James O'Neill was an American actor born on November 15, 1847, in County Kilkenny, Ireland. He immigrated to the United States in 1850 and became a prominent figure in the theater scene during the late 19th century. O'Neill is best known for his role in The Count of Monte Cristo, which he performed over 1,000 times. O'Neill was the father of the famous playwright Eugene O'Neill, who drew inspiration from his father's life and experiences. James O'Neill's dedication to his craft and his contributions to American theater have left a lasting legacy in the performing arts.