Legendary child star Margaret O'Brien, is considered by most
film critics and historians as the greatest "Little"
actress of all times. O'Brien, a gifted dramatic performer, was
one of the most popular movie stars of the 1940's. At age three
she expressed a serious desire to pursue acting while posing
for magazine covers for photographer Paul Hesse, and the rest
is movie history.
Her film debut was a one-minute scene in "Babes
on Broadway" (1941). Studio Executives were amazed at her
extraordinary talent and cast her in "Journey For Margaret"
(1942), as the little orphan girl during the war. Overnight,
Margaret O'Brien soared to major Stardom! She was heralded as
a "sensation", a "child genius," and MGM
wisely signed her to a long term contract.
Margaret remained the biggest child star throughout
the 1940's, being a number one box office attraction. Her unforgettable
performance as "Tootie" in Vincente Minnelli's "Meet
Me In St. Louis" (1944), with Judy Garland as her co-star,
earned her and Academy Award and the position of the highest
paid star in the nation.
Margaret turned out spectacular performances in
such classics as "The Canterville Ghost" (1944) and
"Unfinished Dance" (1947).Her brilliant work in "The
secret Garden" (1948) and "Little Women" (1949)
immortalized in the tear filled eyes of audiences world wide.
Additional movie successes (more than thirty in all) included
"Three Wise Fools", "Jane Eyre", "Bad
Bascomb", "Tenth Avenue Angel" and "Music
for Millions".
Margaret O'Brien Masterfully performed roles requiring
experiences far beyond her years. The admiration of her acting
colleagues and her loyal audience won her the title "America's
favorite sweetheart". Margaret was a beloved treasure of
the movies and the adoring public. Her millions of fans collected
Margaret O'Brien dolls, hats, paper dolls, coloring books, and
dozens of other Margaret O'Brien products. In fact, film star
product endorsements reached an all time high in the mid-forties,
due largely because of Margaret O'Brien.
Achieving super star status during Hollywood's
"Golden Era", provided a career most actors can only
dream of. Today Margaret continues to receive film and television
offers. She has guest starred on many television shows, including,
"Murder She Wrote" and "Tales From the Darkside."
Margaret remains very active in charitable affairs and most recently
completed the film "Hollywood Mortuary."
