Maria O’Brien, a versatile actress whose career spanned film, television, and a significant period as a sought-after acting coach, died on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the age of 75. Her perform encompassed roles in projects like “Protocol” and a decades-long tenure guiding actors on the daytime drama “Days of Our Lives.”
Born on August 14, 1950, O’Brien came from a prominent acting lineage. She was the daughter of Oscar-winning actor Edmund O’Brien and Olga San Juan, a musical comedy star and performer who began her career after being scouted at Copacabana, according to biographical information. San Juan performed in Hollywood musicals in the 1940s and on Broadway, including a stint in “Paint Your Wagon” in 1951.
O’Brien’s early film credits included appearances in “Smile” (1975), “Shell Game” (1975), “The Choirboys” (1977), “Prime Time” (1977), “PSI Factor” (1980), and “The Incredible Shrinking Woman” (1980). In 1984, she appeared in “Protocol,” a comedy featuring Goldie Hawn and Richard Romanus. Throughout her career, she shared the screen with notable actors such as Melanie Griffith, Lily Tomlin, Angela Lansbury, and Tom Selleck.
Beyond film, O’Brien maintained a consistent presence in television, with guest appearances on series including “Murder, She Wrote,” “Magnum, P.I.,” “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” “The Love Boat,” “L.A. Law,” “CHiPs,” “Matlock,” “Nash Bridges,” “Suddenly Susan,” “Jack & Jill,” and “For the People.” She also contributed to the web series “Ave 43,” appearing in dozens of episodes.
In the late 1990s, O’Brien transitioned into acting coaching, initially working on the daytime dramas “Sunset Beach” and “Passions.” This led to a 15-year engagement as an acting coach on “Days of Our Lives,” a position she held until her retirement in 2022.
O’Brien’s family also faced personal challenges that drew her into advocacy. Her father, Edmund O’Brien, was among the first celebrities to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. In 1983, she testified before Congress regarding the impact of the disease, playing a role in securing government funding for Alzheimer’s research.
Her theatrical work was also recognized, earning her a Drama-Logue award in 1990 for her performance in Jean Genet’s “The Maids” at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles.
Maria O’Brien was preceded in death by her brother, actor Brendan O’Brien. She is survived by her three children, Thomas Anderson, Danica Anderson, and Sean Anderson, as well as her sister, Bridget O’Brien Adelman.