You may not have heard of Billie Eilish.
But your teen or tween certainly has.
The 18-year-old is a pop sensation. In 2017 her first EP, “Don’t Smile At Me,” hit the Top 15 in the US, UK, Canada and Australia. This year’s album “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” contined Billboard Top 40 singles, including the #1 “Bad Guy.” She is the first — and so far only — artist born in the 2000s to record an American #1 single. Billie already has 8 gold and 4 platinum singles.
She lives in LA with her brother Finneas — a frequent collaborator — and her mother and father.
So why is the entertainer — whose full name is Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell “0688o”-worthy?
Because “O’Connell” comes from her father. Patrick O’Connell — who grew up at the top of Compo Hill — is a 1975 Staples High School graduate. He was an active member of Staples Players, best known for his role of John in “The Crucible.”
Billie Eilish and her father, Patrick O’Connell.
Patrick went on to Juilliard, and a career as an actor. He’s appeared in “Iron Man,” “The West Wing” and “Baskets.”
So even though you have not heard of the teen sensation until this moment, casually tell your kid, “You know Billie Eilish’s dad is from Westport, right?”
Your cool factor will rise exponentially.
(Hat tip: David Roth)
You know you’re getting old when you don’t recognize contemporary music or music artists. First I heard of this person was that they performed on SNL last weekend and I thought they were male. I’m from the same Staples class as Patrick but am afraid I don’t recall him (and likely he doesn’t remember me either) but it was a big class. Nice that they both have found fame and success.
Billie was on SNL’s season premier last week — amazing talent!
I agree!
Oh my…
Good story. I’m so using this with my kids.I love that song!