By Cindy Chen

From starring as Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet on a live stage to working on the screen for film The Martian, directed by Ridley Scott, Mr. O’Brien once immersed himself in stories that had already been written. 

As the grandson of Oscar-winner Van Heflin and a member of a family of actors, the stage and screen were as familiar to him as home. He started acting professionally in fifth grade, following in the footsteps of his relatives, but continued due to his love for the craft. 

Reflecting on his time on The Martian set, he shares, “to watch [director Ridley Scott] direct and watch these camera crews that he works with do their jobs, and all of the people who are involved, who are really highly skilled and trained, is just an incredible experience. It’s a good atmosphere, and people are amazing at what they do. So it’s a lot of fun that way.” 

Live theater, however, offered a completely different experience: “I think my favorite part of acting is just the experience of being on stage with somebody else… in theater, when you’re performing, there’s something about just the energy and the emotions and the joy that is like nothing else… It’s a very special thing about theater for me.” 

But even with his love for the profession, there were inevitable uncertainties. “There’s the financial and security piece, unless you’re lucky enough to be very successful. But then you’re kind of tied to certain places. And I like New York and L.A, [but] I’m not sure I want to always live there.” His other hopes also conflicted with this career. “I wanted to have a family, and the security of being able to take care of a family, and be able to travel and enjoy the world. And I didn’t know how I was going to do that with the profession.” 

Eventually, Mr. O’Brien chose to step away from the professional industry, but has continued to do live theater in his spare time. The passion he once put into embodying roles on stage and screen has found new purpose in his work as a college counselor. Now, he continues bringing stories to life, helping students form their own stories—guiding them through the uncertainties of college applications and life choices: “I always really liked… working with students on things that are challenging for them, and helping them figure out how they want to be successful, whether it’s in college or in conflict or whatever’s happening in their life.” 

In a way, Mr. O’Brien’s greatest role isn’t one he performed on stage—it’s the one where he helps others discover and write their own.