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Robert O'Reilly
Actor

Robert O'Reilly

25 Mar 1950Born
76Age
50Credits
New York, New York, USABirthplace

Biography

Robert O'Reilly (born March 25, 1950, in New York City) is an American film, stage, and television actor and director. He is best known for his role as Chancellor Gowron, the leader of the Klingon Empire, in the Star Trek franchise—particularly on Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

O'Reilly’s career spans over 100 films and TV episodes, often portraying antagonistic or villainous characters. He appeared in series like Cheers, Knight Rider, MacGyver, NYPD Blue, and films such as The Mask. He has also performed on Broadway and at Carnegie Hall.

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Notably, he received a Drama-Logue Award in 1981 for directing the play Getting Out.

His first Star Trek appearance was in The Next Generation episode "Manhunt," but he is most recognized for playing Gowron from the episode "Reunion" onward, across several Next Generation and Deep Space Nine episodes, and related media including video games. O'Reilly drew inspiration for Gowron from Shakespearean characters, notably Edmund from King Lear. He has reprised Gowron in various Star Trek-related events and conventions.

In theater, he has appeared in Broadway and off-Broadway productions, including The Tavern, The Promise, and played roles like Edmund in King Lear. He has been active with the Colony Theatre Company in Burbank, California, both as an actor and director.

He is married to Judy O'Reilly, with whom he has triplet sons. His hobbies include golf and baseball.

Robert O'Reilly retired from acting but remains involved in the Star Trek community through conventions and voice roles

Known for

Filmography

  1. 2019The CircuitFilm
  2. 2013Star Trek: The Next Generation - RedemptionFilm: Gowron
  3. 2005Numb3rsSeries: Kurt Delock (uncredited) (1 episode)
  4. 2001Star Trek: EnterpriseSeries: Kago-Darr (1 episode)
  5. 2001The GuardianSeries: Quinn Jankowski (1 episode)
  6. 1999The Omega CodeFilm: Technician
  7. 1999Candyman: Day of the DeadFilm: L.V. Sacco
  8. 1997MoonbaseFilm: Karl Stark
  9. 1997Good LuckFilm: Bartender
  10. 1995Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Way of the WarriorFilm: Gowron
  11. 1995Steel FrontierFilm: Evermore
  12. 1994The MaskFilm: The Figure
  13. 1993NYPD BlueSeries: Calvin James / Carl Shivers (1 episode)
  14. 1993The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.Series: Sketch (1 episode)
  15. 1993Walker, Texas RangerSeries: Mark Dunford (1 episode)
  16. 1993Star Trek: Deep Space NineSeries: Gowron, Countman (7 episodes)
  17. 1993Dr. Quinn, Medicine WomanSeries: Rudy Exner (1 episode)
  18. 1992Desert KickboxerFilm: Paul
  19. 1991Party PlaneFilm: Air Traffic Controller
  20. 1991WhoreFilm: Younger Man in Car
  21. 1991Under SurveillanceFilm: Whitey
  22. 1990Dark AvengerFilm: Officer Kevin Wegley
  23. 1990Cop RockSeries (1 episode)
  24. 1990The FlashSeries: Victor Kelso (1 episode)
  25. 1990By Dawn's Early LightFilm: FEMA Radioman
  26. 1987Star Trek: The Next GenerationSeries: Gowron, Scarface (4 episodes)
  27. 1986Sledge Hammer!Series: Assassin (1 episode)
  28. 1985MacGyverSeries: Curt Neilson (1 episode)
  29. 1985The EqualizerSeries: Fur Collar Man, Chance (1 episode)
  30. 1985The Steel Collar ManFilm: Johnny
  31. 1985OtherworldSeries: Drill Instructor (1 episode)
  32. 1984Crazy like a FoxSeries (1 episode)
  33. 1984Murder, She WroteSeries: A.J. Grodin, Stephen Ridgely (1 episode)
  34. 1984Highway to HeavenSeries (1 episode)
  35. 1984HunterSeries: Willem Sunderson (1 episode)
  36. 1983Scarecrow and Mrs. KingSeries (1 episode)
  37. 1983ManimalSeries (1 episode)
  38. 1983Trauma CenterSeries (1 episode)
  39. 1983Hardcastle and McCormickSeries (1 episode)
  40. 1982Voyagers!Series (1 episode)
  41. 1982CheersSeries: Ed Fogerty (1 episode)
  42. 1982Knight RiderSeries: Jake Simpson, Snyder (1 episode)
  43. 1982T. J. HookerSeries: Jack Riker, Sheehan (1 episode)
  44. 1981Falcon CrestSeries: Mr. Kumar (2 episodes)
  45. 1981DarkroomSeries: Sebastian (1 episode)
  46. 1981Simon & SimonSeries (1 episode)
  47. 1981The Fall GuySeries (1 episode)
  48. 1979Archie Bunker's PlaceSeries (1 episode)
  49. 1977The Incredible HulkSeries (1 episode)
  50. 1977CHiPsSeries: Ryan (1 episode)

Biography and credits from TMDB. This website uses TMDB and the TMDB APIs but is not endorsed, certified, or otherwise approved by TMDB.