Maureen O’Hara was a fiery redhead who was famous for playing passionate but pragmatic heroines, often in adventure and Western films. She starred with some of Hollywood’s most dashing leading men, including Tyrone Power, John Wayne, and James Stewart. Also, she was voted one of the five most beautiful women in the world and became a naturalized American citizen. She was Maureen O’Hara, and she left an indelible mark on cinema history.
In this video, we will take you on a journey through her life and career, from her humble beginnings in Dublin to her triumphant achievements in Hollywood. Along the way, we will share with you some rare photos of Maureen O’Hara that reveal a side of her that you may not have seen before. We will also uncover some little-known facts about her that will likely surprise and delight you.
Whether you are a fan of her classic films such as The Quiet Man, Miracle on 34th Street, or The Parent Trap, or simply curious to learn more about this fiery Irish beauty who captivated audiences for decades, you will find something to enjoy in this facts-packed video. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the fascinating story of Maureen O’Hara!
Facts Verse Presents: Rare Photos of Maureen O’Hara Leave Little to the Imagination
She Left Behind Everything
Maureen O’Hara’s early life was anything but easy, as she was expected to do great things pretty much right from the get-go. She was born as Maureen FitzSimons on August 17, 1920, in a Dublin suburb, into a large and eccentric Irish Catholic family. Her father was a businessman who owned part of a soccer team, and her mother was a stage actress and opera singer who encouraged her daughter’s artistic talents. Maureen had five siblings who were all involved in some form of entertainment.
Maureen showed a flair for drama and music from a young age, staging performances for her family and friends. She also loved sports and often played rough games with her brothers. Maureen dreamed of one day becoming an actress, so she enrolled at the prestigious Abbey Theatre School when she was just 14. There she studied drama and music and impressed her teachers with her natural talent.
Maureen graduated from the school in 1937 and was offered a lead role with the Abbey Players, but she turned it down to pursue a film career instead. She then moved to London and auditioned for an English feature that never got made. Despite that setback, her screen test caught the eye of Charles Laughton, an Oscar-winning actor and producer who saw potential in her expressive eyes.
Laughton convinced Maureen to change her surname to O’Hara and cast her as his co-star in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1939 film Jamaica Inn, which was based on a novel by Daphne du Maurier. The film was not well received by critics or audiences, but it gave Maureen exposure to Hollywood. Laughton then brought her to America to star with him in 1939s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, a lavish adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic novel.
The film was a massive success and helped launched Maureen’s career as one of Hollywood’s leading ladies. She then signed a contract with RKO Studios and went on to make many memorable films with some of the most prominent names in the industry. She also became known as “the Queen of Technicolor” for her striking red hair and green eyes that lit up the screen.
Maureen O’Hara had overcome many obstacles to achieve her dream of becoming an actress. She had left behind her homeland, family, friends, culture, religion, language, name – everything that defined her identity – to start anew in a foreign land where she had to prove herself daily. She had faced rejection, criticism, sexism, exploitation – all kinds of challenges that tested her spirit.
But she never gave up or compromised on her values or integrity. She always fought for what she believed in and stood up for herself and others. She also always remained true to herself and was proud of her heritage. More on that in just a bit – so hold tight.
An Uncanny Prediction
Maureen O’Hara’s success was not only a result of her talent, beauty, and hard work, but also of a mysterious prophecy that she received when she was just five years old. According to her autobiography ‘Tis Herself, O’Hara encountered a gypsy woman on the streets of Dublin who told her: “You will leave Ireland one day and become a very famous woman known all around the world.”
O’Hara was amazed by this prediction and never forgot it. She later said that it gave her confidence and motivation to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. She also believed that it was a sign of divine guidance and destiny.
The gypsy’s words came true when O’Hara moved to Hollywood in 1939 and starred in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. From then on, she became one of the most popular and respected stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood, appearing in over 60 films in all.
A Lifelong Bond
Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne had one of the most enduring and endearing friendships in Hollywood history. The two iconic actors met through director John Ford, who cast them together in five films: 1950s Rio Grande, 1952s The Quiet Man 1957s, The Wings of Eagles, 1963s McLintock!, and 1971s Big Jake. O’Hara and Wayne always played lovers or spouses on screen, but off-screen, they were like brother and sister.
