Discovering David O'Hara: A Look At The Acclaimed Scottish Actor
When you hear the name David O'Hara, a picture of a compelling screen presence often comes to mind for many film watchers. This Scottish actor, you know, has built a remarkable career over many years. He is recognized for bringing a certain intensity to his roles, making characters truly stand out. His work, that is, spans a wide range of productions, showing off his ability to take on different kinds of parts. People often remember his performances in some very well-known movies, which, in a way, have left a mark on audiences globally.
This article will explore the life and professional journey of David O'Hara, the actor, from his early days in Scotland to his memorable appearances on both the big and small screens. We will look at the path he took, his background, and some of the key roles that have defined his acting career. It's a chance, you know, to get a better sense of the person behind those strong performances. His story, in some respects, shows how dedication can lead to a lasting impact in the entertainment world.
So, whether you are a long-time fan or just learning about his work, this piece aims to give you a good overview. We will cover details about his birth, his family, and the important films and television shows where he has made his mark. You will also find some interesting facts and, perhaps, learn about other notable individuals who share this same name. It's a way, you know, to appreciate the depth of his contributions to acting and beyond.
Table of Contents
- Biography of David O'Hara
- Personal Details and Bio Data
- Early Life and Beginnings
- Acting Career Highlights
- Beyond the Screen: Other Notables Named David O'Hara
- Frequently Asked Questions About David O'Hara
Biography of David O'Hara
David Patrick O'Hara, the actor, was born on July 9, 1965. His birthplace, that is, was Glasgow, Scotland, in the United Kingdom. He grew up in the Pollok section of Glasgow, which, you know, is a specific area within the city. His parents were Martha, whose maiden name was Scott, and Patrick O'Hara. His father, Patrick, worked as a construction worker. This background, in a way, provided a foundation for his early life before he pursued a path in acting.
He is known as a Scottish stage and character actor. This means, you know, he has experience performing both in live theater and in films, taking on a variety of distinctive roles. His training for this profession came from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. This institution, that is, is a well-regarded place for actors to learn their craft. Graduating from such a school, you know, typically prepares individuals for a professional acting career, which he certainly pursued.
Over his career, David O'Hara has become a prominent figure in the acting world. He has appeared in over 100 films, television shows, and theatrical productions. This is a considerable number, you know, showing his consistent work over more than thirty years. His ability to take on diverse roles, that is, has allowed him to build a strong body of work. He has captivated audiences, in some respects, with his intense and powerful portrayals of different characters.
Personal Details and Bio Data
Here is some specific information about David O'Hara, the Scottish actor, presented in a clear way. This table, you know, provides a quick reference for his key biographical facts. It helps to organize the details about his birth and family background. This information, that is, comes directly from records about his life and career.
| Full Name | David Patrick O'Hara |
| Date of Birth | July 9, 1965 |
| Place of Birth | Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Parents | Patrick O'Hara (father, construction worker), Martha (née Scott) O'Hara (mother) |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Profession | Actor, Producer |
| Alma Mater | Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, London |
| Known For | Braveheart, The Departed, Wanted, Hotel Rwanda, Luther, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 |
Early Life and Beginnings
David O'Hara's journey into acting began in Glasgow, Scotland. He was born there, you know, and spent his early years in the Pollok area of the city. His family life, that is, involved his father, Patrick, who worked in construction, and his mother, Martha. This upbringing, in a way, provided the foundation for the person he would become. He grew up, you know, like many others in a working-class environment in Scotland.
His path to becoming an actor led him to London. He pursued formal training at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. This school, that is, has a reputation for preparing actors for professional careers. It's a place where individuals refine their skills, learning about performance and character development. His time there, you know, would have been very important for shaping his abilities as a performer.
The choice to pursue acting, that is, meant a dedication to the craft. He moved from his Scottish roots to a major acting hub to gain the necessary education. This early period, you know, set the stage for his long and varied career. It was during these formative years that he would have developed the intense and powerful style for which he is often recognized today. His commitment to learning, in some respects, was clear from the start.
Acting Career Highlights
David O'Hara has made his mark in many films and television shows. His performances, you know, often bring a memorable presence to the screen. He has worked with many respected directors and actors throughout his career. This section, that is, looks at some of his most well-known contributions to film and television. His work, in a way, shows a range of different characters he has portrayed.
Braveheart: A Defining Role
One of David O'Hara's most recognized roles came in the 1995 film *Braveheart*. In this historical drama, you know, he played the character of Stephen the Irishman. This movie, that is, gained a lot of attention and won many awards. His portrayal in it, you know, was particularly impactful. Stephen, in some respects, was a loyal and fierce companion to the main character.
His part in *Braveheart* allowed him to showcase his intensity. The film, that is, depicted a significant period in Scottish history. His character, you know, brought a certain wildness and dedication to the story. This role, in a way, helped to establish him as an actor capable of strong, memorable performances. Many people, you know, still associate him with this particular film.
The success of *Braveheart* meant that his work reached a very wide audience. It was a film that, you know, resonated with many viewers globally. His performance as Stephen, that is, became a defining moment in his early film career. It showed his ability to hold his own in a large-scale production, leaving a lasting impression on those who watched it. This role, in some respects, opened doors for future opportunities.
