Irish, I Think Trivia Quiz

Answer: Conan O'Brien

If your knowledge of Conan O'Brien is just as the host on late night television talk show, you may not realize the long road he took to get there. A few of these things are editor of the Harvard Lampoon, a producer of the long running "the Simpsons" cartoon series, and a staff writer for "Saturday Night Live".

Answer: Sandra Day O'Connor

Sandra Day O'Connor, an Arizona moderate Republican, was appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States by Ronald Reagan in 1981 and served until her retirement in 2006. She is the first woman to have served on the Court. She was known as a 'federalist' operating on a strict interpretation of the constitution.

Answer: Madalyn Murray O'Hair

Madalyn Murray O'Hair was one of the most hated women in America. O'Hair founded American Atheists in 1963. Her monumental achievement was in 1963 when, as a result of her suit, the Supreme Court ruled mandatory school prayer as unconstitutional. She was to file many suits affirming the separation of church and state.

On August 27, 1995, O'Hair, her son, and granddaughter disappeared. A note saying "The Murray O'Hair family has been called out of town on an emergency basis. We do not know how long we will be gone." In actuality they had been kidnapped by David Roland Waters who managed to get a half million dollars of American Atheist funds before murdering all three. After apprehension Waters led the police to where he had disposed of the bodies. They were mutilated beyond recognition but were identified by the serial number on O'hair's hip replacement.

Answer: Georgia O'Keeffe

Georgia O'Keeffe was an artist who was successful in a male dominated profession. She was best known for her paintings of enlarged flowers, New York skyscrapers, and New Mexico landscapes. O'Keeffe has been dubbed the "Mother of American Modernism".

Answer: Eugene O'Neill

Eugene Gladstone O'Neill was an American playwright and Nobel laureate in Literature. His plays are often compared to the works of Anton Chekhov, Henrik Ibsen, and August Strindberg. "Long Day's Journey into Night" (1941), "The Iceman Cometh" (1940), "The Hairy Ape" (1922), and "Mourning Becomes Electra" (1931) are all serious dramas featuring people on the fringes of society where hopes and aspirations slide into disillusionment and despair. "Ah, Wilderness" (1933) stands as his most successful comedy.

Answer: Bill O'Reilly

Bill O'Reilly is an opinionated television conservative political commentator. Even if your views are counter to his, he has a style that can be interesting and often worth the time to view. For sixteen years he was the highest rated commentator in his field. However, as far back as 2002, there were charges of sexual impropriety that were settled with cash transactions. But in 2016 the accumulations of charges cost him his commercial sponsors and the cancellation of his program.

He has been 'listed' as the co-author of a number of books."The Killing of Lincoln" and similar books about Kennedy, Jesus, Reagan. I read one as part of my book club but felt no need to read the others. His other books are political opinions. His daughter has accused him of domestic violence.

Answer: Peter O'Toole

When I saw "Lawrence of Arabia" in the theater, the desert scenes created an audience thirst. I promised my wife I would get her something to drink during the intermission. The concessions counter was ten deep but off to the side was a soda machine. The man just in front of me was the governor of Wisconsin. In those days politicians did not have bodyguard.

Peter O'Toole portrayal of T. E. Lawrence in" Lawrence of Arabia" (1962) received his first nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor. He was nominated for this award another seven times - for "Becket" (1964), "The Lion in Winter" (1968), "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" (1969), "The Ruling Class" (1972), "The Stunt Man (1980)", "My Favorite Year" (1982), and "Venus" (2006). He holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations for acting without a win.

Answer: O. Henry

William Sydney Porter wrote short stories under the pen name of O.Henry. His trademark was his surprise, often ironic, twists at the end of the tale. Perhaps best known works is "The Gift of the Magi", a Christmas story of self sacrifice by a young married couple.

Answer: Ed O'Neill

"Married ... With Children" (1986-1997) featured O'Neill as a women's shoe salesman; his obnoxious wife, Peggy, their attractive, promiscuous, and clueless daughter, Kelly (Christina Applegate), and their wisecracking son, Bud, (David Faustino). Because Dad isn't making much money and Mom is too lazy to cook, Kelly and Bud have to eat crumbs from under the toaster.

In 2009 O'Neill starred in "Modern Family" (2009-?). He has numerous nominations and wins for his roles in these sitcoms. In addition, he has appeared in 37 films including voice overs.

Answer: Donald O'Connor

When I was young my allowance was money to go the movies. One time I went to this film that was targeted at teenagers. The film was forgettable but you had to be impressed by the young actor, singer, and dancer--Donald O'Connor.

Later he had a series of six funny movies that featured Francis the Mule. O'Connor remarked after leaving the franchise "When you've made six pictures and the mule still gets more fan mail than you do".

In "Singin' in the Rain" his memorable number ""Make 'Em Laugh" was only second to Gene Kelly's "Singin' in the Rain". O'Connor won a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Comedy or Musical.

The Colgate Comedy Hour featured a rotating cadre of comedians of which O'Connor was consistently funny. His career was slowed by heavy smoking and alcoholism. He died of heart disease in 2003.