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Chris O'DonnellFilm actor
Date of Birth: 27.06.1970
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- Early Life and Acting Debut
- Breakthrough Roles and Critical Acclaim
- Hollywood Heartthrob and Leading Man
- Personal Life and Family
- Recent Projects and Legacy
Early Life and Acting Debut
Christopher Eugene O'Donnell was born on June 27, 1970, in Chicago, Illinois, the seventh of seven children. After graduating from high school, he attended Boston College to study marketing. It was during his time at college that he discovered his passion for theater, which led him to pursue acting.
At the age of 12, O'Donnell's acting career began with a commercial for McDonald's, in which he played a young server attending to Michael Jordan. His first film role came at the age of 17, where he portrayed Jessica Lange's rebellious teenage son in "Men Don't Leave" (1990).
Breakthrough Roles and Critical Acclaim
O'Donnell's breakthrough came in 1992 when he starred alongside Al Pacino in "Scent of a Woman." His portrayal of a prep school student hired to guide the blind Al Pacino through New York City earned him critical accolades and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.
Over the next few years, O'Donnell solidified his status as a rising star with roles in "Fried Green Tomatoes" (1991), "School Ties" (1992), and "The Three Musketeers" (1993). In "The Three Musketeers," he portrayed the iconic character of D'Artagnan, bringing charm and adventure to the classic tale.
Hollywood Heartthrob and Leading Man
In 1995, O'Donnell starred in supporting roles in "Circle of Friends" and "Mad Love." His status as a Hollywood heartthrob was further cemented when he took on the role of Dick Grayson in "Batman Forever" (1995), opposite Val Kilmer as Batman.
O'Donnell's success continued in the late 1990s and early 2000s with leading roles in "Batman & Robin" (1997), "The Bachelor" (1999), and "Vertical Limit" (2000). In "Vertical Limit," he played a risk-taking climber who must rescue a group of stranded mountaineers from a treacherous peak.
Personal Life and Family
In 1996, O'Donnell proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Caroline Fentress, a schoolteacher and sister of his college friend. They married on April 19, 1997. The couple has five children: Lily Anne (born September 3, 1999), Christopher Eugene Jr. (born October 2000), Finley (born 2007), Maeve (born 2008), and Charles (born 2012).
O'Donnell is known for his down-to-earth personality and his commitment to his family. He continues to reside in his hometown of Chicago and maintains close ties with his childhood friends.
Recent Projects and Legacy
In recent years, O'Donnell has ventured into television, starring in the CBS series "NCIS: Los Angeles" since 2009. He has also appeared in films such as "29 Palms" (2002), "The Turning Point" (2009), and "The Company You Keep" (2012).
Christopher O'Donnell's career has spanned over three decades, and he remains one of the most beloved and respected actors in the industry. His charming screen presence, versatility, and commitment to his craft have made him a household name and a true icon of Hollywood.