Remembering Maria O'Brien: A Tribute to a Legendary Actress and Acting Coach
Maria O’Brien, a renowned actress and acting coach, passed away at the age of 75. Born into a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry, Maria's father was the Oscar-winning actor Edmund O’Brien, and her mother was the musical comedy star Olga San Juan. Maria made her debut in the film industry with a role in the movie "Smile" in 1975 and went on to appear in various films such as "Shell Game," "The Choirboys," "Prime Time," "PSI Factor," and "The Incredible Shrinking Woman." In 1984, she starred in "Protocol" alongside Goldie Hawn and other talented actors.
Throughout her career, Maria shared the screen with notable actors like Melanie Griffith, Lily Tomlin, Angela Lansbury, and Tom Selleck. She also made guest appearances on popular television shows including "Murder, She Wrote," "Magnum PI," "Good Morning, Miss Bliss," "The Love Boat," and many more. In the late 90s, Maria transitioned into coaching and worked on daytime dramas like "Sunset Beach," "Passions," and eventually spent 15 years as an acting coach on "Days of our Lives" until her retirement in 2022.
Maria was a passionate advocate for Alzheimer's research, inspired by her father's battle with the disease. She testified before Congress in 1983 to raise awareness and secure funding for research. In 1990, she received a Drama-Logue award for her performance in "The Maids" by Jean Genet at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. Maria is survived by her three children, Thomas Anderson, Danica Anderson, and Sean Anderson, as well as her sister Bridget O’Brien Adelman. She will be remembered for her vibrant personality, dedication to her craft, and her impact as both an artist and a teacher.