Conan O’Brien Mourns the Loss of Both Parents, Just Days Apart
Renowned late-night host Conan O’Brien is grieving the loss of his parents, Dr. Thomas O’Brien and Ruth Reardon O’Brien, who passed away just days apart this week.
Dr. Thomas O’Brien, a pioneering physician and researcher, died on Monday, December 9, at the age of 95. His wife, Ruth, a trailblazing lawyer and the second-ever female partner at Ropes & Gray, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 12, at the age of 92. Both died at their Brookline, Massachusetts home.
Dr. O’Brien was a leading expert in antimicrobial resistance, co-directing and co-founding the World Health Organization’s Collaborating Centre for Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance. His groundbreaking work helped establish databases to track antibiotic resistance outbreaks, saving countless lives worldwide.
Conan O’Brien remembered his father as a man in “constant motion,” with a voracious appetite for ideas, people, and experiences. He recalled his father’s infectious laughter and love of comedy, which inspired Conan’s own career in humor.
The late-night host also praised his mother’s accomplishments as a lawyer and her dedication to their family. Conan O’Brien is one of six children born to the couple, who were married for 66 years.
As Conan O’Brien navigates this difficult time, he has been comforted by the outpouring of support from fans and colleagues. He will undoubtedly continue to celebrate his parents’ remarkable lives and legacy in the days and weeks to come.