Margaret Roach, born on March 15, 1921, in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, was the daughter of renowned comedy producer Hal Roach and the sibling of Hal Roach Jr. During her teenage years, she actively pursued her passion for theatre, honing her skills by singing at nightclubs. Adopting the stage name Diane Rochelle, she began landing small roles in films, later transitioning to Peggy Roach. Initially, her father refused to support her acting endeavors, but in 1940, he surprisingly cast her in his comedies, including the notable films Turnabout (1940) and Road Show (1941).
Margaret's personal life was marked by divorce from her first husband, E.L. Hilton, and a subsequent estrangement from her father following her mother's passing in 1941. In 1947, she married actor and writer Robert Livingston, with whom she had a son, Addison Randall, who would also follow in his parents' footsteps to become an actor. Despite her extensive filmography, Margaret never achieved leading lady status.
After appearing in the 1949 crime drama The Devil's Sleep (1949),Margaret Roach retired from the entertainment industry. Her marriage to Livingston ended after four years. Tragically, Margaret's life was cut short when she passed away on November 25, 1964, at the tender age of 43, due to undisclosed causes. She was laid to rest beside her mother at Holy Cross Cemetery in Los Angeles.
