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Brendan James O'Brien
Brendan James O'Brien
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Brendan O'Brien Obituary
Brendan's own musical talents were evident and encouraged from the day he was able to hold a guitar. As a teenager he played every high school event in the southland. He would graduate to perform with top music professionals. Brendan had an inventory of music in his head, if he didn't know a song he would learn it and play it for you during your next visit. Music, humor and endless knowledge were the themes of his life.
His acting career began at 10 years old, when director, Bernard L. Kowalski, put him in a shot, with his dad, in the first episode of "The Streets of San Francisco". This opportunity and spending time with his parents on location would shape his own career. One of his proudest moments was coming up with the original voices for the "Crash Bandicoot" video games during the Naughty Dog years of 1996 to 2004. He encouraged nostalgic Crash fans in their own pursuits and loved signing their memorabilia. Like music, designing character voices for animation, radio and video games came naturally to him.
Brendan met, Ingrid K. Behrens, in 1995 and married in 2000. They spent their time living a life filled with laughter, love and adventures. One of those adventures would take them to top of the Grapevine and Los Padres National Forest. They enjoyed exploring the trails with their dogs, listening to music and reading (every subject imaginable). Brendan was on top of the world in the national forest he would call home. He laid down his guitar on March 23, 2023. The silence leaves behind deep memories of a life well lived. He touched strangers, friends and family with his love of life, his humor and positive attitude. No words can express how much he is missed. We love you, Brendan.
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Prudence Dee
June 18, 2024
RIP Brendan...
He was a very beautiful and talented man who touched others with his kindness. He's deeply missed yet will never be forgotten.
Deepest Condolences to Indrid, family and closed friends. Dogs are missing Brendan too.
Gerardo Sandoval
November 23, 2023
He was a good guy. We were freshman together at Loyola in Mr. Caldwell´s class. I´ll always remember the way he laughed.
Dorian Schneider
November 21, 2023
So sad to learn about his passing, his voicework in Crash Bandicoot series marked a whole generation in the late 90s and early 2000s. Loved his voice so much. A part of the childhood of so many goes with Brendan. Much love, respect, admiration and our biggest condonlences from México. My little brother and I did grow up with those endearing and funny characters brought to life by mr. Brendan.
Patrick Hug
July 30, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss, Ingrid. I know it has been a long time since Brendan, you, and I would hang out together after a hard day of chasing down someone's lost bouquet order. I always enjoyed his warm, funny, and creative outlook on life. You both meant a lot to me, and I still fondly remember our conversations all these years later. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
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Anthony Nichols
July 22, 2023
I still find it so heart breaking that he's gone, his Crash Bandicoot voice will forever be apart of my childhood. I grew up playing the Crash Bandicoot video games series and I still play them to this very day, not only did he brought the character to life with his performance, but his voice has also impacted to all the fans around the world, especially Crash's famous line "WOAH!!!, which is his famous and most memorable dialoge he created and fans will never forget. Not only did he help create one the best PlayStation video games to date, he help create as fans call it one of the most classic and nostalgia games that people will forever remember today. Plus, I managed to email him several times and he was super nice when he responded to me. I even wish him and sent him a happy birthday email to him too. Thank you so much for all the great memories Brendan, may your soul Rest in Peace, you are now in a better place. You will forever be my Crash Bandicoot.
Malylamik
July 2, 2023
Thank you for being big part of my childhood, us who grew up with Crash Bandicoot will forever have You in our hearts. Thank you for being one of the voices we will forever cherish in the future.
Michael "Jocco" Phillips
June 18, 2023
That's so beautiful Ingrid. All of my love to you.
Jocco
Ibrahim Abdelaal
June 6, 2023
RIP Brendan ..you made my childhood and Until this day i still play the game through a simulator .. the game never get older.. I will make my children play it..
RIP
CRASHer (Maksim)
May 17, 2023
How we miss this 100% Crash Bandicoot. God grant that you will not be forgotten by future generations James O'Brien! As long as there is memory, you will always be alive!
David Whitaker Jr.
May 16, 2023
When first I discovered Brendan in Crash, I was surprised that he did all of the voices for all the characters in that game. I was amazed by him and his talents. I wish I could've met you, Mr. O'Brien. Thank you for making my life more fun.
Derek
May 16, 2023
Crash Bandicoot was one of the very first video games I played as a child. I loved it so much and would actually get in trouble for playing it as much as I did lol. I just wanna say thank you Brendan. Thank you for giving such an iconic character a voice as great as yours.
Jasem
May 16, 2023
Rest in peace Brendan O'Biren my childhood wouldn't be the same without you Brendan, thank you so much for bringing joy and happiness to the world. you will always be my crash bandicoot, Tiny Tiger, N. Gin and Dr. Neo Cortex and the characters you've voiced will always remain in my heart rest easy Brendan. My condolences to his family
Eduardo.A
May 16, 2023
You were a big part of my childhood and till this day I honor your legacy. My very first game was Crash Bandicoot: Warped that I played on the PS2 more than any other. Thank You for the memories, your contribution to the game industry will never be forgotten.
Onecan Toucan
May 16, 2023
My first game ever played was crash bandicoot. I loved it then and still do now, and because of it he will always have a place in my heart.
Nikita Smirnov
May 16, 2023
My first-ever copy (CD case back cover) of the orange Marsupial, which played a big role in my childhood and became the reason for me to get a PS4 when the N. Sane Trilogy was announced; you will be missed, Mr. O'Brien, Bandicoot would not have been the same without you.
