James O’Neill, father of American playwright Eugene O’Neill, died on August 10 of 1920. With James’s background in theater, it is evident that he provided Eugene with his first glance into the world of theater and playwriting. James O’Neill was born in Kilkenny and immigrated to Buffalo, NY. His most famous role in the theater was as the Count of Monte Cristo. James O’Neill is characterized in his son’s play “Long Day’s Journey into Night” as a young boy called James Tyrone.
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