Maureen O'Sullivan
Actor
About Maureen O'Sullivan
Maureen O'Sullivan was an Irish-born actress who became one of the most beloved leading ladies of Hollywood's Golden Age. Discovered at the age of 18 by director Frank Borzage while attending the Dublin Horse Show, she was quickly whisked away to Hollywood to star in 'Song o' My Heart' (1930). Her early career was defined by her ethereal beauty and naturalistic charm, which she displayed in the futuristic musical 'Just Imagine' (1930). She achieved international superstardom when she was cast as Jane Parker opposite Johnny Weissmuller in 'Tarzan the Ape Man' (1932), a role she would reprise in five sequels. Beyond the jungle, O'Sullivan proved her dramatic range in prestigious MGM literary adaptations such as 'The Barretts of Wimpole Street' (1934), 'Anna Karenina' (1935), and 'David Copperfield' (1935). After a hiatus to raise her large family, which included actress Mia Farrow, she made a triumphant return to the screen in later years, notably appearing in 'Hannah and Her Sisters' (1986). Her career spanned seven decades, transitioning from a pre-Code starlet to a respected character actress on stage, television, and film.
The Craft
On Screen
O'Sullivan was noted for her 'girl-next-door' sweetness combined with a surprising level of sophistication and intelligence. Unlike many of her contemporaries who utilized theatrical artifice, her acting was characterized by a natural, understated quality that made her highly relatable to audiences. In her early pre-Code films, she displayed a frank and uninhibited sensuality, most famously in the 'underwater' sequence of 'Tarzan and His Mate'. As she matured, her style evolved into a refined, dignified presence, often portraying maternal or aristocratic figures with a sharp, dry wit.
Milestones
- Discovered by Frank Borzage in 1929
- Signed a lucrative contract with Fox Film Corporation at age 18
- Cast as Jane Parker in the definitive Tarzan film series (1932)
- Became a staple of MGM's prestigious literary adaptations in the mid-1930s
- Successfully transitioned to Broadway in the 1960s with 'Never Too Late'
- Received a career resurgence in the 1980s through collaborations with Woody Allen
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- George Eastman Award for distinguished contribution to the art of film (1982)
- National Board of Review - Best Acting by an Ensemble for Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
Nominated
- BAFTA Film Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actress for Hannah and Her Sisters (1987)
Special Recognition
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6541 Hollywood Blvd
- Inducted into the Irish America Hall of Fame
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Maureen O'Sullivan's portrayal of Jane Parker redefined the female lead in adventure cinema; she was not merely a damsel in distress but a literate, brave, and sexually autonomous woman. Her 'scanty' costume in the early Tarzan films challenged the censorship of the era and became an iconic image of 1930s cinema. Beyond the jungle, she represented the 'ideal' woman of the MGM era—wholesome yet spirited, and intellectually capable. Her transition from a young starlet to the matriarch of a famous acting dynasty (the Farrows) cemented her place as a foundational figure in Hollywood history.
Lasting Legacy
O'Sullivan is remembered as Ireland's first true Hollywood superstar. Her legacy is preserved through the enduring popularity of the Tarzan films, which remain the definitive screen versions of Edgar Rice Burroughs' work. She is also celebrated for her longevity in the industry, maintaining a professional career that adapted to the changing tastes of audiences across seven decades. Her performance in 'The Big Clock' is cited as a high-water mark for film noir supporting roles, and her late-career work with Woody Allen introduced her to a whole new generation of cinephiles.
Who They Inspired
She influenced a generation of actresses by demonstrating that a 'sweet' persona did not preclude playing strong, decisive characters. Her naturalistic acting style served as a bridge between the exaggerated gestures of the silent era and the psychological realism of the mid-20th century. Actresses like her daughter Mia Farrow and others have cited her professionalism and ability to balance a massive family life with a high-profile career as an inspiration.
Off Screen
O'Sullivan was a devout Roman Catholic throughout her life. In 1936, she married Australian-born writer and director John Farrow, a union that lasted until his death in 1963. The marriage required a special papal dispensation because Farrow was a divorcee. Together, they had seven children, many of whom entered the entertainment industry. Following Farrow's death, she eventually remarried James Cushing in 1983, remaining with him until her death in 1998.
Education
Educated at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Roehampton, London (now Woldingham School), where she was a classmate of Vivien Leigh.
Family
- John Farrow (1936-1963)
- James Cushing (1983-1998)
Did You Know?
- She was a schoolmate of Vivien Leigh in England; they reportedly promised each other they would both become famous actresses.
- She initially hated the Tarzan films and grew tired of being asked 'Where's Tarzan?' for the rest of her life.
- The famous 'nude' swimming sequence in Tarzan and His Mate (1934) was actually performed by Olympic swimmer Josephine McKim, though O'Sullivan's own costume was controversial enough.
- She was the first choice to play Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz before the studio decided to go with a younger Judy Garland.
- She became a U.S. citizen in 1947.
- Her son Michael died in a plane crash while undergoing pilot training in 1958.
- She appeared as the mother of her real-life daughter, Mia Farrow, in the film Hannah and Her Sisters.
- She was discovered by director Frank Borzage at a dinner party in Dublin while he was filming on location.
In Their Own Words
I was a very lucky girl. I didn't have to struggle. I was just in the right place at the right time.
Jane wasn't just a character; she was a career. I spent years trying to live her down, and then I spent years trying to live her up again.
Working with Johnny Weissmuller was like working with a big, friendly dog. He was a lovely man, but he wasn't exactly a Shakespearean actor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Maureen O'Sullivan?
Maureen O'Sullivan was a prominent Irish-American actress best known for playing Jane in the Tarzan film series during the 1930s and 1940s. She was a major star at MGM and appeared in numerous classic films, including 'The Thin Man' and 'Pride and Prejudice'.
What films is Maureen O'Sullivan best known for?
She is most famous for 'Tarzan the Ape Man' (1932) and its sequels. Other notable works include the mystery 'The Thin Man' (1934), the literary drama 'Anna Karenina' (1935), and the Woody Allen classic 'Hannah and Her Sisters' (1986).
When was Maureen O'Sullivan born and when did she die?
She was born on May 17, 1911, in Boyle, County Roscommon, Ireland, and passed away on June 23, 1998, in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA.
Was Maureen O'Sullivan related to Mia Farrow?
Yes, Maureen O'Sullivan was the mother of actress Mia Farrow. They appeared together in the 1986 film 'Hannah and Her Sisters', playing mother and daughter.
What was Maureen O'Sullivan's acting style?
She was known for a natural, charming, and understated acting style. She often portrayed intelligent and spirited women, bringing a sense of grounded realism to both jungle adventures and sophisticated MGM dramas.
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Films
1 film
