Maria O’Brien, Beloved Actress and Acting Coach, Passes Away at 75
Maria O’Brien, a respected actress and acting coach, has passed away at the age of 75.
Born into a family steeped in the performing arts, O’Brien was the daughter of Oscar-winning actor Edmund O’Brien and musical comedy star Olga San Juan.
O’Brien, born on August 14, 1950, made her film debut in the 1975 production Smile, where she played a character named Maria. Her career included notable roles in Shell Game (1975), The Choirboys (1977), Prime Time (1977), PSI Factor (1980), and The Incredible Shrinking Woman (1980). She also featured in the 1984 ensemble cast of Protocol, which starred Goldie Hawn.
During her extensive career, O’Brien shared the screen with stars such as Melanie Griffith, Lily Tomlin, Angela Lansbury, and Tom Selleck.
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O’Brien’s television contributions spanned several decades, with guest appearances on shows like Murder, She Wrote, Magnum P.I., Good Morning, Miss Bliss, The Love Boat, LA Law, CHiPs, Matlock, Nash Bridges, Suddenly Susan, Jack & Jill, and For the People. She also appeared in numerous episodes of the online series Ave 43.
In the late 1990s, O’Brien transitioned to coaching, taking on roles as an acting coach on daytime dramas such as Sunset Beach and Passions, ultimately serving as an acting coach for Days of our Lives until her retirement in 2022.
A passionate advocate for Alzheimer’s research, O’Brien testified before Congress in 1983 about the impact of the disease, following her father’s diagnosis. Her efforts contributed to securing government funding for Alzheimer’s 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.
O’Brien is survived by her three children, Thomas Anderson, Danica Anderson, and Sean Anderson, as well as her sister, Bridget O’Brien Adelman. She was preceded in death by her brother, actor Brendan O’Brien.
Remembered for her vivacious spirit, dedication to the craft of acting, and her profound impact as an educator, O’Brien leaves a lasting legacy in the world of film and television.