The duo shared a mutual respect and admiration for each other’s talents, personalities, and values. They also shared a love of fun and adventure, often going out for drinks, parties, or pranks. They supported each other through personal and professional challenges, such as divorces, illnesses, deaths of loved ones, and career slumps.
Maureen and John never had a romantic affair, despite rumors and speculations. They both denied any such involvement and said they were just friends. Wayne once said that O’Hara was his only female friend that he ever had. He called her “big, lusty, and absolutely marvelous – definitely my kind of woman.” He also said she was “a great guy” who could hold her own with any man.
O’Hara felt the same way about Wayne. She lovingly called him “the Duke” and said he was “a very good-looking man – when his face was clean-shaven.” Also, she said he was “a fine actor” who could play any role convincingly. She admired his courage and generosity, especially when he battled cancer twice.
The two stars remained close friends until Wayne’s death in 1979. O’Hara visited him at the hospital shortly before he passed away. Later, she says that it is one of the hardest things she ever did. She cried when she saw how thin and frail he looked, but tried to cheer him up by reminiscing about their good times together.
Also, she told him not to worry about turning 72 soon. She said: “Mileage never hurt a Rolls Royce.” In reply, he smiled and complimented her on her coat. Those ended up being the last words they exchanged.
O’Hara attended Wayne’s funeral at St Francis Xavier Church in Los Angeles. She later wrote a touching tribute to him in which she said: “He was my friend – I loved him dearly.” She also said: “He will always be with me as long as I live.”
Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne had a friendship that transcended fame and fortune. They were loyal companions who shared laughter and tears, joy and sorrow, success and failure.
Irish To Her Core
Maureen O’Hara was very proud of her Irish heritage and never forgot her roots. She often spoke of her love for Ireland and its culture, and visited her homeland frequently. She also supported various Irish causes and charities, such as the Foynes Flying Boat Museum and the Irish Film Institute. Additionally, she was a patron of the arts and a champion of Irish talent, especially in Hollywood.
O’Hara faced some challenges in becoming an American citizen because of her Irish identity. In 1946, she applies for naturalization but denies it because she considers to be English by birth. She naturally appealed the decision and argued that she was Irish by blood, culture, and allegiance. She eventually won her case and became the first person to be legally recognized as Irish-American by the US government.
O’Hara celebrates her Irish heritage in some of her films, The Quiet Man, which films on location in Ireland. The film was a passion project for both O’Hara and director John Ford, who wanted to showcase the beauty and spirit of Ireland on screen. The film ultimately won two Academy Awards and became a classic of American cinema.
Maureen O’Hara was a proud ambassador of Ireland throughout her life and career. She once said: “I have two loves: my country – America – which has been so good to me, and my home – Ireland – which I love with all my heart.”
A Staunch Conservative
Throughout her life in the US, Maureen O’Hara was a vocal supporter of the Republican Party. She admired the conservative values and policies of Republican presidents such as Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, and George W. Bush. She also endorsed John McCain in the 2008 presidential election. O’Hara firmly believed that America was a great country that needed strong leadership and moral principles.
Maureen was furthermore an advocate for women’s rights and equality. She was one of the first women to run a major airline company when she took over her husband’s flying business in Saint Croix. She also co-founded Women’s Declaration International, a group of women who lobby for women’s sex-based rights around the world.
O’Hara’s Later Years
O’Hara retired from the entertainment industry in 1971, but returned 20 years later to appear with John Candy in 1991s Only the Lonely. In the late 1970s, as we already mentioned, she helped run her third husband’s flying business in Saint Croix in the US Virgin Islands. Around this time, she also briefly edited a magazine, but later sold it to spend more time in Glengarriff in Ireland. She also showcased her singing voice in a series of television appearances, record albums, and a Broadway musical called Christine.
Maureen O’Hara died of natural causes in her sleep at her home in Boise, Idaho, on October 24, 2015. She was 95 years old. She was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on November 9, 2015. Her family and friends paid tribute to her as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who shared her Irish heritage and culture with the world.
Maureen O’Hara’s legacy is that of a trailblazing woman who broke stereotypes and challenged conventions. She’s one of the first actresses to portray independent and assertive women who holds their own against male counterparts. She was also one of the few stars who maintained a successful career across different genres and decades.
What is your favorite Maureen O’Hara film, and did you know that she and John Wayne enjoyed a lifelong friendship? Let us know in the comments, and as always, thanks for watching.
