Eugene O'Brien was an early matinee idol in silent films. Born in Boulder, Colorado, as Louis O'Brien, on November 14, 1880, he was a student of Medicine but had an intense love of acting.

After dropping out of school, he was hired by Litch's Gardens in Denver. Ultimately he wound up on Broadway and was discovered by the great Charles Frohman. Eugene O'Brien was an accomplished stage actor, good enough to co-star with Ethel Barrymore in "Trelawny of the Wells".

His first film roles were for Essany in 1915, leading to steady work through the silent movie era. Probably best remembered for starring opposite of Norma Talamadge in many films, the actor was also featured in the classic "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm".

Shortly before the beginning of sound movies, Eugene O'brien retired from acting at the age of 47. He passed away on April 29, 1966 from pneumonia.

Among many notable performances, actor Eugene O'Brien played in many films, from among them this small sampling:

• The Return of Eve (1916)
• The Scarlet Woman (1916)
• Poor Little Peppina (1916)
• Little Miss Hoover (1918)
• Under the Greenwood Tree (1918)
• The Spirit That Wins (1918)
• The Wonderful Chance (1920)
• The Figurehead (1920)
• Graustark (1925)
• Siege (1925)