Frank O'Connor

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Charles Francis O'Connor (1897 - 1979), called Frank O'Connor, was an American actor and painter. He was the husband of Russian-born writer Ayn Rand.

O'Connor and Rand met on a movie set, in the years of silent films. They were appearing as extras. Rand was also writing scripts, and O'Connor building a movie and stage career. Rand admired O'Connor's looks, and tripped him on the set, to get him to notice her. They married in 1929.

To make sure they had enough income to succeed, O'Connor let his acting career go, becoming a rancher so Rand could succeed as an author, which was her ambition. He appeared in a presentation of her play Night of January 16th, after she became better known.

The couple had no children, but were friends with some college students and young professionals, including Nathaniel Branden (who later wrote psychology books, including important works on self-esteem), Alan Greenspan (economist, who served as Federal Reserve chairman for the United States government) and Leonard Peikoff (later author of philosophy works, and editor of Rand's works). O'Connor "played host" to many discussions and forums about human interaction, relationships and societies, while wife Rand led the conversations.

O'Connor developed problems with alcohol abuse, after Rand became a widely-known writer. This was partly in reaction to Rand's relationship with Branden, which became very personal and hurt the marriage. He had also given up their ranch, when the couple moved to New York City from California, and he felt out of place. Later O'Connor stopped drinking alcohol, and he and Rand mended their relationship.

He found a new pursuit, as he developed a talent for painting. Some of Rand's books used his paintings as artwork for their covers.

Actor Peter Fonda appeared as O'Connor in a 1999 television movie, The Passion of Ayn Rand, which also starred Helen Mirren.