Actor and ‘Days of Our Lives’ Acting Coach was 75

Maria O’Brien, a talented acting coach and actress who appeared in several iconic films and TV shows, passed away on February 24 at the age of 75. Throughout her impressive six-decade career, O’Brien left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry with her memorable performances on both the big and small screens.

O’Brien’s film credits include roles in popular movies such as “Smile” (1975), “Protocol” (1984), “The Incredible Shrinking Woman,” and “Table for Five.” She also made guest appearances on beloved TV shows like “Murder She Wrote,” “Magnum PI,” “The Love Boat,” “LA Law,” and “CHiPs,” where she shared the screen with renowned actors like Melanie Griffith, Lily Tomlin, Angela Lansbury, Tom Selleck, and Goldie Hawn.

In addition to her acting career, O’Brien transitioned into coaching in the late 1990s, working on soap operas like “Sunset Beach” and “Passions.” She spent 15 years as the acting coach on the iconic series “Days of Our Lives” until her retirement in 2022. O’Brien’s talent and dedication were recognized when she won a Drama-Logue award in 1990 for her performance in “The Maids” at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles.

Born on August 14, 1950, in Los Angeles, O’Brien came from a family of actors. Her father, Edmund O’Brien, received an Oscar for his role in “The Barefoot Contessa,” while her mother, Olga San Juan, was a musical comedy star. O’Brien’s passion for acting was evident throughout her career, where she followed in her family’s footsteps and made a name for herself in the industry.

Beyond her work in entertainment, O’Brien was a dedicated advocate for Alzheimer’s Disease research. She played a crucial role in securing government funding for research after her father was diagnosed with the disease. In 1983, O’Brien testified before Congress about the impact of Alzheimer’s, raising awareness and contributing to the fight against the devastating illness.

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, coach, and advocate will continue to inspire and impact the entertainment industry for years to come.