He worked frequently for producer Hal Roach, often appearing in silent comedies as the bratty son of Max Davidson or Charley Chase.

He has the unusual distinction of playing the same role (a newsboy) in both an original film and its remake: Princess O'Hara and It Ain't Hay.

[2]: 101 In February 1924, O'Donnell signed with Julius and Abe Stern's Century Film Corporation.

[2]: 111, 124 O'Donnell appeared as Max Davidson's son in a series of short films made by producer Hal Roach in the late 1920s.

[4] He also appeared in the Pathe comedy short Traffic Tangle, this time as Nat Carr's son, in 1930.