Corbett Honors Fatherly Legacy

John Corbett had a moving experience portraying John O’Leary’s late father, Dennis, in the upcoming biopic Soul on Fire. The role was both challenging and personal, especially since Dennis was able to watch parts of Corbett’s performance before his passing.

“I really feel like I got to know him a little bit, and then I would have to go over here 10 feet and be him in a scene, knowing he was watching me on a monitor,” Corbett, 64, told Us Weekly exclusively.

Dennis O’Leary, who battled Parkinson’s disease for three decades, passed away in May at the age of 80. Despite his declining health, he was able to interact with Corbett on set. The actor recalled crouching down to speak with Dennis, savoring the small moments of communication they shared. Though Dennis “couldn’t really speak” and had difficulty standing, Corbett made an effort to connect, and the two even shared a few laughs, leaving Dennis with a “big smile on his face.”

The film itself tells the harrowing yet inspirational story of John O’Leary, who survived a tragic fire at the age of nine that left him with burns over his entire body. Soul on Fire explores his remarkable journey from that near-fatal accident to becoming a renowned motivational speaker, drawing on the lessons he learned and the resilience he developed along the way. Joel Courtney stars as O’Leary, bringing the young survivor’s story to life, while Corbett embodies the father whose quiet strength shaped his son’s journey.

Before filming, Corbett didn’t know much about O’Leary’s story, but he quickly came to understand the magnetic energy that allows the speaker to captivate thousands of people in arenas and stadiums. The experience left a lasting impression on the actor, both professionally and personally.

Learning that Dennis had glimpsed parts of the film brought Corbett comfort and pride. He made a point of honoring the man he portrayed, striving to give a performance that would reflect Dennis’s warmth, humor, and steadfast presence in his family’s life.

Soul on Fire hits theaters next week, offering audiences a story of pain, perseverance, and triumph. Through Corbett’s portrayal of Dennis O’Leary, viewers are given a rare glimpse into the family behind an extraordinary life — and the quiet heroism of a father whose legacy shaped a son destined to inspire millions.