Michael O'Shea, a talented Irish-American actor, defied his family's tradition of becoming policemen, instead pursuing a career in acting. Despite dropping out of school at the age of 12, Michael's determination and passion for the craft led him to tour with his idol Jack Johnson's vaudeville show and eventually become a comedian and emcee at speakeasies during the Prohibition years.
Michael's career advanced with his transition to the legit stage, where he was billed as "Eddie O'Shea" and showcased his impressive performances in numerous productions. His standout performance in "The Eve of St. Mark" in 1942 led to a string of film roles in the 1940s, including notable appearances alongside Barbara Stanwyck in "Lady of Burlesque" (1943) and Anne Shirley in "Man from Frisco" (1944).
Michael's versatility as an actor was further demonstrated through his roles in musicals, such as "Something for the Boys" (1944),where he showcased his Irish tenor voice in the song "Wouldn't It Be Nice?" alongside Vivian Blaine, Phil Silvers, and Carmen Miranda. He also appeared in a series of crime dramas, including "Circumstantial Evidence" (1945),"Mr. District Attorney" (1947),"Violence" (1947),"Parole, Inc." (1948),and "The Underworld Story" (1950).
In his personal life, Michael was a devoted father of two and met his second wife, the beautiful actress Virginia Mayo, during the filming of "Jack London" (1943). They married four years later and had one daughter together. The couple continued to work together, appearing on the stock stage in productions such as "George Washington Slept Here", "Tunnel of Love", and "Fiorello!".
After retiring from show business in the 1960s, Michael went on to become a plainclothes operative for the CIA. He died suddenly of a heart attack in 1973, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and versatile actor who made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
