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Aug. 17, Maureen O'Hara turns 85
thebiographychannel.co.uk ^

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.


TOPICS: Miscellaneous; TV/Movies
KEYWORDS:

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

1 posted on 08/16/2005 11:33:23 PM PDT by lunarbicep
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To: lunarbicep
Wow! That's a coincidence.

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!

2 posted on 08/16/2005 11:52:35 PM PDT by benjaminjjones
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To: lunarbicep
Wasn't she the woman in the TV show Barnaby Jones ? with Buddie Ebsen ?
3 posted on 08/16/2005 11:58:33 PM PDT by Prophet in the wilderness (PSALM 53 : 1 The ( FOOL ) hath said in his heart , There is no GOD .)
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To: lunarbicep

Never mind,,, I was wrong, it was Lee Meriwether in the TV show with Buddie Ebsen.


4 posted on 08/17/2005 12:00:27 AM PDT by Prophet in the wilderness (PSALM 53 : 1 The ( FOOL ) hath said in his heart , There is no GOD .)
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To: lunarbicep
The actresses from the 40's and 50's are so hot and glamorous. the so-called actresses of nowadays can't hold a candle to them.
5 posted on 08/17/2005 1:53:49 AM PDT by mowowie
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To: lunarbicep

I thought "Only the Lonely" was surprisingly good - but I am a huge sap.


6 posted on 08/17/2005 5:25:08 AM PDT by day10 (Rules cannot substitute for character.)
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To: mowowie

You got that right!


7 posted on 08/17/2005 5:38:56 AM PDT by Tijeras_Slim (Now that taglines are cool, I refuse to have one.)
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To: mowowie

So many are made of plastic and silicone. Back in the 40's and 50's, they were real.


8 posted on 08/17/2005 5:42:59 AM PDT by kassie ("It's the soldier who allows freedom of speech, not the reporter..")
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To: lunarbicep

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'.


9 posted on 08/17/2005 5:44:12 AM PDT by rintense
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To: day10

I love the Quiet Man and McClintock.


10 posted on 08/17/2005 5:44:52 AM PDT by rintense
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To: rintense

They are both outstanding.


11 posted on 08/17/2005 5:49:26 AM PDT by day10 (Rules cannot substitute for character.)
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To: benjaminjjones

She is a classic beauty. Loved it when she got revenge on the "other woman" in Parent Trap.


12 posted on 08/17/2005 5:51:30 AM PDT by Drawsing ("This uniform is not for sale." Alvin C. York after turning down commercial offers.)
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To: rintense

My boys just love the fight scene in McClintock. I always laugh at the Indian guy. "No whiskey! We go home!"


13 posted on 08/17/2005 6:12:36 AM PDT by day10 (Rules cannot substitute for character.)
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To: day10
'WHOA MCLIN!' LOL.

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.

14 posted on 08/17/2005 7:40:58 AM PDT by rintense
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To: rintense

My sentiments exactly.


15 posted on 08/17/2005 8:14:02 AM PDT by gate2wire (We Honor Those Who Serve---WE REMEMBER--Thank you)
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To: rintense

"...a young Stefanie Powers."
Agreed, Again.



16 posted on 08/17/2005 8:16:16 AM PDT by gate2wire (We Honor Those Who Serve---WE REMEMBER--Thank you)
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To: lunarbicep

Hey, cool, she shares my birthday!


17 posted on 08/17/2005 6:33:24 PM PDT by Yossarian (Remember: NOT ALL HEART ATTACKS HAVE TRADITIONAL SYMPTOMS)
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To: lunarbicep

She's the #1 beauty in my book! Thanks for posting this!


Happpy B-day Maureen!


18 posted on 08/19/2005 5:16:11 AM PDT by pissant
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