Gene O'Donnell
About
Biography
Filmography
Family & Companions
Biography
Character actor of the 1940s, 50s and 60s. O'Donnell began as a radio announcer working in Boston and New York before moving to LA where he signed a contract with Republic Studios. There he appeared in "The Ape" (1940) with Boris Karloff, "I'm Nobody's Sweetheart Now" (1940) and "The Devil Bat" (1941) with Bela Lugosi. After serving in the Army, O'Donnell moved back to LA, where he played the title character in "Barney Blake, Police Reporter" (1948) and Judy's (Patricia Crowley) brother in the comedy "A Date With Judy" (1951). O'Donnell's subsequent TV credits include guest stints on "Peyton Place," "The Big Valley" and "I Love Lucy." His later film work included "Pretty Boy Floyd" (1960), "Planet of the Apes" (1968) and "The Lawyer" (1970).
Filmography
Cast (Feature Film)
Cinematography (Feature Film)
Life Events
1940
Feature film debut, "The Ape"
1947
Starred in the TV series, "Barney Blake, Police Reporter"
1970
Final film, "The Lawyer"
Videos
Trailer
![](https://prod-images.tcm.com/v5cache/TCM/Images/Dynamic/i336/hotsummernight_tr_223x104_06192014023553.jpg?w=400)
![](https://prod-images.tcm.com/v5cache/TCM/Images/Dynamic/i10/GreatAmericanPastime_TR_188x141_061820031504.gif?w=400)
Companions
![](https://prod-images.tcm.com//img/global/logo-AFI.png)