Conan O’Brien, a comedian, is in mourning after his parents died three days apart at their Brookline, Massachusetts, home.
His father, Dr. Thomas O’Brien, a renowned physician, passed away on Monday, Dec. 9, at the age of 95. His mother, Ruth Reardon O’Brien, a trailblazing attorney, died peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 92.
Conan, 61, paid tribute to his father in The Boston Globe, recalling his limitless curiosity and wit. “My father demonstrated that perpetual motion exists. “He was interested in everything and was frequently the funniest guy in the room,” he said, recalling Thomas exposing his children to Charlie Chaplin and Marx Brothers films.
Ruth’s obituary highlighted her remarkable achievements, including being one of four women in her law school class and becoming a partner at Boston’s Ropes & Gray law firm in 1978. She and Thomas were married for 66 years.
A joint funeral mass will be held in Boston on Dec. 18. Conan, who shares two children with wife Liza Powel O’Brien, is set to host the 97th Academy Awards on March 2.
