You may not find many here related to him, as 'George Brent' was only a stage name. His birth name was George Brendon Nolan, born in Shannonbridge, Ireland, in 1899. He joined the IRA after World War I, and had to flee British-ruled Ireland with a price on his head. Eventually, he made his way to Hollywood, where he first appeared in pictures in 1930, using the name 'George Brent'. He became a film actor more on account of his looks than for his dramatic ability, and his performances were generally considered stiff. What little biographical information I have on him is mostly professional, and does not indicate his parents. I have no idea how common a name Nolan was in Shannonbridge and County Offaly around 1900. If your family legend of a relationship is correct, it may be through the Nolans, or through the family of his mother, whose name I do not know.

-Charles Parker