Maureen O’Hara (born Maureen FitzSimons; 17 August 1920 – 24 October 2015) was an Irish-American film actress and singer. The famously red-headed O’Hara was known for playing fiercely passionate but sensible heroines, and often worked with director John Ford and longtime friend John Wayne. She was one of the last surviving stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood.
John Ford, casted her as Angharad in How Green Was My Valley (1941), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Later in the decade, she starred as Doris Walker and the mother of a young Natalie Wood in 20th Century Fox’s Miracle on 34th Street (1947).
In 1946, she became a naturalised citizen of the United States and held dual citizenship with the US and her native Ireland. An icon of Hollywood’s Golden Age, at the height of her career O’Hara was considered one of the world’s most beautiful women. She is often remembered for her onscreen chemistry with John Wayne. They made five films together between 1948 and 1972: Rio Grande, The Quiet Man, The Wings of Eagles, McLintock! and Big Jake.
In addition to her acting skills, O’Hara had a soprano voice and described singing as her first love.
Maureen O’Hara cause of death
Maureen O’Hara died in her sleep at her home in Idaho. She was 95 years old at the time of her death.
*Inducted to the Walk of Fame on February 8, 1960
Maureen O’Hara – 90th Birthday Tribute