Derrick O Connor, actor of "Lethal Weapon 2" died at 77

The Irish actor Derrick O 'Connor, who performed the villain in "Lethal Weapon 2" and appeared in three of Terry Gilliam's films among many other films, died. O 'Connor died Friday of pneumonia in Santa Barbara, announced his journalist Jane Ayer. He was 77 years old.

O Connor's career for decades included memorable performances in "Lethal Weapon 2" in "Time Bandits" by Gilliam, "Brazil" and "Jabberwocky", as Thomas Thomas versus Arnold Schwarzenegger in "End of Days " as an aspiring buccaneer in" Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest "and in" Hope and Glory "by John Boorman.

Widely regarded as a superb actor, O 'Connor was noted for often reducing – or completely eliminating – his lines in a scene in order to emphasize the physical aspects of his role, a skill that earned him the honor. admiration of many who directed him, especially Terry Gilliam. In Gilliam's "Time Bandits," his character's dialogue was reduced to mere grunts as Maid Marian's character "translated" for him. In Brazil, O Connor abandoned all the dialogue of his character and simply repeated the dialogue of the character of Bob Hoskins.

He was best known, however, for his role as villain Pieter Vorstedt, evil Arjen Rudd (Joss Ackland). "Lethal Weapon 2" by Richard Donner (1989).

His American television titles include "Alias", "Carnivale", "Tracey Takes On", "Monk", "Murder She Wrote" and "Ghost". In the UK and Australia he was best known for his roles in "Stringer", "Fox", "The Sweeney" and "Knockback".

Born in Dublin and raised in London, O'Connor was a distinguished member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Scottish National Theater, with several leading roles in Edinburgh, Stratford-on-Avon and West End in London. He has played in British productions such as "The Knack", "The Dumb Waiter" and "Born Yesterday". He has worked with several notable directors, including Mike Leigh and Richard Eyre.

a presentation of Beckett Krapp's "Last Tape" and "Rock Justice" written by Marty Balin of Jefferson Airplane – both in San Francisco. He wrote and directed the Irish docudrama film "A Pint of Plain".

He has lived in the United States since 1990, most recently in the Santa Ynez Valley, north of Santa Barbara, with his wife, Mimi. & # 39; Connor is survived by Mimi and son, Max. A private celebration of life will be followed by close friends and family in San Francisco.