Maureen O’Hara

Date of Birth: August 17, 1920

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: October 24, 2015

Biography

Maureen O’Hara, born Maureen FitzSimons, was an Irish-American actress and singer renowned for her fiery red hair, expressive acting, and strong-willed characters. Born on August 17, 1920, in Dublin, Ireland, she was one of six children in an artistically inclined family. O’Hara began her career in her teens, performing with the Abbey Theatre and eventually moving to London to pursue acting. Her breakthrough came when Charles Laughton saw her screen test and cast her in “Jamaica Inn” (1939), directed by Alfred Hitchcock. O’Hara’s Hollywood career took off after she signed a contract with RKO Pictures and appeared in films like “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1939) and “How Green Was My Valley” (1941). She became a staple in adventure films and Westerns and was frequently cast alongside John Wayne, with whom she formed a lasting on-screen partnership. Some of their notable collaborations include “Rio Grande” (1950) and “The Quiet Man” (1952). Throughout her career, O’Hara was known for her versatility, appearing in a wide range of genres, from swashbuckling epics to family dramas. She was also a talented singer, showcasing her vocal abilities in several films. After a successful career spanning over five decades, O’Hara retired from acting in the early 1970s but made occasional returns to the screen, most notably in “Only the Lonely” (1991). O’Hara was honored with numerous awards and accolades, including an Honorary Academy Award in 2014 for her contributions to cinema. She passed away on October 24, 2015, at the age of 95 in Boise, Idaho, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses.

5 Interesting Facts about Maureen O’Hara

1. Maureen O’Hara was the first actress to receive the Irish Film & Television Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

2. She was known for doing many of her own stunts, a rarity for actresses of her time.

3. O’Hara was a licensed pilot and served as the CEO of a commuter airline, Antilles Air Boats, in the Caribbean.

4. She starred in five films directed by John Ford, a legendary filmmaker with whom she had a complex but highly productive working relationship.

5. O’Hara’s portrayal of Mary Kate Danaher in “The Quiet Man” is considered one of her most iconic roles and remains a cultural touchstone in Irish cinema.