Jose Infante
May 16, 2023
Brendan O'Brien was a pillar of one of the biggest franchises of the platform gaming community and i am gonna always be thankful for that
Kate
May 16, 2023
Crash Bandicoot was my first video game and it remains one of my favorite series of all time. I remember switching controllers with my brother and friends every time one of us died and completing the first game together. My brother and I would play a lot of CTR; we enjoyed crushing my dad and lapping him. One of my happiest recent memories is how much my oldest nephew loves playing crash team racing (and doing the crash dance) and it really helped us stay connected during COVID when we couldn't gather together in person.
Thank you Brendan James O'Brien for helping to bring this joy into the world. Rest In Peace.
Froggyfrand
May 16, 2023
Rest in Paradise, Brendan. Thank you for being a part of my childhood through Crash, and for bringing joy and laughter to people all over the world. Wishing your family is surrounded by love and comfort through this difficult loss.
CrashFan28753
May 16, 2023
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Stephanos
May 16, 2023
Thank you for making our childhood special.
I wish I got to write that email i wanted to send you to let you know how much i appreciate you, I guess i'm doing it now... rest in peace.
Maurice Nieske
May 16, 2023
I spent a huge part of my childhood playing the Crash Bandicoot games, and video games are very important to me. So losing someone who helped to shape my childhood and who I am now, hurts a lot. My condolences to his friends and family. A legend gone too soon.
Gabe McCastle
May 16, 2023
Brendan was undoubtedly one of the most important and influential people of many peoples childhoods, mine included. How such little said could speak volumes into our hearts and give us comfort. It truly saddens me to just hear about this, my condolences go out to the entire O´Brien family.
Jakub
May 16, 2023
Crash Bandicoot is not "just a game" for me. Is something that made me who I am today. It's community ignited my passion for what I'm doing now for living so I can't be thankful enough for Brendan and his work. Thank you for being my guiding voice. May god rest your soul
Steven Ison
May 15, 2023
May the voice of my childhood character rest in peace.
Mak
May 15, 2023
Thanks for all the memories and endless fun you provided in our childhoods , may god rest your soul
Christian Francis Core
May 15, 2023
I grew up with the original Crash Bandicoot trilogy as a child we got the second one first and me and my brothers worked together to clear it as much as possible, then Harry my 1st younger brother got the 1st one and I was first to play it was a bit more basic in terms of moves and MUCH harder but it grew on me, and then we got the 3rd game the easiest of the three but the coolest and best in general, Mr O Brien thank you for being a part of my childhood in the 90's I hope you are at peace in the afterlife, and to his friends and family, I am so sorry for your loss, I know how it feels losing a loved one especially a close one, you have my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies, I will pray for you all tonight.
Ryan Foster
May 15, 2023
All I can say as a fan of Brendan's work is RIP to an incredibly talented voice actor, you will always be my Crash Bandicoot.
Thank you so much Brendan for an amazing childhood that I can relive over and over again. Rest easy.
Jessica Downs
May 15, 2023
My husband loves the Crash Bandicoot games. While I wasn't too into them, I know the impact Brendan's voice had on our generation was heavy. To have him gone is another light snuffed out way too soon. Rest in peace, Brendan.
Jake Whitmarsh
May 15, 2023
Thank you Brendan for being one of the earliest voices in my childhood within the realm of video games, through your contributions to the Crash Bandicoot franchise as Crash himself, Doctor Cortex, Doctor N.Gin and a whole host of characters throughout the IP's time on the original PlayStation video game console. It may have only been a small part of your overall career, but its left an impact on my life that I will continue to always cherish. Rest in peace good sir and my heartfelt condolences to all of your loved ones during this difficult time.
Xavier Hill
May 14, 2023
I grew up listening to Brendan voice Crash Bandicoot and other characters in the Crash Bandicoot franchise. I still own some of the Crash games to this day. It´s going to hit different playing them now that I know that he´s no longer with us. Rest in peace Brendan thank you for being a big part of our childhood.
Joe Pearson
May 14, 2023
Ingrid, Lisa and I are deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Brendan. He was a good man and talented artist in all forms of media. We treasured are friendship with him back in the day and will keep his memory alive in our hearts. Love and peace, Joe and Lisa Pearson
Sara94
May 14, 2023
Thank you for pouring a bit of your soul into the amazing voice work for the original Crash games; I realize that's only a fraction of the person you were, but for me and many other fans it's a cherished treasure that will live on forever.
It was quite recently that I finally saw some video footage of the face behind some of my favorite voices of all time, and what an incredibly joyful guy you were. I was so sad to find out you had gone. Rest in peace, Brendan.
My sincere condolences to your loved ones.
Lola
May 10, 2023
Lo siento muchísimo Ingrid. We love you.
Melanie Grefe and family
May 10, 2023
Dearest Ingrid,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. You were an incredible spouse, constant companion and lucky to have had found love. I am here for you whenever you need. Big hug and love
Matt (Watchcast)
May 10, 2023
We had the honor of speaking with Brendan regarding his iconic role as the original Crash Bandicoot. As a huge fan of the 90s classic, and the behemoth of a franchise it spawned, getting to hear the enthusiasm, passion and joy that Brendan speaks about that period of his life with was incredible - And something that will stick with this Crash Bandicoot fan for a lifetime. Thank you Brendan for defining a generation of gamers! May you rest in peace.
Michael Hull
May 9, 2023
I Love Brendan. I will always miss him. He was a great friend and neighbor. I can remember so many great parties here on Ocean Park, with Bren playing guitar and telling stories. He was hilarious, and we really liked making each other laugh. That's probably why I'll remember that laugh of his first, every time I remember him. Godspeed, Old Chum, We all love you very much!
Larry Pfeil
May 9, 2023
Happy heavenly birthday Brendan, and my deepest condolences to your family. Ingrid, my heart breaks for you.for this unimaginable loss.
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