In a tragic turn of events, beloved late-night host Conan O’Brien has lost both of his parents, Thomas O’Brien and Ruth Reardon O’Brien, within just a few days of each other.

Thomas O’Brien, a remarkable figure in the field of epidemiology, passed away at the age of 95 on December 9th, while Ruth Reardon O’Brien followed him peacefully on December 12th at the age of 92. Reports from The Boston Globe reveal that Thomas’s health had been declining for some time prior to his passing.

In a heartfelt statement to the Globe, Conan shared poignant memories of his father, highlighting Thomas's relentless curiosity and zest for life. “He had a voracious appetite for ideas and people,” Conan described. “He wanted to go everywhere, meet everybody, see everything, taste everything.” As a distinguished epidemiologist, Thomas O’Brien made significant contributions to antibiotic resistance research and co-founded the World Health Organization's Collaborating Centre for Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance.

Ruth, who graduated from Yale Law School in 1956 as one of only four women in her class, also led an inspiring life. She was a partner at the prestigious law firm Ropes & Gray and raised six children while navigating the complexities of work and family life. Conan reminisced about the pride of his mother making partner in a 2017 video, emphasizing its emotional impact for their family, particularly given the historical discrimination that Irish immigrants faced in Boston.

Reflecting on his upbringing, Conan charmingly described his childhood home as a place of “lovely madness,” noting the intricacies of family life with a sense of warmth and affection.

To honor Thomas and Ruth's legacy, a memorial ceremony will take place on December 18th in Brookline, Massachusetts. As fans of Conan O’Brien and those close to the family mourn this loss, many will remember both Thomas and Ruth not only as parents to the comedic star but also as influential figures in their respective fields, whose life stories deserve to be celebrated.

Stay tuned as Conan O’Brien shares further tributes and reflections on his parents’ extraordinary lives during this difficult time.