Is it possible for an actor to truly disappear into their roles, becoming a chameleon of the screen? David O'Hara, a Scottish actor with a career spanning decades, has certainly come close, demonstrating a remarkable ability to inhabit a diverse range of characters, from historical figures to complex villains.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, David Patrick O'Hara's journey began far from the bright lights of Hollywood. Raised in the Pollok area of Glasgow, in a large Catholic family of Irish descent, his roots are firmly planted in the rich cultural tapestry of Scotland. Although he was also born in johnson city, tennessee, raised in phoenix, arizona and long beach, california. It was at the age of 17, fueled by a burgeoning passion for performance, that he left his homeland to pursue his craft, studying at the prestigious Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. This early commitment set the stage for a career that would see him grace both stage and screen, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | David Patrick O'Hara |
Date of Birth | July 9, 1965 |
Place of Birth | Glasgow, Scotland |
Nationality | Scottish |
Known For | Character actor, stage actor, diverse roles in film and television |
Education | Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, London |
Notable Roles | Stephen in Braveheart, Albert Runcorn (and Harry Potter as Runcorn) in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, Fitzy in The Departed, Mr. X in Wanted |
Other Notable Films | The Devil's Own, Oliver Twist (1997), Hotel Rwanda, Tristan + Isolde, Doomsday |
Career Highlights | Extensive filmography, stage performances, ability to embody diverse characters |
Reference Website | IMDb - David O'Hara |
O'Hara's filmography reads like a masterclass in character acting. He effortlessly transitions between genres, displaying a versatility that few actors achieve. His portrayal of the Irishman Stephen in the epic Braveheart showcased his ability to embody historical figures, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. He has also played a dimwitted mobster, Fitzy, in Martin Scorsese's The Departed, this role allowed him to play a very complex and layered character. Furthermore, David took on the role of the hitman Mr. X in Wanted, demonstrating his ability to be a chilling villain. Perhaps one of his most widely recognized roles is that of Albert Runcorn, a Ministry of Magic employee, and later as Harry Potter disguised as Runcorn, in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. This role, in a global blockbuster franchise, further cemented his name in the minds of a broad audience.
The actor's work is not confined to blockbuster franchises. O'Hara's filmography also includes critically acclaimed films like The Devil's Own, where he appeared alongside Brad Pitt and Harrison Ford. He also starred in Oliver Twist (1997), a rendition of the classic Charles Dickens novel. His performances in Hotel Rwanda and Tristan + Isolde further highlight his willingness to take on diverse and challenging roles. The actor's filmography continues to expand, with filmography stats updated on april 19, 2025, the actor consistently takes on roles that are very diverse in both character and genre.
O'Hara's journey to acting began with an early interest. It wasn't a sudden realization but a gradual awakening. The desire to act, to inhabit different personas, took hold while he was in high school. This passion led him to make a life-altering decision at the age of 17: to leave Scotland and pursue formal training. He enrolled at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London, an institution renowned for shaping some of the world's finest actors. The training he received there provided a solid foundation, equipping him with the technical skills and artistic sensibility needed to thrive in the competitive world of acting.
His ability to find those roles, to inject nuance and complexity into characters, and to make them believable, are what make him stand out. In a world of formulaic portrayals, O'Hara consistently surprises with his commitment to bringing his characters to life. He doesn't simply play the part; he becomes the character, adding a human element that resonates with audiences.
The film Matchmaker, a 1997 production, saw O'Hara in a different role. The movie is a romantic comedy, is about a senator's aide visiting Ireland searching his family roots during a matchmaking festival. Here, alongside Janeane Garofalo, he showcased his comedic timing, proving his versatility extends beyond dramatic roles. The film also features the actor Milo O'Shea, and Jay O. Sanders.
However, David O'Hara isn't just defined by his on-screen work. He's a product of his upbringing, a Glasgow native, and a proud Scot, his roots run deep, he understands the importance of family and community. His career is the manifestation of his hard work and dedication. His roles, from historical figures to complex villains, he is an actor of extraordinary range. With each role, David O'Hara enriches the art of acting, bringing forth a new level of immersion into the roles he takes.
For fans looking to delve deeper, there are many options to view David O'Hara's work. Platforms like Tubi offer opportunities to watch his films and television shows for free. Furthermore, the internet provides a wealth of information, from detailed filmographies to behind-the-scenes insights into his career. You can easily find where to watch David O'Hara's latest movies and tv shows.
He is best known to audiences for his, including Irishman Stephen in Braveheart, dimwitted mobster Fitzy in The Departed, hitman Mr. X in Wanted, and Albert Runcorn in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. His roles show a wide range of characters in many genres. The order of these top david o'hara movies is decided by how many votes they receive, so only highly rated david o'hara movies will be at the top of the list.
David O'Hara has been in a lot of films, so people always love his unique way of acting and the energy he brings to his roles. His highest grossing movies have received a lot of accolades over the years, earning millions upon millions around the world. Check out the list of latest David O'Hara movies and upcoming David O'Hara movies along with movie trailers, videos, songs, photos, movie review and more.
His ability to seamlessly transition between characters and genres, from the historical drama of Braveheart to the fantasy world of Harry Potter, showcases his skills. He is a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. His versatility allows him to consistently delivers compelling performances, as well as explore new realms of cinematic possibilities.
His portrayal in the Gotham series demonstrates his wide range, proving his comfort in many genres and formats. David O'Hara continues to take on roles that present new and interesting challenges, that keeps his audience engaged.


