Nancy O'Brien is a multifaceted American artist, residing in Los Angeles, California, with a primary focus on crafting horror shorts and features through her production company, DARK REVENANT FILMS. She has successfully ventured into the realm of comedy-horror with her directorial debut, "HAIRBALL", and later explored the genre with her horror-mystery thriller, "CABIN", both of which have garnered recognition in the festival circuit. Nancy's creative endeavors also involve collaborations with fellow filmmakers within the horror genre.
Nancy's formative years in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, instilled in her a deep passion for horror films and a lifelong affinity for the Pittsburgh Steelers football team. Her parents, who share her love for horror, met at a Halloween party, setting the stage for her fascination with the genre. Growing up, Nancy regularly watched horror films with her father, including the works of Alfred Hitchcock, "The Twilight Zone", and various vampire films, with Bela Lugosi's "Dracula" being a particular favorite. Her first cinematic experience was watching "Jaws" with her father on the big screen. Nancy and her sister developed a shared love for slasher films, such as the "Friday the 13th" series, "Nightmare on Elm Street", "Halloween", and the supernatural "Poltergeist" films. They also devoured Stephen King novels and watched his film adaptations.
Nancy's introduction to acting began at the tender age of six, when she portrayed the "Troll" in a live stage production of "The Three Billy Goats Gruff". The Pittsburgh Playhouse Theatres became her artistic hub from junior high through high school and early college years, where she honed her craft through classes and performances. Nancy also participated in her high school drama club and spent her summer vacations enrolled in the college-level Summer Arts Theatre program at Point Park University. She later seized the opportunity to study with the Royal Shakespeare Company at Imperial College in England, before graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from California State University, Northridge.
Nancy has continued to nurture her creative pursuits by taking advantage of writing and directing classes for theatre, film, and television in Los Angeles. She has also explored stand-up comedy writing and performing, touring across the country and writing for other comedians. Her raw talent for improvisation and comedy has been a hallmark of her artistic endeavors.
In addition to her work in film and television, Nancy has found success in the erotic thriller genre, working almost exclusively for Playboy as an actress, model, and writer. Her recent appearance in the 2023 documentary film "We Kill for Love" serves as a testament to her enduring fascination with the DTV erotic thriller, a genre that once dominated late-night cable.
