Posted on 08/16/2005 11:33:23 PM PDT by lunarbicep
NAME: Maureen O'Hara
BORN: 17/08/1920
BIRTH PLACE: Dublin, Ireland
BIOGRAPHY
Born Maureen Fitzsimons, she was interested in show business at an early age, and began to perform on the stage as well as local radio. By the time she was fourteen, Maureen was winning awards in drama contests.
In 1938, at the age of eighteen, Maureen got a small part as a secretary in the film 'Kicking The Moon Around'. Later that year she appeared as Eileen O'Shea, in 'My Irish Molly'.
After appearing in 'Jamaica Inn' in 1939, Maureen moved to Hollywood. Her first film in the US was 'The Hunchback Of Notre Dame', with Charles Laughton. Maureen's next two films, 'A Bill Of Divorcement' and 'Dance, Girl, Dance', both in 1940, met with lukewarm reviews from the critics.
In 1941, she played Angharad in 'How Green Was My Valley'. In 1947, Maureen appeared in two big hits, 'Sinbad The Sailor' and 'Miracle On 34th Street'. The latter is now considered a Christmas classic, due to her performance.
1952 saw Maureen play Mary Kate Danaher, in John Ford's hit 'The Quiet Man'. This film garnered Ford an Oscar for Best Director, but it was the performance by Maureen that many said made the film great.
Maureen took a break from films, after 1957's 'The Wings Of Eagles', returning in 1960 in 'Our Man In Havana'. In 1961, she played Maggie McKendrick in the ever popular 'Parent Trap'. Two years later, she starred in the tearjerker, 'Spencer’s Mountain'.
Maureen was beginning to make films at a lesser rate. After 'The Big Jake' in 1971, Maureen wasn't seen on the silver screen for 18 years, although she appeared in one made for television movie. In 1991, she returned to film with 'Only The Lonely', and her last film to date was 'The Last Dance', in 2000.
I have always thought Maureen O’Hara was one of the most beautiful and incredibly talented actresses ever. Although her memorable acting had long since won me over; it was her appeal before congress to honor John Wayne that sealed her as a “winner” with me.
Happy 85th Birthday
I just saw her in a Duke movie the other night. She had my attention in every scene.
Read all about her while the movie was on (it wasn't that such a great movie, but she captivated me whenever she was on screen).
She sounded like a great lady and was one of the Duke's best friends throughout their lives. No hanky panky implied, just a rare male-female truly platonic friendship between two great stars. Believe she married an Army Colonel and had a great 10 year marriage before he passed away. Think she resides somewhere in England.
Also a John Ford protege, so that ain't nothin' to sniff about.
One of the last great Hollywood stars before they became Hollyweird.
Happy birthday Maureen! Many happy returns!
Never mind,,, I was wrong, it was Lee Meriwether in the TV show with Buddie Ebsen.
I thought "Only the Lonely" was surprisingly good - but I am a huge sap.
You got that right!
So many are made of plastic and silicone. Back in the 40's and 50's, they were real.
The woman is pure class. She's one of my all-time favorites. I saw her on Laryy King some years ago and she just trashed Hollywood- and women who 'let themselves go'.
I love the Quiet Man and McClintock.
They are both outstanding.
She is a classic beauty. Loved it when she got revenge on the "other woman" in Parent Trap.
My boys just love the fight scene in McClintock. I always laugh at the Indian guy. "No whiskey! We go home!"
I like when Drago says, 'People! People! People!' Of course, I like McClintock because it has another one of my favs- a young Stefanie Powers.
My sentiments exactly.
"...a young Stefanie Powers."
Agreed, Again.
Hey, cool, she shares my birthday!
She's the #1 beauty in my book! Thanks for posting this!
Happpy B-day Maureen!
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