Overview

Colm Meaney (born 30 May 1953) is an Irish actor whose career includes stage, television and feature films. He is widely recognized for portraying Chief Miles O'Brien in both Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Meaney has moved between Irish cinema and international productions, becoming known for naturalistic performances and often portraying working-class characters.

Early life and background

Meaney was born and raised in Glasnevin in Dublin. He is sometimes credited with his Irish name, Colm Ó Maonaigh, and is commonly described as an Irish actor. He began his career in the theatre in Ireland before gaining broader attention through film and television roles in the late 1980s and 1990s.

Career and notable roles

Meaney first came to wide public notice for television work, most famously as Miles O'Brien, a role he carried from Star Trek: The Next Generation into Star Trek: Deep Space Nine between 1987 and 1999. That recurring portrayal across two series made him one of the franchise’s most recognizable supporting actors. Beyond Star Trek, Meaney has appeared in episodic television including Law & Order, guest voice work on The Simpsons, and the Western drama Hell on Wheels.

On film, Meaney has an extensive and varied résumé. He featured in the films associated with the Barrytown stories (often referred to collectively as the Barrytown Trilogy), and has played roles in Hollywood and British pictures. Selected credits include Con Air (1997), Intermission (2003), The Damned United (2009), Get Him to the Greek (2010), Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa (2013), and The Journey (2016).

Acting style and reputation

Meaney is frequently praised for an unpretentious, grounded approach to character work. Critics and audiences often note his ability to convey warmth and ordinariness while giving performances emotional depth. This combination made him a reliable presence in ensemble casts and a familiar face in both contemporary dramas and genre television.

Personal life and later years

Outside his professional life, Meaney has been married more than once and is a father of two daughters. He has lived abroad in recent years and maintains a residence in Sóller, Mallorca in the Balearic Islands. His Dublin origins are often mentioned in profiles; he grew up in Glasnevin, Dublin.

Legacy and notable facts

  • One of the best-known actors to hold a recurring role in two separate Star Trek series as the same character.
  • Career spans theatre, television and international film, balancing Irish projects with American and British work.
  • Recognized for portraying relatable, working-class figures and for a warm, natural performance style.