Derrick O’Connor as the very old man in “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.” {image via Disney}

Irish actor Derrick O’Connor died of pneumonia at the age of 77.  Variety reported he died June 29, 2018, in Santa Barbara, CA.  The character actor was noted for his versatility, playing priests (Daredevil, End of Days), outlaws (Robin of Sherwood, Time Bandits, Lethal Weapon 2),  captains (Deep Rising), and policemen (The Expert, Monk).  His starring roles were few and far between, but he could play a villain or a clown with equal skill.

Terry Gilliam, who directed O’Connor in three movies, applauded his ability at physical comedy.  O’Connor played the Flying Hogfish Peasant in Jabberwocky, the Robber Leader in Time Bandits, and Dowser in Brazil.  

His theatrical career spanned nearly half a century, from 1969 to 2016.  In the course of that time he acted on stage, on TV, and in films, including in several science fiction and horror projects.  He belonged to the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Scottish National Theatre.  He performed in several plays in Stratford-on-Avon, London, Edinburgh, and elsewhere.  He was in television shows and movies in the UK, the USA, and Australia.

Derrick O’Connor as Pieter Vorstedt and Joss Ackland as Arjen Rudd in “Lethal Weapon 2.” {image via Warner Bros.}

Horror

The Blood on Satan’s Claw

Ghosts

End of Days

The First Vampire

Science Fiction/Fantasy

Doomwatch

Once Upon a Time

The Final Programme

Jabberwocky

Hawk the Slayer

Time Bandits

Robin of Sherwood

Daredevil

Carnivale

Derrick O’Connor was born in Dublin, January 3, 1941.  He was raised in London, England, but traveled frequently for his work.  He settled in northern California in 1990.  He died of pneumonia June 29, 2018.  He is survived by his wife Mimi and their son Max.

-30-