Bill O'Brien

Bill O'Brien is an American former television series actor and currently the Senior Advisor for Program Innovation at the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

Political career O'Brien was appointed the Senior Advisor to the National Endowment for the Arts, shortly after the election of President Barack Obama in 2008.

Theatre O'Brien graduated with a degree in Musical Theater from the University of Northern Iowa in 1985. He was nominated as the NEA's Director of Theater and Musical Theater

Before joining the NEA, he served for seven years as producing director and managing director for Deaf West Theater (DWT).

O'Brien has also served as executive vice president on the executive board of the National Alliance for Music Theater, and as a task force member, conference speaker, and grant panelist with Theater Communications Group. O'Brien has performed onstage in 48 states in numerous national touring and regional productions and was an American College Theater Festival Irene Ryan Acting Competition National Finalist.

Filmography

Television Year Title Role Notes 2001 Gideon's Crossing Conor McGrath 2 episodes 2002 Providence Brian McCulley Episode: "Great Expectations" 2000–2005 The West Wing Kenny Thurman 15 episodes 2007 Law & Order: Criminal Intent Detective Peter Lyons Episode: "Silencer"