Pat O'Brien, American journalist and author

Patrick O'Brien: A Distinguished Career in Broadcasting and Authorship

Patrick John O'Brien, born on February 14, 1948, is a highly respected American broadcaster, author, and radio host whose career spans decades across the realms of sports journalism and entertainment news. Renowned for his distinctive voice and engaging on-screen presence, O'Brien has become a familiar figure to millions, leaving an indelible mark on both sports broadcasting and celebrity journalism.

The Golden Age of Sports Broadcasting with CBS Sports

O'Brien's professional journey began in earnest with CBS Sports, where he served as a prominent sportscaster from 1981 to 1997. During this significant 16-year tenure, he was instrumental in bringing some of the world's most anticipated sporting events into homes across America, establishing himself as a versatile and knowledgeable voice in sports journalism.

As a seasoned pregame host for CBS, Patrick O'Brien provided crucial insights and built excitement for a remarkable array of high-profile competitions, including:

• The World Series: Baseball's championship series, where he helped set the stage for the sport's biggest annual event.
• The Super Bowl: The pinnacle of American football, broadcasting from the most-watched television event in the United States.
• The NBA Finals: The championship series of the National Basketball Association, showcasing his deep understanding of professional basketball.
• The NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament's Final Four: The dramatic conclusion of college basketball's premier tournament, widely celebrated for its "March Madness" excitement.

His ability to engage audiences with expert commentary and compelling storytelling solidified his reputation as a leading voice in sports broadcasting.

Extensive Coverage of the Olympic Games

A defining highlight of Patrick O'Brien's career is his remarkable involvement in the coverage of six Olympic Games, a testament to his enduring appeal and expertise in major global sporting events across two prominent networks:

• For CBS Sports: He covered two editions, the 1992 Winter Olympics and the 1994 Winter Olympics, where he first brought his unique perspective to the international stage.
• For NBC Sports: Transitioning to NBC, he expanded his Olympic footprint significantly, covering four subsequent Games: the Summer Games in Sydney (2000), the Winter Games in Salt Lake City (2002), the Summer Games in Athens (2004), and the Summer Games in London (2012). This extensive experience across multiple Olympic cycles and both summer and winter editions underscored his dedication to comprehensive sports journalism.

From Sports Arena to Entertainment Spotlight: Access Hollywood and The Insider

Following his impactful career in sports, Patrick O'Brien made a notable transition to the world of entertainment news, demonstrating his impressive adaptability as a television personality. From 1997 to 2004, he took on the pivotal role of anchor and host for Access Hollywood. This popular daily syndicated program provides comprehensive coverage of celebrity news, movie previews, and pop culture, and O'Brien's charismatic hosting style was instrumental in defining the show during its early, formative years and establishing its mainstream appeal.

He continued his journey in entertainment journalism as the host of The Insider from 2004 to 2008. This program, also a prominent entertainment news and gossip show, offered an in-depth, often behind-the-scenes, look at Hollywood's biggest stories and stars. O'Brien's seamless move from hardcore sports analysis to the glitz and glamour of celebrity reporting showcased his exceptional versatility and broad appeal as a broadcaster.

Patrick O'Brien as an Author: Sharing Insights and Personal Journeys

Beyond his distinguished broadcasting career, Patrick O'Brien is also a published author, sharing his insights and experiences through two notable books:

• Talkin' Sports: A B.S.-er's Guide (1998): Published during his transition from CBS to entertainment news, this book offered readers a humorous and insightful guide to sports jargon, anecdotes, and the often-exaggerated claims common among passionate sports enthusiasts. It allowed O'Brien to share his deep knowledge of sports in a lighthearted, engaging manner, resonating with fans and casual observers alike.
• I'll Be Back Right After This (2014): A more personal endeavor, this autobiography provided readers with a candid look into his life and extensive career. Released years after his departure from daily hosting roles, the memoir offers reflective insights on his time in broadcasting, the memorable events he covered, and the challenges and triumphs of a public life, offering fans a deeper connection to the man behind the microphone and his remarkable journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Patrick O'Brien

When was Patrick O'Brien born?

Patrick John O'Brien was born on February 14, 1948.

What is Patrick O'Brien best known for?

He is primarily known for his extensive work as a sportscaster with CBS Sports from 1981 to 1997, and subsequently as a prominent anchor and host for leading entertainment news programs, Access Hollywood (1997-2004) and The Insider (2004-2008).

Which major sporting events did Patrick O'Brien cover for CBS Sports?

During his tenure at CBS Sports, O'Brien served as a pregame host for major events including the World Series, Super Bowl, NBA Finals, and the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament's Final Four.

How many Olympic Games did Patrick O'Brien cover, and for which networks?

Patrick O'Brien covered a total of six Olympic Games. He covered two for CBS (the 1992 Winter and 1994 Winter Games) and four for NBC (the 2000 Sydney, 2002 Salt Lake City, 2004 Athens, and 2012 London Summer Games).

Has Patrick O'Brien written any books?

Yes, he has authored two books: "Talkin' Sports: A B.S.-er's Guide," published in 1998, which is a humorous guide to sports, and his autobiography, "I'll Be Back Right After This," released in 2014, detailing his personal and professional journey.