Maria O’Brien, a veteran actress and beloved acting coach who trained generations of soap performers on “Days of Our Lives,” has passed away at 75. She died on Feb. 24, 2026, closing out a nearly six-decade career across film, television, and theater.
O’Brien was born on August 14, 1950, in Los Angeles and grew up surrounded by show business. Her father, Edmond O’Brien, won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as a dubious publicist in 1954’s “The Barefoot Contessa,” while her mother, Olga San Juan, starred in several musical comedies including “Are You with It?” and “One Touch of Venus.” Maria built her own Hollywood career, appearing in “Smile” (1975), “The Incredible Shrinking Woman” (1981), “Table for Five” (1983), and “Protocol” (1984).
Audiences also knew O’Brien from her many TV guest spots. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, she appeared on “Murder, She Wrote,” “Magnum, P.I.,” “The Love Boat,” “L.A. Law,” “CHiPs,” “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” and “Matlock,” acting alongside talents including Melanie Griffith, Lily Tomlin, Angela Lansbury, Tom Selleck, and Goldie Hawn.
By the late 1990s, O’Brien transitioned to acting coaching, working on the daytime dramas “Sunset Beach” and “Passions.” The shift proved pivotal. From 2007 until she retired in 2022, she served as an acting coach on “Days of Our Lives,” helping actors navigate emotional scenes and complex storylines. Her behind-the-scenes contributions influenced many of the show’s standout moments.
“Maria was an unsung hero in our industry,” said Eric Martsolf, who worked with her on both “Passions” and “Days of Our Lives.” “She brought illumination to every space she entered.”
Following her death, members of the current “Days of Our Lives” cast shared heartfelt tributes. Robert Scott Wilson wrote that her “soul and unrelenting passion for the craft will never be forgotten.” Casey Moss, who plays JJ, thanked her for making his earliest days in the industry feel secure and inspiring.
True O’Brien, the Daytime Emmy-winning actress who portrayed Paige on the show and is married to Casey Moss, also honored her publicly. She recalled Maria’s “smile was contagious” and her “passion intoxicating,” expressing appreciation for “all the sessions we had together and for your undying commitment and love for the craft of acting.”
O’Brien also distinguished herself onstage. In 1990, she received a Drama-Logue award for her performance in Jean Genet’s “The Maids” at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, underscoring her range beyond screen acting. The production showcased the classical training that later shaped her coaching approach.
Outside entertainment, O’Brien became a strong advocate for Alzheimer’s disease research after her father’s early diagnosis. In 1983, she testified before Congress about its profound effect on families, helping secure crucial federal research support at a time when the disease was still largely overlooked. Edmond O’Brien died in 1985.
Her brother, Brendan O’Brien, also built a career in acting and voice work, best known as the original voice of Crash Bandicoot and various characters in the franchise during Naughty Dog’s 1996–2004 era. His final performance as Crash was in 2001’s “Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex,” though his voice appeared in later games through archived recordings. He died in March 2023 at age 60, preceding Maria in passing.
Throughout her professional journey, O’Brien blended mainstream roles with more artistic projects. Her film credits spanned comedies like “Smile” and “The Incredible Shrinking Woman,” along with dramatic works such as “Table for Five.” She also appeared in “The Choirboys” (1977), “Shell Game” (1975), “Prime Time” (1977), and “PSI Factor” (1980). Her screen career began in 1963 with a role on the TV series “Sam Benedict,” beginning more than five decades of work.
Her television work extended well beyond her most recognized parts. O’Brien also appeared in shows including “Nash Bridges,” “Jack & Jill,” “Suddenly Susan,” “Quincy, M.E.,” and “For the People,” among many others during network TV’s height. She also held recurring roles on “Ave 43” and “The Life and Times of Eddie Roberts.”
Colleagues praised her not only for her skill but also for her genuine dedication to uplifting fellow actors. Her many years coaching on soap operas—a genre often dismissed critically but cherished by viewers—reflected her steadfast belief in the value of acting at every level.
O’Brien is survived by her three children—James Anderson, Danica Anderson, and Sean Anderson—and her sister, Bridget O’Brien Adelman. She was preceded in death by her brother Brendan and her parents. Her legacy continues through the countless actors she mentored and the performances she helped shape across stage and screen.
The cause of death has not been disclosed.