Gavan O'Herlihy is a distinguished Irish actor, whose birthdate falls on April 29, 1954, in the vibrant city of Dublin, Ireland. His parents, Elsa Bennett and the illustrious Irish actor Dan O'Herlihy, welcomed him into the world, making him the eldest of three siblings. His brother, Cormac O'Herlihy, and sister, Patricia O'Herlihy, bring joy and camaraderie to his family.
As a member of the O'Herlihy clan, Gavan has the privilege of being the brother-in-law of Cornelia Hayes O'Herlihy, and the nephew of the renowned filmmaker Michael O'Herlihy. His own family is blessed with two loving nieces, Micaela O'Herlihy and Colin O'Herlihy, whom he cherishes as his own.
Gavan's early life was marked by exceptional proficiency in the sport of tennis, as he ascended to the prestigious title of Irish National Tennis Champion, a testament to his remarkable skill and dedication to the game.
Throughout his career, Gavan has amassed an impressive filmography, boasting an extensive array of over thirty screen credits, with the majority of his roles featuring him as a formidable and often antagonistic character in a diverse range of films.
Some of his most notable performances can be seen in films such as Death Wish 3, where he brought a sense of grit and intensity to the screen, Never Say Never Again, in which he played a pivotal role, Superman III, a classic superhero film, and Tales From The Crypt, a horror anthology series that showcased his ability to excel in a variety of genres.
Notably, Keith Gavan's acting career has been marked by a diverse range of memorable roles, with one of his most iconic performances being that of Airk Thaughbaer in the 1988 fantasy film Willow, where he brought to life a heroic character that has left a lasting impression on audiences.
Furthermore, Gavan also demonstrated his versatility as an actor by taking on the role of Captain Leroy, a dashing American officer, in the 1993 film Sharpe's Eagle.
Gavan's age is significantly younger than that of Ron Howard, the renowned actor who portrayed his "younger" brother on the television show, despite the fact that Gavan's character was ultimately written out of the series. This unexpected twist in his career trajectory was likely influenced by his profound preference for the film medium over television, which ultimately led him to dedicate his professional attention and energy towards the pursuit of a successful film career.
Notable in his personal sphere is Gavan's unwavering dedication to his offspring, specifically his son Rogan and daughter Misty, who undoubtedly bring immense joy to his life.
Moreover, Gavan has also ventured into the realm of television, making memorable appearances in several notable shows, including the inaugural episode of the acclaimed science fiction series Star Trek: Voyager.