Maureen ohara biography photographs of women

Home / Celebrity Biographies / Maureen ohara biography photographs of women

It was through hard work, following the example her parents had set, that she eventually achieved stardom.

She was also honored by the America Ireland Fund in 1991 and received a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ from the British Film Institute in 1993.

One of the most eloquent tributes paid to Maureen was that of Anthony JF O’Reilly, CEO of Heinz, in 1991, composed for the America Ireland Fund event:

“There is no doubt that Maureen O’Hara is a descendant of some great Celtic queen and, should Ireland have a queen today, surely it would be she.

In 1957, when she was an established Hollywood star, Ralph Edwards honored Maureen on the TV programme, ‘This is Your Life’, for which Laughton recalled his first meeting with Maureen. “And when the whole world bowed at my feet, I would retire in glory and never do anything again.”

Married three times, with one daughter named Bronwyn from her second marriage, the woman born Maureen FitzSimons lived through storied times.

Still, she considered the most influential men in her life to be actor Charles Laughton, who changed her name to O’Hara; actor John Wayne, with whom she starred in five films; and director John Ford, who catapulted her to stardom with How Green Was My Valley, which scored five Oscars.

When she died in her sleep in 2015 at age 95, she was surrounded by family in Boise, Idaho, who celebrated her life by playing music from her favorite film: 1952’s The Quiet Man.

Here, we take a look back at her incredible journey.

O’Hara considered it her favorite film.

O’Hara and Wayne would frequently collaborate, working on five films together, including 1950’s Rio Grande, 1952’s The Quiet Man, 1957’s The Wings of Eagles, 1963’s McLintock! and 1971’s Big Jake. She married three times, first to George H.

Brown, a film producer, though the marriage was annulled. In 2005, she was honored as ‘Woman of the Year’ by the Irish America Magazine, was selected as Grand Marshal of the New York City St Patrick’s Day Parade in 1999 and inducted into the Irish America Hall of Fame in Wexford. Her parents, Marguerita (Lilburn) and Charles Stewart Parnell FitzSimons, each managed their own clothing businesses.

It's about being." O'Hara's approach to her craft was rooted in authenticity and bringing genuine emotion and presence to her roles, rather than merely performing.
 

Regarding her career choices: "I made John Wayne sexy. She also became a World War II pinup.

O’Hara tied the knot with the director in 1941 and divorced in 1952.

She was not just the quintessential "fiery redhead" but also an actress capable of portraying a wide spectrum of human experience with authenticity, strength, and a touch of grace. In comedies like "The Parent Trap," she displayed impeccable timing and a flair for light-hearted humor, while in dramas like "How Green Was My Valley," she conveyed profound emotional depth and sensitivity.

O'Hara often spoke of Wayne with great affection and admiration, acknowledging his presence not just as a co-star but as a friend. Maureen stated, in front of the immigration judge, that under these conditions she could not accept citizenship. She had a knack for bringing a sense of authenticity and relatability to these roles, making her characters feel real and grounded despite the often dramatic or romanticized settings of her films.

Her striking beauty, coupled with her innate talent, soon caught the attention of filmmakers.

Path Towards Success

Maureen's path to stardom began when she was discovered by actor Charles Laughton. She assisted Charlie in management of their commuter airline, Antilles Airboats, in St Croix in the American Virgin Islands, and also wrote a column for her local magazine, The Virgin Islander.

The film is known for its humorous take on the battle of the sexes, with Katherine and G.W.'s fiery exchanges and comedic battles underscoring their enduring attraction and love. Her legacy in the film industry is not only that of a leading lady in classic cinema but also as a pioneering figure who represented strong, independent women on screen.