Robert O'Reilly
Acting
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. 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
Born: March 25, 1950
Place of Birth: New York, New York, USA
Known For
Filmography
as Self
as Self
as Kurt Delock (uncredited)
as Himself
as Officer #2
as Kago-Darr
as Quinn Jankowski
as Technician
as L.V. Sacco
as Karl Stark
as Bartender
as Evermore
as The Figure
as Calvin James / Carl Shivers
as Sketch
as Mark Dunford
as Gowron
as Countman
as Rudy Exner
as Paul
as Younger Man in Car
as Air Traffic Controller
as Whitey
as Victor Kelso
as FEMA Radioman
as Gowron
as Scarface
as Assassin
as Curt Neilson
as Fur Collar Man
as Chance
as Johnny
as A.J. Grodin
as Stephen Ridgely
as Willem Sunderson
as Ed Fogerty
as Jake Simpson
as Snyder
as Jack Riker
as Sheehan
as Mr. Kumar
as Ryan