Maureen O'Sullivan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maureen O'Sullivan
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O'Sullivan in the 1930s
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| Born |
Maureen Paula O'Sullivan
17 May 1911 Boyle, County Roscommon, Ireland
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| Died | 23 June 1998 (aged 87) Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.
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| Resting place | Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna, New York |
| Occupation | Actress, singer |
| Years active | 1930–1994 |
| Known for | Jane Parker in Tarzan films |
| Spouse(s) |
James Cushing
(m. 1983) |
| Children | 7, including Patrick, Mia, Prudence, and Tisa Farrow |
| Relatives | Ronan Farrow (grandson) |
Maureen O'Sullivan (born May 17, 1911 – died June 23, 1998) was a famous Irish-American actress. She is best known for playing Jane in the Tarzan movies. She starred alongside Johnny Weissmuller in these popular films.
Maureen O'Sullivan acted in many movies over more than 50 years. She worked with big stars like Laurence Olivier and Greta Garbo. She also appeared with the funny Marx Brothers and later with director Woody Allen. In 2020, she was named one of Ireland's greatest film actors.
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Early life and beginnings
Maureen O'Sullivan was born in Boyle, County Roscommon, Ireland, in 1911. Her father, Charles Joseph O'Sullivan, was an officer in the army. Maureen went to a convent school in Dublin, Ireland. She also studied in England and France.
One of her classmates in England was Vivian Mary Hartley. Vivian later became the famous actress Vivien Leigh. After finishing school, Maureen returned to Dublin. She worked to help people in need there. In 1929, she sailed to New York with her mother. She was going to Hollywood to start her acting career.
Film career highlights
Maureen O'Sullivan's movie career began when she met director Frank Borzage. He was filming Song o' My Heart in Ireland. He suggested she try out for a role. She got the part and moved to the United States. She made several movies for Fox Film Corporation.
In 1932, she signed a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). She was chosen to play Jane Parker in Tarzan the Ape Man. Her co-star was Johnny Weissmuller. She became one of MGM's popular young actresses in the 1930s. She played Jane in six Tarzan movies between 1932 and 1942.
She also starred in other famous films. She was in The Thin Man (1934) with William Powell and Myrna Loy. She played Kitty in Anna Karenina (1935) with Greta Garbo. Maureen also appeared with the Marx Brothers in A Day at the Races (1937). She played Molly Beaumont in A Yank at Oxford (1938).
In 1940, she was in Pride and Prejudice with Laurence Olivier. After Tarzan's New York Adventure in 1942, Maureen took a break. She wanted to care for her husband, John Farrow, who was ill. She focused on her family for a while.
She returned to acting in 1948 in The Big Clock. Her husband directed this movie. She continued to appear in films and on television sometimes. In 1961, she made her Broadway debut in the play Never Too Late. She later made the movie version of the play in 1965.
Later in her career, she acted with her daughter, Mia Farrow. She played Mia's mother in Woody Allen's movie Hannah and Her Sisters (1986). She also had roles in Peggy Sue Got Married (1986) and Stranded (1987). Her last film role was in a TV movie called Hart to Hart: Home Is Where the Hart Is in 1994.
Personal life and family
Maureen O'Sullivan married John Farrow in 1936. He was a writer and director. They had seven children together. Their children include Mia Farrow, Prudence Farrow, and Tisa Farrow. John Farrow passed away in 1963.
In 1983, Maureen married James Cushing, a successful businessman. They were married until her death. Maureen became a citizen of the United States in 1947. She was a Catholic. She also supported the Democratic Party in politics.
Death and legacy
Maureen O'Sullivan passed away on June 23, 1998, at age 87. She died in Scottsdale, Arizona, after heart surgery. She is buried in Niskayuna, New York.
Maureen O'Sullivan has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It is next to Johnny Weissmuller's star. In her hometown of Boyle, Ireland, there is a plaque marking her home. She also planted a tree there to celebrate her return. In 1982, she received the George Eastman Award. This award honors people who have made important contributions to film.
Images for kids
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The handprints of Maureen O'Sullivan in front of The Great Movie Ride at Walt Disney World's Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park
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See also
In Spanish: Maureen O'Sullivan para niños
