Thomas "Tip" O'Neill was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on December 9, 1912. He was educated in Catholic schools. He graduated from Boston College in 1936. He became involved in politics for the first time in election campaign of Al Smith in 1928. After graduating from college he won a seat on Massachusetts House of Representatives at the age of 24. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1953 and became the Majority Whip in 1971.
Two years later, the Majority Leader's chair was his. In 1977, he became Speaker of the House, remaining in the post until his resignation from the House in 1987.
Man of the House: The Life and Political Memoirs of Speaker Tip O'Neill