Conan O’Brien's Mom Passes Away Three Days After Father's Death

Conan O’Brien is grieving the loss of both his parents within a week. His mother, Ruth Reardon O’Brien, passed away at home in Brookline, Massachusetts, on Thursday, December 12, at age 92. Three days prior, on December 9, his father, Dr. Thomas O’Brien, a distinguished physician, also died at home at age 95, US Weekly reported.

In an interview with the "Boston Globe," Conan, 61, reflected on his father's unstoppable nature. "Science has said there’s no such thing as perpetual motion, but my father was proof that that was wrong," he stated. "My father was in constant motion and had an interest in absolutely everything."

Conan credited Dr. O’Brien with forging a love for comedy in his children. Thomas introduced his six children to the works of Charlie Chaplin and the Marx Brothers. "The loudest I’ve ever heard anybody laugh was sitting next to him in a theater watching Peter Sellers in a Pink Panther movie," Conan recounted. While many viewed his father as a "fascinating man" in the field of epidemiology, he was entertaining in other ways. "He was often the funniest guy in the room," Conan emphasized, noting his father's vibrant laugh.

Conan added, "For the rest of my time on earth I will be hearing from people who want to talk with me about my dad. I’ve never met anyone like him, and he happens to be my father." This admiration for his father is palpable; Conan said if he met him randomly, he'd think, "Who the hell is this guy? He’s the most interesting person I’ve ever met."

Ruth O’Brien, Conan’s mother, was a trailblazing attorney. She was the second woman to become a partner at the Boston law firm Ropes & Gray, as noted in her obituary.

Conan’s younger brother, Justin, shared memories of their mother's love of reunions. "My mother once said she thought he enjoyed her reunions more than she did," he said. "He really loved meeting people and hearing their stories."

A funeral mass for both parents will occur in Boston on Wednesday, December 18. This news arrives as Conan prepares to host the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025. This will mark his first time emceeing the prestigious ceremony.

In a humorous statement confirming his involvement in the Oscars, Conan remarked, "America demanded it, and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars."

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang stated, "We are thrilled and honored to have the incomparable Conan O’Brien host the Oscars this year." They affirmed his qualifications, noting his brilliant humor, love for movies, and live TV expertise.

Earlier, SSP reported that Chris Evans will return to Marvel for Avengers: Doomsday.