Michael O'Keefe

Photo of Michael O'Keefe

Biography

This tall, slim actor is one of those rare performers who manages to divide his time equally between stage, film and TV work, though his regular stint in "Roseanne" has taken up much of his time since the early 1990s. One of seven children born into a wealthy Irish-American family, O'Keefe was a baseball star for his parochial school team. He began acting in his teens, and by the early 1980s had amassed an impressive theater resume including …
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Job Title

Actor, Director, Producer, Camera, Film & Tape, Editor, Music

Born

April 24, 1955

Career Milestones

Co-founded Colannades Theatre Lab in NYC with voice coaches Arthur and Michael Lessac; acted with company for three years

Co-starred with Lisa Ann Walter in the ABC sitcom "Life's Work"

Played Fred in ABC sitcom "Roseanne"

1970

Acting debut in Colgate toothpaste commercial

1974

Stage debut in New York Shakespeare Festival production of "Killdeer" (billed as Michael Raymond O'Keefe)

1975

TV-movie debut in "Friendly Persuasion/Except for Me and Thee"

1977

Film debut in supporting role, "Gray Lady Down"

1979

Received nomination for Best Supporting Actor Oscar for breakthrough film role in "The Great Santini"

1990

Starred in TV drama series "Against the Law" (Fox)

1999

Assumed role of the jazz musician father in the award-winning Broadway play "Side Man"

2001

Cast in the action thriller "The Glass House"

2002

Portrayed the father of Rachel McAdam's character in "The Hot Chick"

Awards

1980

Academy Award for Actor In a Supporting Role in The Great Santini

1980

Golden Globe Award for New Star Of The Year - Actor