Robert Emmett O'Connor - Actor Profile

Robert Emmett O'Connor

Acting
Freshness: Jan 20, 2026
50Total Films
8.3 Highest Rated
Born: Mar 18, 1885
Birth Place: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

About Robert Emmett O'Connor

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Robert Emmett O'Connor (March 18, 1885 – September 4, 1962) was an American film actor. He appeared in 204 films between 1919 and 1950. He is probably best known as the warmhearted bootlegger Paddy Ryan in The Public Enemy (1931) and as Detective Sergeant Henderson pursuing the Marx Brothers in A Night at the Opera (1935). He also appeared as Jonesy (the older Paramount gate guard) in Billy Wilder's 1950 film Sunset Boulevard, as well as made a cameo appearance at the very beginning and very end of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer cartoon short Who Killed Who? (1943).

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Robert Emmett O'Connor reveals a career defined by exceptional commercial consistency. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Robert Emmett O'Connor's filmography leans towards the Drama 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 88% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Robert Emmett O'Connor remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Sunset Boulevard, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Robert Emmett O'Connor Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Robert Emmett O'Connor's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Robert Emmett O'Connor.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1950 Sunset Boulevard Older Paramount Gate Guard Jonesy (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1948 Easter Parade Policeman (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1947 Merton of the Movies Mac - Restaurant Counterman (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1947 The Romance of Rosy Ridge Southerner Hit Similar →
1947 The Hucksters Frank - Hotel Doorman (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1947 Trail Street Drunk (uncredited) Average Similar →
1946 Boys' Ranch Druggist Hit Similar →
1946 Up Goes Maisie Rose Bowl Watchman (Uncredited) Hit Similar →
1946 The Harvey Girls Conductor (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1945 They Were Expendable Silver Dollar Bartender (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1945 The Great American Mug Laughing Man (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1945 Anchors Aweigh Cop (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1945 The Clock Policeman (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1944 The Thin Man Goes Home Baggage Attendant on Train (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1944 Meet Me in St. Louis Motorman (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1943 Shoe Shine Boy Charlie the Bartender (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1943 Whistling in Brooklyn Detective Leo Finnigan Average Similar →
1943 Swing Shift Maisie Proprietor (Uncredited) Hit Similar →
1943 Who Killed Who? Host (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1943 Air Raid Wardens Charlie Beaugart Hit Similar →
1942 The Greatest Gift Brother Xavier (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1942 The Omaha Trail Oxen Owner (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1942 Jackass Mail Peter Lawson Hit Similar →
1942 Maisie Gets Her Man Benefit Stage Manager (Uncredited) Hit Similar →
1940 Dance, Girl, Dance Plainclothesman (uncredited) Average Similar →
1937 A Star Is Born Santa Anita Clubhouse Bartender (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1937 We Who Are About to Die Detective Mitchell Hit Similar →
1936 Jailbreak Policeman Average Similar →
1936 Desire Customs Official Hit Similar →
1936 Little Lord Fauntleroy Policeman Hit Similar →
1935 A Night at the Opera Henderson Hit Similar →
1933 Lady for a Day Inspector MacCreary Hit Similar →
1933 Penthouse Police Lt. 'Steve' Stevens Hit Similar →
1933 Midnight Mary Cop Hit Similar →
1933 Picture Snatcher Police Lt. Casey Nolan Hit Similar →
1933 Gabriel Over the White House Corrupt Police Inspector (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1933 Mystery of the Wax Museum Police Sergeant by Christmas Tre Average Similar →
1933 Frisco Jenny Jim Sandoval Average Similar →
1932 The Kid from Spain Detective Crawford Hit Similar →
1932 Blonde Venus Dan O'Connor Hit Similar →
1932 Blessed Event Jim Hit Similar →
1932 American Madness Police Inspector Hit Similar →
1932 The Dark Horse Sheriff Hit Similar →
1932 Night World The Policeman Hit Similar →
1932 Taxi! Cop with Jewish Man (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1931 The Public Enemy Paddy Ryan Hit Similar →
1930 Paid Police Sgt. Cassidy Hit Similar →
1930 The Big House Donlin Hit Similar →
1928 Four Walls Sullivan Hit Similar →
1928 The Noose Jim Conley Hit Similar →

Robert Emmett O'Connor - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Robert Emmett O'Connor?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Robert Emmett O'Connor is "Sunset Boulevard" with a rating of 8.3/10.

How many movies has Robert Emmett O'Connor acted in?

Robert Emmett O'Connor has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Robert Emmett O'Connor?

Other notable films include "A Night at the Opera", "Four Walls", and "A Star Is Born".