Leo O’Brien was a talented actor who rose to fame for his role as Richie Green, the charismatic little brother of Bruce Leroy, in the 1985 martial arts movie “The Last Dragon”. He died unexpectedly on October 10, 2012, at the age of 41, leaving behind many fans and friends who wondered what happened to him. The cause of his death was never officially confirmed, but his nephew and former castmate revealed some details that shed light on his tragic end.
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Shot Three Times in Harlem
According to The Last Dragon Tribute, Leo O’Brien was shot three times in Harlem on Labor Day 2011, after a dispute with an acquaintance turned violent. He was rushed to the hospital and survived the attack, but he suffered from severe injuries that affected his health. He told the New York Daily News that he was a fast healer and that he had been told that if this happened to someone else, they would be dead. He also said that he was trying to put his checkered past behind him and resurrect his acting career.
Reunited with His On-Screen Brother
The shooting incident brought Leo O’Brien back together with his on-screen brother Taimak Guarriello, who played Bruce Leroy in “The Last Dragon”. Guarriello visited him in the hospital and rekindled their friendship. They also collaborated on a short indie film called “I’ve Seen Things”, where O’Brien played a charming Harlem gangster. The movie has not been released yet, but Guarriello said that he had hoped to include O’Brien in other upcoming projects. He described him as very talented, a sweetheart and a good sense of humor.
Died in His Sleep from Prior Bullet Wound Injuries
Leo O’Brien’s cause of death was never officially released by the authorities. An autopsy was inconclusive, and the medical examiner’s office was awaiting toxicology results. However, his nephew Michael O’Syris Timmons, who was also close to him, told The Last Dragon Tribute that he believed that his uncle died from the complications of his gunshot wounds and the improper medical treatment he received. He said that after he came home from the hospital, he would always complain about how much his insides hurt and how his hand would go numb all the time. He also said that they suspected medical malpractice and that his uncle’s insides shut down and he died in his sleep. He had a private funeral in Inglewood, New Jersey, where he was born. He was cremated.
Remembered as a Cult Classic Star
Leo O’Brien’s death shocked and saddened many fans and friends who remembered him as a cult classic star. He was best known for his role in “The Last Dragon”, a movie that blended Motown music and martial arts in a unique way. He played Richie Green, the witty and confident little brother of Bruce Leroy, who wanted to be a famous singer and dancer. He stole many scenes with his charisma and humor, and he had a great chemistry with Guarriello. He also appeared in two other movies, “Rappin’” (1985) and “New Jack City” (1991), but he never achieved the same level of success as in “The Last Dragon”. He ran several businesses after a string of arrests that landed him in jail for eight years. He also had a son, Drew O’Brien, who wanted to follow his footsteps in acting.
Leo O’Brien’s death was a tragic loss for the entertainment industry and for those who loved him. He was a talented actor who had a lot of potential and who left behind a legacy of laughter and joy. He will always be remembered as Richie Green, the cool kid who made “The Last Dragon” shine.
