Matlock actress Maria O’Brien has died aged 75, with reports revealing that she passed away on February 24. Her cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Maria, the daughter of Oscar-winner Edmond O’Brien and comedy star Olga San Juan, got her start on the big screen in 1975’s Smile, and followed it up with a string of appearances in Shell Game, The Choirboys, Prime Time, The Incredible Shrinking Woman and Protocol.
She also acted in major TV projects like Matlock, CHiPs, Magnum, P.I., LA Law, The Love Boat and How the West Was Won.
Maria also worked as an acting coach for many years on the set of Sunset Beach and Passions, and spent 15 years as a coach on the hit soap opera Days of Our Lives, which she retired from in 2022.
Several Days of Our Lives stars have taken to social media in the wake of her death to share their memories with Maria and send their condolences to her remaining family members, including her three children, James, Danica and Sean Anderson, and her sister, Bridget.
“This is so sad to hear. I loved working with Maria over the years; she was truly a gem. Prayers for all her friends & family,” wrote Alison Sweeney, who portrayed Sami Brady on the show.
© Disney General Entertainment ConCasey Moss, who played JJ Deveraux, shared: “Maria, thank you for everything. I learned so much from you. My entrance into the world of storytelling was scary, but you were one of the few that made it safe. I’ll always be grateful for the time we spent together. You will be missed. Go play with the greats. R.I.P.”
Eric Martsolf, who is Brady Black on Days, wrote: “Maria was an unsung hero in our industry. Since Passions, she aided the actors through the roughest of dialogue challenges and made it all make sense. She shed light wherever she was. R.I.P., my friend. You will be missed.”
© Getty ImagesTrue O’Brien, who portrays Paige Larson, said: “My dear Maria, we not only share a passion for the art of acting but also a last name. Your smile was contagious, your passion intoxicating, and your walk iconic.”
© Getty Images for Hallmark Media“Thank you for all the sessions we had together and for your undying commitment and love for the craft of acting,” she continued. “Thank you for your support and beautiful spirit. May you fly with the angels today and forever more.”
Off the screen, Maria was an advocate for Alzheimer’s research and even testified before Congress in 1983 about the damaging impact of the disease. Her father had been one of the first celebrities diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and passed away in 1985. She also lost her brother, voice actor Brendan O’Brien, in 2023. He was best known for providing the voice of the video game character Crash Bandicoot.
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