Maria O’Brien, a talented acting coach and actress known for her roles in iconic films like “Smile” and “Protocol,” passed away on February 24 at the age of 75.
Throughout her illustrious six-decade career, O’Brien graced both the big and small screens, appearing in movies such as “The Incredible Shrinking Woman” and “Table for Five.” She also made memorable guest appearances on popular TV shows like “Murder She Wrote,” “Magnum PI,” and “CHiPs,” sharing the screen with Hollywood legends like Melanie Griffith and Goldie Hawn.
In addition to her acting work, O’Brien transitioned into coaching aspiring actors in the late 1990s. She worked on daytime dramas like “Sunset Beach” and “Passions” before landing a 15-year stint as the acting coach on the beloved soap opera “Days of Our Lives,” where she made a lasting impact on the cast and crew until her retirement in 2022. Her talent was recognized in 1990 when she won a Drama-Logue award for her performance in Jean Genet’s “The Maids” at the prestigious Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles.
Born on August 14, 1950, in Los Angeles, O’Brien came from a family of performers. Her father, Edmund O’Brien, was an Oscar-winning actor, while her mother, Olga San Juan, was a renowned musical comedy star. O’Brien’s family background in the entertainment industry undoubtedly influenced her passion for acting and coaching.
Beyond her artistic endeavors, O’Brien was a passionate advocate for Alzheimer’s disease research. She testified before Congress in 1983 about the impact of the disease, inspired by her father’s own battle with Alzheimer’s. Her advocacy efforts helped secure government funding for crucial research in the field.
Maria 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.
O’Brien’s legacy as a talented actress, dedicated coach, and influential advocate will continue to inspire and impact the entertainment industry for years to come. May she rest in peace.
