Margaret O'Brien

Margaret O'Brien

88 · Born: Jan 15, 1937

Personal Details

BornJan 15, 1937 San Diego, California, USA
Spouse
  • Roy T. Thorsen

    ( Jun 8, 1974 to Jun 4, 2018 )
  • Harold Robert Allen, Jr.

    ( Aug 9, 1959 to Mar 24, 1969 )
Parents
  • Lawrence O'Brien
  • Gladys Flores

Biography

Born Angela Maxine O'Brien on January 15, 1937, in the picturesque city of San Diego, California. Her early foray into the world of cinema began with a one-minute shot in the iconic MGM film, Babes on Broadway, which was released in 1941. However, her big moment arrived when she was cast in the 1942 film, Journey for Margaret, a performance that catapulted her into instant stardom and prompted her to change her name to Margaret.

Throughout the 1940s, Margaret O'Brien solidified her status as a major child star, captivating audiences with her unforgettable performances in films such as Vincente Minnelli's Meet Me in St. Louis, released in 1944. Her portrayal of the lovable and spirited "Tootie" in this beloved classic earned her the prestigious Academy Award for "Outstanding Child Actress" of her era.

O'Brien's impressive filmography during this period includes standout roles in The Canterville Ghost (1944),Our Vines Have Tender Grapes (1945),The Secret Garden (1949),and Little Women (1949),cementing her status as a talented and versatile young actress.

By the early 1950s, Margaret O'Brien had amassed a significant fortune for MGM, thanks to her numerous box office successes. She then successfully transitioned into adolescent roles, never retiring from the screen and remaining active in the entertainment industry.

In addition to her film career, O'Brien has also made a lasting impact on television, appearing in various productions and serving as a popular Public Speaker. Her impressive career has been marked by numerous prestigious events, where she has served as both Celebrity Host and Guest Star.

Career

2018
This Is Our Christmas
This Is Our Christmas as Mrs. Foxworth
2017
Halloween Pussy Trap Kill! Kill!
Halloween Pussy Trap Kill! Kill! as Bridgette's Grandmother
2002
1996
Sunset After Dark
Sunset After Dark as Betty Corman
1982
Showbiz Goes to War
Showbiz Goes to War as (archive footage)
1981
Amy
Amy as Hazel Johnson
1974
Death in Space
Death in Space as Pam Rhodes
That's Entertainment!
That's Entertainment! as (archive footage)
1960
Heller in Pink Tights
Heller in Pink Tights as Della Southby
1956
Glory
Glory as Clarabel Tilbee
1951
Her First Romance
Her First Romance as Betty Foster
1949
The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden as Mary Lennox
1948
Tenth Avenue Angel
Tenth Avenue Angel as Flavia Mills
Big City
Big City as Midge
1947
The Unfinished Dance
The Unfinished Dance as 'Meg' Merlin
1946
Three Wise Fools
Three Wise Fools as Sheila O'Monahan
1945
1944
Meet Me in St. Louis
Meet Me in St. Louis as 'Tootie' Smith
The Canterville Ghost
The Canterville Ghost as Lady Jessica de Canterville
Jane Eyre
Jane Eyre as Adele Varens
Lost Angel
Lost Angel as Alpha
Thousands Cheer
Thousands Cheer as Customer in Red Skelton Skit
Madame Curie
Madame Curie as Irene Curie - Age 5
1942
1941
Babes on Broadway
Babes on Broadway as Maxine (uncredited)