |
| 2000 | 18 Wheels of JusticeOn Plex |
| 2000 | Command Approved · as Arms Dealer |
| 1997 | Sharpe: The Legend · as Leroy |
| 1997 | Prince Valiant · as King ThaneOn Plex |
| 1997 | Jonathan Creek · as Hal Drucker |
| 1997 | Top of the World · as Lieutenant LoganOn Plex |
| 1997 | Midsomer Murders · as George ArlingtonOn Plex |
| 1995 | Hidden Assassin · as Dick Powell |
| 1995 | Star Trek: Voyager · as Maje Jabin |
| 1994 | The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes · as John Garrideb / James Winter |
| 1993 | The Last Outlaw · as Marshal Sharp |
| 1993 | Sharpe's Eagle · as Captain Thomas Leroy |
| 1993 | Sharpe · as Cpt. LeroyOn Plex |
| 1991 | Tarzan (1991) · as Cordell Winslow |
| 1991 | Conagher · as Chris Mahler, Cowboy |
| 1990 | Twin Peaks · as Officer Preston King |
| 1989 | Red King, White Knight · as Clancy |
| 1989 | Tailspin: Behind the Korean Airliner Tragedy · as Sgt. Muller |
| 1989 | Tales from the Crypt · as Richard |
| 1989 | Lonesome Dove · as Dan SuggsOn Plex |
| 1988 | Willow · as Airk |
| 1988 | |
| 1987 | A Killing on the Exchange · as Dan Maitland |
| 1985 | Death Wish 3 · as Manny Fraker |
| 1985 | The Dirty Dozen: Next Mission · as Conrad E. Perkins |
| 1984 | |
| 1984 | Sherlock Holmes (1984) · as John Garrideb / James WinterOn Plex |
| 1984 | Space Riders · as Ron Harris |
| 1983 | The Secret Adversary · as Julius P. Hersheimmer |
| 1983 | Agatha Christie's Partners in Crime · as Julius P. Hersheimmer |
| 1983 | Never Say Never Again · as Jack Petachi |
| 1983 | Superman III · as Brad Wilson |
| 1982 | Matt Houston · as Michael Sheridan |
| 1982 | We'll Meet Again · as Capt Red BurwashOn Plex |
| 1980 | A Rumor of War · as Stanton |
| 1978 | A Wedding · as Wilson Briggs |
| 1978 | Sergeant Matlovich vs. the U.S. Air Force · as Art Stinson |
| 1978 | A Death in Canaan · as Father Mark |
| 1977 | The Amazing Spider-Man · as David |
| 1977 | The Ghost of Cypress Swamp · as Big Bob Landers |
| 1976 | Rich Man, Poor Man · as Phil Mcgee |
| 1976 | |
| 1974 | The California Kid · as Tom |
| 1974 | Police Woman · as Gordon Stuart |
| 1974 | Sierra · as Roy |
| 1974 | Lucas Tanner · as Steve Leversee |
| 1974 | The Six Million Dollar Man · as Dan |
| 1974 | Happy Days · as Chuck Cunningham |
| 1973 | Call to Danger · as Mechanic |
| 1970 | The Mary Tyler Moore Show · as Josh Mcbride (as Gavin O'herlihy) |
| 1969 | Marcus Welby, M.D. · as Herb Frane |
| 1954 | Disneyland · as Big Bob Landers |
| 1955 | This is Your Life (UK) · as Self |