Exhibits: Irish American Hall of History

Maureen O'Hara

b. 1920

Film, Television, Recording Artist

Maureen FitzSimons was born in a suburb of Dublin, Ireland into an artistic family. By age 14 she was accepted at the prestigious Abbey Theatre in Dublin. The great actor Charles Laughton saw one of her screen tests and was mesmerized by her beauty. He changed her last name to O'Hara and in her second year with him she filmed The Hunchback of Notre Dame and became an instant success. Other major roles in Miracle on 34th Street, The Parent Trap and The Quiet Man and over 55 other films made her one of Hollywood's top stars. Her trademark red-hair and green eyes made her a beauty but disguised a natural athlete who did most of her own stunts. She had a wonderful lyrical soprano voice which was utilized in a few of her films and on television. In March 2004 she released her autobiography "Tis Herself" which was reviewed with great acclaim.

External Links

• Maureen O'Hara Magazine
• A Tribute to Maureen O'Hara
• Maureen O'Hara - Wikipedia