The Departed: Working with Legends
Another significant film in David O'Hara's career is *The Departed*, released in 2006. In this crime thriller, you know, he played the character of Fitzy. This movie, that is, was directed by a very famous filmmaker and featured a cast of highly regarded actors. His involvement in it, you know, placed him among some of the biggest names in Hollywood.
Working on *The Departed* meant being part of a critically acclaimed project. The film, that is, received a lot of praise and won major awards. His role, you know, though perhaps not the central one, contributed to the overall feel of the movie. It allowed him to show his versatility in a different kind of story, one that involved crime and deception. This experience, in a way, added to his reputation as a solid character actor.
His performance in *The Departed* further cemented his standing in the industry. It demonstrated, you know, his ability to deliver a strong performance even in a film filled with many talented individuals. The movie's success, that is, meant that his work was seen by an even broader audience. This project, in some respects, is often cited as one of his most important film credits, showcasing his continued relevance in major productions.
Other Notable Films and Television Work
David O'Hara's filmography is quite extensive, including many other important roles. He was in the 2008 film *Wanted*, a movie that, you know, involved a lot of action. His presence in that film, that is, added to its dynamic nature. He has also been in *Hotel Rwanda*, which, you know, is an Oscar-nominated film. This role, in a way, showed his range in more serious, dramatic storytelling.
His work also includes appearances in the *Harry Potter* series. He portrayed Albert Runcorn in *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1*. This role, you know, involved him being disguised as Harry Potter himself, which was a clever twist. Being part of such a globally popular franchise, that is, brought his work to a huge number of fans. It was a different kind of role for him, in some respects, compared to his more intense characters.
On television, David O'Hara has also made a notable impact. He played DCU George Stark in the third season of the show *Luther*. This role, you know, was part of a popular crime drama series. He also portrayed Detective Danny McGregor, who, you know, unfortunately died in an apparent car bombing. These television roles, that is, show his continued presence in various forms of media. His career, in a way, has been consistently active over the years.
Beyond the Screen: Other Notables Named David O'Hara
It's interesting to note that the name David O'Hara is shared by several accomplished individuals, not just the actor. This can sometimes cause a bit of confusion, you know, but it also highlights the variety of talents associated with the name. It's important to recognize that, that is, there are different people making contributions in various fields. This section, in a way, briefly touches on some of these other notable individuals.
For instance, there is a David O'Hara who became a top track and field coach in the United States. He was born in Johnson City, Tennessee, and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and Long Beach, California. At the age of 27, you know, he achieved this status as a leading coach. This shows, that is, a very different kind of professional path. His work, in some respects, involved athletic training and development, which is quite distinct from acting.
Another David O'Hara is known as a professor of philosophy, religion, classics, and environment. He is also an environmentalist and an advocate for sustainable change. His teaching, you know, covers subjects like ancient philosophy, American philosophy, environmental ethics and law, classical Chinese philosophy, and philosophy of religion. He was raised by a father with a deep respect for land and ecosystems and a mother with a strong commitment to social issues. This individual, that is, represents an academic and environmental focus, which is a very different kind of contribution to society.
There is also a David O'Hara who has taken on a new position as Partner & Senior Vice President, Capital Markets Advisory at EY. This role, you know, is in the financial and business world. He has joined a team with other professionals in capital markets. This shows, that is, a career path in corporate finance and advisory services. It's a very different kind of expertise, in some respects, compared to acting or academia. These examples, you know, illustrate that the name David O'Hara belongs to a diverse group of talented people.
Frequently Asked Questions About David O'Hara
People often have questions about David O'Hara, especially the actor. Here are some common inquiries, you know, that come up. These answers, that is, should help clarify some details about his life and work. We've gathered them from frequently asked questions, in a way, to give you quick information.
Q: What is David O'Hara most known for?
A: David O'Hara, the actor, is most widely known for his roles in major films such as *Braveheart*, where he played Stephen the Irishman, and *The Departed*, where he appeared as Fitzy. He also had a part, you know, in *Wanted* and was in *Hotel Rwanda*. Many people also recognize him from his appearance as Albert Runcorn in one of the *Harry Potter* movies, which, you know, was a memorable role for fans of that series. His intense performances, that is, often leave a strong impression on viewers.
Q: Where was David O'Hara born?
A: David O'Hara, the actor, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom. His full birth name is David Patrick O'Hara. He was born on July 9, 1965. His upbringing, you know, took place in the Pollok section of Glasgow. This Scottish heritage, that is, is a key part of his background. It's where his life began before he moved into the world of acting, in some respects, and gained international recognition.
Q: Has David O'Hara been in any Harry Potter movies?
A: Yes, David O'Hara was in a *Harry Potter* movie. He played the character of Albert Runcorn in *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1*. In this film, you know, his character was a Ministry of Magic employee. He also portrayed Harry Potter, that is, when Harry was disguised as Runcorn using Polyjuice Potion. This role, in a way, was a unique part of his extensive film career, bringing him into a very popular fantasy world.
To learn more about acting careers on our site, you can explore other articles. Also, feel free to check out this page for more insights into Scottish cinema.
As of this writing, on May 22, 2024, David O'Hara continues to be a notable figure in the acting world. His body of work, you know, speaks to a consistent dedication to his craft. He has shown, that is, a remarkable ability to take on a variety of characters, making each one his own. His contributions to film and television, in some respects, remain a significant part of cinematic history.
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