Maureen O’Hara Dead At 95; 'Queen Of Technicolor' Received Honorary Oscar Before Death
Irish-American actress and soprano singer Maureen O'Hara died in her sleep at the age of 95 at her home in Boise, Idaho.
"Maureen was our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend", a statement released by family. "She passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family; as they celebrated her life listening to music from her favorite movie, The Quiet Man."
One of six children, O'Hara was born Maureen FitzSimons in a suburb of Dublin, Ranelagh, Ireland. Her father was a part owner of a renowned soccer team, and ran a business: Her mother was an accomplished contralto, according to IMDb.
Known to play heroines, she became known as the Queen of Technicolor: Also because of her green eyes, fiery red hair, and peaches and cream complexion.
In the 1940's and 50's, it was common for leading ladies to be dominated by male heroes. The fiery Maureen O'Hara held her own even against a forceful presence as John Wayne; whom she made five films with, according to the Los Angeles Times. This includes the classic The Quiet Man.
O'Hara was a favorite of John Ford. The american director cast her in five films including The Quiet Man. They worked also together in "How Green Was My Valley" in 1941; the film won five Academy Awards but not by Maureen, revealed CNN.
"When I was young, I didn't think I was at all pretty. I was told only that I had a sulky, pouty face." O'Hara wrote in her autobiography, written with longtime manager John Nicoletti.
"Ironically, after I got to Hollywood, I resented that I didn't get a crack at more dramatic role because I photographed so beautifully. More than anything, though, it was the way I used my eyes that caused audiences to look deep inside my characters to see what else was there."
She received an honorary Oscar For Lifetime Achievement in November, last year.
"For those who may ask what they can do to honour Maureen, we have a simple request: visit Ireland one day and think of her", the family said.
Maureen O'Hara will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery next to her husband, the US Navy pilot General Charles Blair who died in a plane crash in 1978.
