Colm Meaney
Colm Meaney: A Biography
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Colman Joseph Meaney is an Irish actor born on May 30, 1953.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: May 30, 1953
Alive: Yes (as of last update)
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Irish nationality
Acting profession (Film, Television)
Early Life and Background
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Colm Meaney was born in Dublin, Ireland. His parents were Josephine (née Brennan) and Colman Meaney Sr., a publican. He grew up in the Dublin suburb of Crumlin with four siblings. Meaney's early life involved a mix of acting and sports; he attended St. Mark's Senior National School.
Major Accomplishments
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- Breaking into Film: Meaney made his film debut in 1978 with _The Idiot_, but it was his role as Chief Petty Officer Miles 'Tough' O'Brien in the sci-fi franchise _Star Trek: The Next Generation_ (1987-1994) that catapulted him to international fame.
- Notable Film Roles: Meaney has appeared in numerous films, including _Con Air_ (1997), _L.A. Confidential_ (1997), and _The Commitments_ (1991).
Notable Works or Actions
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Meaney's role as Chief O'Brien spanned seven seasons of _Star Trek: The Next Generation_. He reprised his character in the films _Star Trek: Generations_ (1994) and _Star Trek: Insurrection_ (1998). His work on the show earned him a nomination for a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Impact and Legacy
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Meaney's impact on the film industry is multifaceted. He has brought depth to characters in various genres, from drama to science fiction. His portrayal of O'Brien, an Irishman in space, helped bridge the cultural gap by making it more relatable and endearing for audiences worldwide.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Colm Meaney is widely remembered for his iconic role as Chief Petty Officer Miles 'Tough' O'Brien. His versatility as an actor has made him a sought-after talent in the film industry. Beyond acting, he's known for his philanthropic work with children's charities and his support for Irish artists.
Conclusion
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Colm Meaney's journey from Dublin to Hollywood is a testament to perseverance and dedication. Through his roles in both _Star Trek_ and other notable films, he has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, making him a beloved figure among fans worldwide.
Quotes by Colm Meaney
Well, I've always been a character actor, you know, and you always get your share of character actors who are bad guys.
Well, I've always been a character actor, you know, and you always get your share of character actors who are bad guys. So it never surprises me. And if it's good writing, you can find your way into the part well enough.
If you’re playing a historical character that’s in the public consciousness, then obviously you’ve got to make an effort to look like that person and there’s a huge amount of historical record there that you have to kind of comply to.
I kind of have an interest in all history. And I suspect it comes from being Irish – we like stories, we like telling stories, which makes a lot of us lean towards being writers or actors or directors.
I suppose I look for humor in most situations because it humanizes things; it makes a character much more three-dimensional if there’s some kind of humor. Not necessarily laugh-out-loud type of stuff, just a sense that there is a humorous edge to things. I do like that.
Normally when I’m sent a script I’ll read it through to see how it hangs as a story and then I’ll go back and read it through again and look at the character.
There are so many burning issues to be dealt with that it’s completely understandable and natural that a character is struggling with these issues themselves. In that struggle, you inform the audience. The thing about this writing is that it’s very easy to learn. Good writing always is.
Even in drama, I like to try to find the humor because I think it’s very human. Even in the depths of dreadful situations, there’s usually something rather comic, or something you can laugh about afterwards, at least.
My old manager of the Irish National Theatre said ‘Don’t worry about being a star, just worry about being a working actor. Just keep working.’ I think that’s really good advice.