Milo O'Shea
About
Biography
Biography
Milo O'Shea bears the distinction of placing Jane Fonda in something called an "Ex-sex-sive Machine" and playing the organ-like device until she nearly explodes with physical pleasure. In "Barbarella," a science fiction film famous for its tongue-in-cheek excesses, Milo O'Shea's deliciously hammy portrayal of villain Durand-Durand in this particular scene may take the top prize. However, O'Shea has also demonstrated the ability to shine in more reserved roles. These include the part of Friar Laurence in the 1968 adaptation of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" and the unsympathetic Judge Hoyle in Sidney Lumet's "The Verdict," the tale of a self-loathing lawyer's last chance at redemption. Twenty years later, O'Shea donned the black robes of a judge once again with several guest star appearances as the ailing liberal Chief Justice Roy Ashland on "The West Wing." In addition to a successful career in film and television, O'Shea has also made his mark on stage. He received his first of two Tony nominations for his performance in "Staircase," Broadway's first serious portrayal of life as a gay man. He even met his wife through the theater, eventually marrying Irish thespian Kitty O'Sullivan after working with her on a production of "My Fair Lady."