Gavan O'Herlihy - Actor Profile

Gavan O'Herlihy

Acting
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
26Total Films
7.1 Highest Rated
Born: Jul 29, 1951
Birth Place: Dublin, Ireland

About Gavan O'Herlihy

Gavan O'Herlihy (6' 2½" | 1.89 m) an Irish actor, was born on April 29, 1954 (Taurus) in Dublin, Ireland, the son of Elsa Bennett and Irish actor Dan O'Herlihy. He has a Brother, Cormac O'Herlihy and a sister, Patricia O'Herlihy. He is the brother-in-law of Cornelia Hayes O'Herlihy, nephew of Michael O'Herlihy, and Uncle of Micaela O'Herlihy and Colin O'Herlihy. In his youth, he was an avid tennis player, and even became Irish National Tennis Champion. He is known for Willow (1988), Never Say Never Again (1983) and The Descent: Part 2 (2009), but has over thirty screen credits to his name, most of them having cast him in villainous or antagonistic roles such as Death Wish 3, Never Say Never Again, Superman III, and Tales From The Crypt. His role as Airk Thaughbaer in the 1988 fantasy Willow is one of the few heroic roles the burly, fair-haired Gavan has managed to get, as well as the dashing American officer Captain Leroy in Sharpe's Eagle. He also played the lost jock son "Chuck Cunningham" in the first season of Happy Days (1974). Is actually younger (by about two months) than Ron Howard, who played his "younger" brother on the show, but it was not a very big part and he was eventually written out by being sent to college and then disappeared with no mention. He did not want to get stuck in television, preferring the film medium. Gavan appeared in the pilot episode of Star Trek: Voyager entitled "Caretaker" as the Kazon First Maje, Jabin. He has a son named Rogan and a daughter named Misty.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Gavan O'Herlihy reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 26 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: TV Movie

The majority of Gavan O'Herlihy's filmography leans towards the TV Movie genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 15% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Gavan O'Herlihy remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Sharpe's Eagle, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Gavan O'Herlihy Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Gavan O'Herlihy's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Gavan O'Herlihy.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2009 The Descent: Part 2 Vaines Average Similar →
2002 Cruise of the Gods Mickey Flop Similar →
2002 Butterfly Man Bill Kincaid Flop Similar →
1997 Sharpe: The Legend Leroy Flop Similar →
1997 Prince Valiant King Thane Flop Similar →
1997 Top of the World Lieutenant Logan Flop Similar →
1995 The Shooter Dick Powell Flop Similar →
1993 The Last Outlaw Marshal Sharp Flop Similar →
1993 Sharpe's Eagle Captain Leroy Hit Similar →
1991 Conagher Chris Mahler, Cowboy Hit Similar →
1989 Red King, White Knight Clancy Average Similar →
1988 Willow Airk Hit Similar →
1985 Death Wish 3 Manny Fraker Average Similar →
1985 The Dirty Dozen: Next Mission Conrad E. Perkins Average Similar →
1984 Space Riders Ron Harris Flop Similar →
1983 The Secret Adversary Julius P. Hersheimmer Hit Similar →
1983 Never Say Never Again Jack Petachi Average Similar →
1983 Superman III Brad Average Similar →
1979 Mark Twain: Beneath the Laughter Young Clemens Flop Similar →
1978 A Wedding Wilson Briggs Average Similar →
1978 Sergeant Matlovich vs. the U.S. Air Force Art Stinson Flop Similar →
1978 A Death in Canaan Father Mark Flop Similar →
1977 The Ghost of Cypress Swamp Big Bob Landers Average Similar →
1974 The California Kid Tom Average Similar →
1974 The Healers - Flop Similar →
1973 Call to Danger Mechanic Flop Similar →

Gavan O'Herlihy - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Gavan O'Herlihy?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Gavan O'Herlihy is "Sharpe's Eagle" with a rating of 7.1/10.

How many movies has Gavan O'Herlihy acted in?

Gavan O'Herlihy has been featured in at least 26 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Gavan O'Herlihy?

Other notable films include "Willow", "The Secret Adversary", and "Conagher".