Brian Donahue

Mr. Donahue is originally from Quincy, Massachusetts. He attended St. Mary's School in Quincy, Massachusetts and for high school he attended Archbishop Williams in Braintree, Massachusetts. It is at Archbishop Williams that Donahue first gained athletic acclaim for his success in football and track and field. Donahue was the chosen to the Boston Globe 1980 All - Scholastic Track Team. After high school, he attended the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy, in Exeter, New Hampshire, where he excelled in football/track (National champion in the shot put). In August 1980 he placed 3rd in the Shot Put at the National Junior Olympics in Santa Clara, California. Donahue was chosen as the Bicentennial Athlete of the Year at Phillips Exeter Academy in 1980. He garnered interest from Div. 1 programs across the country. In 1981, he decided to attend the University of Texas in Austin, Texas. As a Texas Longhorn he competed in numerous national track championships and played football. While at the University of Texas he competed at the Sun Bowl in 1982. He earned the nickname "Sled Slayer" after breaking the hinges off a seven man blocking sled during practice with the football team. In 1983, Donahue trained with U.S. Olympic coach Tony Naclerio while enrolled at Iona college, New Rochelle, New York Donahue was the winner of the shot put in January 1985 at Millrose Games at Madison Square Gardens in New York City. In April 1985 at the Metropolitan Intercollegiate Indoor Track and Field Championships Donahue set the meet record of 60-0 ¼. It was also at Iona that Donahue realized he still had a passion for acting working with Theatrical instructor Roderick Nash. It turned out the days of musical theater during high school had left an indelible impression on him. While enrolled at Iona college, New Rochelle, New York. he met his wife, Lori (DeThomasis) Donahue. They were married in Roslyn, New York in 1986. They are parents of a daughter, Jessica Donahue (b. 1987) born in Quincy, Massachusetts. In 1986 with the help of Iona's coach Harold Crocker, Donahue got a tryout with the New York Jets NFL Football team. He signed a free agent contract with the New York Jets to play nose tackle. He participated in mini-camp and summer training camp with the Jets. He was released in August 1986. In 1987, Donahue signed a free agent contract with the Green Back Packers to play nose tackle. During camp Donahue suffered a knee injury. He was released in August 1987. In 1989, he joined the Toronto Argonauts of the C.F.L. Donahue hurt his knee while with the Argonauts. He was released from his contract that same year. After his football days were over he embarked on a professional wrestling career. He was known most notably as the "Dublin Destroyer" and Brian "The Basher." Donahue wrestled with Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF) in 1991 and then with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) during 1991-1992. While training with former professional wrestler Mark Tendler, Tendler introduced Donahue to an acting agent. It was during this time that he began to fully pursue acting with full heart. Working his way up the ranks, taking classes, auditioning, and landing commercials, some TV roles, and eventually small roles in films. In January 1993 Donahue and his family moved to Orlando, Florida to work for the Walt Disney World company in the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular at Disney MGM Studios. Donahue was the German Mechanic and Scimitar Swordsman in the show. During his time at Walt Disney World Donahue was named Cast Member of the Month at Disney MGM Studios. While at Disney Donahue trained with stunt coordinators, Ronnie Rondell and Steve Hart. He would train with follow cast members and became proficient in hitting the ground hard, tumbling, falls, high falls, sword work and stunt fighting. In addition, to working at Walt Disney World, Donahue spent his time in Orlando working on the Hulk Hogan and Chris Lemon series "Thunder in Paradise" and landing commercials. Over the past 20 years his career has encompassed all the mediums of the business including film, TV, print, radio, live theatre (NYC) and Walt Disney World, stand-up comedy (Caroline's NYC) fit modeling (Tommy Hilfiger and Polo). Because of his athletic background and extensive training he has also forged a strong stunt resume. In September 15, 1999 Donahue made his first appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman. He demonstrated various stair falls during that show. During the years 1999-2012 Donahue would return to the show many times as "The guy that beats up Alan" or the "Alan Kalter Assaulter" to beat up the announcer of the Late Show with David Letterman, Alan Kalter. The "gag" was that Donahue would appear as different characters then beat up Alan Kalter. Some of the characters were a CBS Page, secret service man, pizza delivery man, a Mets' fan, "Lance Armstrong", "Maria Pope" the producer, he posed as a member of the Late Show Orchestra and as Alan Kalter's son Tyler. He also beat up Ruppert Jee of the Hello Deli in a couple of shows. Billy Crystal beat up Donahue on his entrance during a July 2001 appearance. Donahue also appeared as Stan Drucker the Strongman where he was supposed to flip over a car outside the studio. Donahue is the subject of the 2019 documentary "The Guy : The Brian Donahue Story" directed by E.J. McCleavey-Fisher. Mineola (NY) High School PTSA awarded him the New York State PTA Distinguished Person award in 2005 as recognition of his outstanding contributions to welfare and growth of children and youth in the community. He volunteered his time as Track and Field coach for high school students in Nassau County, NY. Over the years he coached many athletes to the New York State Championship meet, including his daughter, Jessica. He was the recipient of the 2006 Al Dawson award by Nassau County Track Coaches Association. Donahue participated in the heavy athletics at local Highland Games in New York. In 2010, Donahue was inducted into the Archbishop Williams High School Hall of Fame. Mr. Donahue is based in New York.