Brian Rooney has been appearing on stages across the United States since 1973. His performances have been critically acclaimed in California, Washington, Oregon, South Carolina, North Carolina, Illinois,and Wisconsin. Having appeared in over 100 plays, he is among the most accomplished performers in the nation. His versatility is evident with a visit to the Production Stills page. Visit this page often to see what is "now playing". Currently, Brian is residing in Chicago and is an important part of the rich and talented Chicago theatrical community. 

SEE BRIAN'S DEMO REEL -- FOLLOW LINK  BELOW  http://vimeo.com/33882997

SEE BRIAN'S IMDB PAGE -- FOLLOW LINK BELOW             http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2596455/

Links to films are available on the Video Clips page of this website. Some recent accomplishments are posted below.                                     Marilyn's Dress was showcased at Sundance Film Festival and appeared on PBS in the special, Taking Park City. No word on other festivals, but it seems inevitable. We are eagerly awaiting the release of three other shorts that are destined for greatness.                                                                      Blood On The Plain (directed by Mac Eldridge) is now touring the country in an effort to raise funds to shoot a feature. The short film is a set-up to what the feature will hold. Brian is featured as James Dodge - a cowboy and tracker that will have a prominent spot in the feature film. To view a trailer - click the link: http://bloodontheplain.com/
The Knife Thrower's Apprentice (directed by Ryan McNeal), premiered on November 3. A link to view it should be available soon - see Video Clips page for a link in the weeks to come.                                                           Swassman (directed by Brian Ernst). A comedy webseries shot in the partial improv style of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Brian is featured as Professor Bart Zane in episode 4 which will soon be posted to Will Ferrell's website, Funny Or Die. The professor could make future appearances - a link will be posted here once the episode is released.

A still from the set of Blood On The Plain. Brian Rooney as James Dodge.

Brian is now a member of Actor's Equity Association.

Brian is an ensemble member of Pride Films and Plays. Pride produces play and screenplay competitions, full productions and hopes to begin working on film projects. For more information on Pride's ongoing events, see their website: http://www.pridefilmsandplays.com/

A Christmas Carol - Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook, Illinois. Brian returns for his third season. This year he appears as Old Joe and Charity Man in most performances, and as Scrooge on Saturdays at 1PM. ACC plays through December 20. Tickets and info: http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/live_theatre/childrens_theatre.shtml

What the critics have said about Brian Rooney:

"... they conspire against King Alonso and his counselor Gonzolo (a nuanced Brian Rooney)." - Nancy Steele Brokaw - The Pantagraph

"...while equally funny Brian Rooney (Argante) slouches around like Groucho Marx." - Nancy Steele Brokaw - The Pantagraph

"Brian Rooney is another star. His small role is tranformed into a major accomplishment with his rendition of 'On The Street Where You Live.'  Rooney projects far beyond the part of love-struck swain and adds another great dimension to the production."   -  Ann Bennett - Watsonville Register-Pajaronian

"Brian Rooney has moments of droll delicacy that make this show quite a treat."  - Murry Frymer - San Jose Mercury

"Brian Rooney emanates more than anything else a likeability, a feeling of comfort with the audience. (He) makes for a fun evening and an amusing start for Rainbow's Festival."  -  Michael J. Vaughn - Santa Cruz Free Times

"At first, Brian Rooney appears miscast as Pippin's father; however, before long it is hard to imagine Charlemagne as anything other than his wiry and childlike creation."  -  Kelly Nine - Burbank Leader

"Brian Rooney is an admirable codger as Charles."  -  Larry Jonas - Dramalogue

"Brian Rooney ably charts Stanley's mental disintegration - moving skillfully from the arrogant listlessness of the opening act to the helpless, gurgling shell of a man in the last act." - Richard Wattenberg - The Oregonian

"Brian Rooney's portrayal of the torn and frustrated production director showed delightful depth and style. His subtleties within the creation of Lloyd Dallas acted as a nice foil for the flamboyant characters that filled the rest of the production."  - Helen Anderson - UPFront

"The cast - four male actors playing 25 characters includes the talented Portland performer Brian Rooney, who is as hilarious and loony as the New York actors who tour the show." - Gigi Rosenberg - The Oregonian                                               

"Brian Rooney gives supporting roles from lovelorn secretary Carol Ann to adenoidal Mother Superior a delicious deadpan simper." - David C. Nichols - Los Angeles Times

"The tavern scene pleases the spectators, with Brian Rooney's Old Tom clearly enjoying the scene. Rooney does a great job throughout the play showing Old Tom's character growth well." - Pat B. Fearing - The Coastland Times

"The cast is uniformly excellent, led by Brian Rooney as the emcee, whose role is not unlike another famous emcee from Cabaret." - Addison DeWitt - FreeTimes

"His right hand man is convicingly played by Brian Rooney." - James Harley - The State

"Ben Blazer and Brian Rooney play good cop/bad cop with marvelously layered performances and nuances, making transitions seamless and delightful. These actors are fun to watch and make the show come alive. This is an opportunity to see some outstanding theatre, and the ensemble cast turns an interesting, albeit offbeat, play into a remarkable event that theatre lovers shouldn't miss." - Francee Levin - SCTimes