The former child star, who earned a special Oscar at the age of seven, only to have it stolen years later, recently turned 88.
The actress’s mother, a well-known Spanish dancer who was widowed soon after her daughter was born, was busy with her career.
She brought her two-year-old daughter and their dog to a photoshoot with the renowned Paul Hesse because there was no babysitter available. Hesse was captivated by the dog’s appeal and photographed him for the cover of the Saturday Evening Post. He did, however, notice how appealing the tiny girl was.
A minor role in a studio production followed, and at the age of four, she made her film debut in “Babes on Broadway” with a one-minute scene.
But the celebrity’s big break came the next year when she was cast in “Journey for Margaret” (1942), a performance that catapulted her to instant stardom.
Her talent drew great acclaim from colleagues and fans, who affectionately referred to her as “America’s favorite sweetheart.”
One of the “Jane Eyre” alum’s most memorable performances was as Judy Garland’s vibrant younger sister, Tootie, in the classic musical “Meet Me in St. Louis” (1944).
Thanks to her mother’s constant support, she was able to avoid many of the problems that beset other child celebrities of her period as her career took off.
In this supportive setting, the Hollywood star delivered a performance in “Meet Me in St. Louis” that delighted viewers.
Margaret O’Brien’s performance in the film earned her a special Juvenile Academy Award as an Outstanding Child Actress of 1944 when she was just seven years old. The award also cemented her position as the highest-paid entertainment in the nation at the time.
In 1954, when the then-17-year-old’s mother was very ill, the family’s maid brought the statuette home, along with two other trophies, to polish—something she had done before.
However, the prize was not returned after the maid was fired and left without leaving a forwarding address. In the years since, O’Brien has been searching for her stolen Oscar.
Fortunately, it eventually happened. Her search ended nearly four decades later, in 1995 when she was finally reunited with the unique Oscar.
This occurred after baseball memorabilia collectors Steve Neimand and Mark Nash discovered the renowned trophy at a Pasadena trade event and secured its recovery.
The award-winning actress credited television with allowing her to grow beyond her childhood roles and play more mature characters.
Decades later, the seasoned star’s brilliance continues to impress audiences, with many admiring her ageless performances.
O’Brien’s personal life has been as eventful as her professional career. She was previously married to Harold Robert Allen Jr. from 1959 to 1969. Years later, in 1974, she remarried Roy Thorsen, with whom she had their daughter, Mara Thorsen, in 1977.
O’Brien’s rise from a popular young actress to a respected stage and television performer illustrates her outstanding talent and perseverance. Years after her ascent to prominence, she is still a beloved personality in Hollywood, appreciated by both fans and peers.
With a legacy of outstanding performances and a life full of noteworthy accomplishments, she is still regarded as one of the most iconic stars of her time.
