NOVEMBER 14, 2021 - He helped give rise to a television character “syndrome” and came by his character acting honestly, as they say. Gavan O’Herlihy, known to American audiences as the second of three actors to play Chuck Cunningham in Happy Days, has died.

O’Herlihy was 70 years old at the time of his death on September 15th of undisclosed causes. His death was reported initially by the Irish Post and confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter. He was the son of character actor Dan O’Herlihy and nephew of Star Trek: The Original Series director, Michael O’Herlihy. He appeared in television and film in the US and in the UK. O’Herlihy’s career began as Chuck Cunningham, Richie’s older brother, who leaves for college then exits the show without explanation, thus being the first case of “Chuck Cunningham Syndrome.” 

O’Herlihy reunited with the former Richie Cunningham, Ron Howard, on the film Willow, with Howard directing O’Herlihy in the latter’s role as Airk Thaughbaer. Howard remembered him as “a talented actor with a big free spirit.”

O’Herlihy is known to Trek fans from his role as the Kazon, Maje Jabin, in the Star Trek: Voyager season one episode, “Caretaker.” Outside of Star Trek his screen credits also include such films as Never Say Never Again, Death Wish 3, and Superman III. His other appearances included several with fellow Star Trek alumni, including Marina Sirtis.

For more on the life and career of Gavan O’Herlihy, visit HollywoodReporter.com, and please join us in offering our condolences to his friends and family.