Comedian Conan O’Brien faces the heartbreaking loss of both parents within just three days, leaving fans and admirers in shock.
At a Glance
- Conan O’Brien’s parents, Dr. Thomas O’Brien and Ruth Reardon O’Brien, passed away three days apart in December 2023.
- Dr. Thomas O’Brien, a pioneer in antimicrobial drug resistance, died on December 9 at 95.
- Ruth Reardon O’Brien, a Yale Law School graduate and accomplished attorney, died on December 12 at 92.
- The couple had been married for 66 years and are survived by their six children and nine grandchildren.
- A joint funeral is scheduled for December 18 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
A Family’s Legacy of Excellence
In a devastating turn of events, comedian Conan O’Brien is mourning the loss of both his parents, who passed away within a span of just three days. Dr. Thomas O’Brien, 95, died on December 9, followed by his wife Ruth Reardon O’Brien, 92, on December 12. The couple, married for an impressive 66 years, left behind a legacy of professional excellence and a close-knit family of six children and nine grandchildren.
Dr. Thomas O’Brien was a trailblazer in the field of infectious diseases. As the first director of infectious diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, he made significant contributions to the study of antimicrobial drug resistance. His dedication to his work continued until his retirement in 2019, leaving an indelible mark on the medical community.
Ruth Reardon O’Brien’s professional journey was equally impressive. A Yale Law School graduate, she began her career as a law clerk on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Ruth later became a partner at the prestigious Ropes & Gray law firm, breaking barriers for women in the legal profession. Her achievements were recognized with the iRelaunch Pioneering Relauncher Award in 2017, highlighting her impact on the field.
The O’Brien family’s accomplishments extend beyond Thomas and Ruth. Their children – Kate, Jane, Justin, Neal, Luke, and Conan – have carved out their own paths, with Conan becoming a household name in the entertainment industry. This speaks volumes about the supportive and nurturing environment created by Thomas and Ruth.
A Father’s Lasting Influence
Conan O’Brien has often credited his father for introducing him to comedy and instilling in him a love for laughter. In heartfelt tributes, Conan shared memories of his father’s infectious laughter, particularly recalling a moment in a theater watching a Peter Sellers film.
“The loudest I’ve ever heard anybody laugh was sitting next to him in a theater watching Peter Sellers in a Pink Panther movie. [My dad] was often the funniest guy in the room. And when he would laugh, his whole body would convulse and he would almost hug himself,” O’Brien said.
A joint funeral is scheduled for December 18 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, where family, friends, and admirers will gather to celebrate the lives of Thomas and Ruth O’Brien.
