TJ O'Brien's formative years were spent in the Chicago suburb of Downers Grove, Illinois, where he would later draw inspiration from his surroundings. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from Columbia College in Chicago, laying the foundation for a successful career in the performing arts.
Following his graduation, O'Brien worked tirelessly in the Chicago theatre scene, taking on a wide range of roles and gaining valuable experience. One of his most notable performances during this period was his portrayal of the title character in the musical production of sCarrie: The Musical!, a role he played for over a year and a half.
In addition to his work in sCarrie: The Musical!, O'Brien also originated the role of Rudolph in the long-running annual holiday parody Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer. This performance further solidified his reputation as a talented and versatile actor.
After years of living and working in both New York City and Los Angeles, O'Brien took a detour into agency/management and casting. However, he eventually returned to his first love - acting - and has been thriving in the Chicago theatre scene ever since, feeling grateful and content with his decision.
