This celebrated Golden Age actress stumbled into Hollywood stardom as a child, beginning an illustrious acting career purely by chance. In her later years, she reflected on her extraordinary path and humbly shared, “I enjoyed it.”
The former child star, who received a special Oscar at the age of seven—only to have it stolen years later—has just celebrated her 88th birthday. Explore her transformation through photos—from her glory days to recent moments.
The California native’s journey to fame is as intriguing as the legacy she built in Hollywood, starting with an unexpected opportunity.
An undated image of the actress posing for a Christmas photo | Source: Getty Images
Unlike many child stars, she wasn’t guided by a stage mother intent on finding fame. The actress’s mom, a renowned Spanish dancer widowed shortly after her daughter’s birth, was focused on her own career.
An undated image of the Shirley Temple and the child actress | Source: Getty Images
During a photoshoot with the acclaimed Paul Hesse, she brought her two-year-old daughter and their dog, as no babysitter was available. Hesse, taken by the dog’s charm, photographed him for the cover of the Saturday Evening Post. However, he also noticed the little girl’s appeal.
The actress pictured on January 1, 1943 | Source: Getty Images
“He said, ‘The baby’s not bad either, she’s kind of cute,’ and we made the cover,” the star later recounted. That first cover led to several more, eventually catching the attention of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM) scouts.
The child star on the set of “Lost Angel,” 1943 | Source: Getty Images
A small role in a studio production soon followed, with her film debut appearing as a one-minute shot in “Babes on Broadway” at four years old.
Roy Rowland and the child actress on the set of “Lost Angel,” 1943 | Source: Getty Images
But the celebrity’s big moment came the following year when she was cast in “Journey for Margaret” (1942), a performance that propelled her into instant stardom.
The actress on the set of “Journey for Margaret,” 1942 | Source: Getty Images
Her talent earned widespread admiration from colleagues and audiences alike, who lovingly referred to her as “America’s favorite sweetheart.” With performances that left an indelible mark on Hollywood, she cemented her status as one of the era’s most cherished stars.
(L-R) Laraine Day, the child actress, William Severn, and Robert Young on the set of “Journey for Margaret,” 1942 | Source: Getty Images
One of the “Jane Eyre” alum’s most iconic roles was playing Judy Garland’s lively younger sister, Tootie, in the classic musical “Meet Me in St. Louis” (1944).
The actress and Judy Garland on the set of “Meet Me in St. Louis,” 1944 | Source: Getty Images
As her career blossomed, she remained shielded from many of the pitfalls that plagued other child celebrities of her time, thanks to her mother’s unwavering support.
Tom Drake, Judy Garland, and the child star pictured in a promotional portrait for “Meet Me In St. Louis,” 1944 | Source: Getty Images
The celebrity once shared in an interview, “I was very fortunate to have a mother that spoke up to [studio head] Louis B. Mayer,” a notable difference from Garland’s experience, whose mother was unable to protect her from the pressures imposed by the studio.
The actress and Judy Garland on the set of “Meet Me in St. Louis,” 1944 | Source: Getty Images
While Judy Garland faced relentless criticism about her weight and was forced to take amphetamines and barbiturates, the actress revealed her experience was far different.
Judy Garland and the actress on the set of “Meet Me in St. Louis,” 1944 | Source: Getty Images
“When I came to the studio, that was all taken away,” she explained, recalling that teachers were present on the MGM lot and diet pills were no longer part of the equation. Amid this supportive environment, the Hollywood star delivered a performance in “Meet Me in St. Louis” that charmed audiences.
The actress, Judy Garland and fellow cast members on the set of “Meet Me in St. Louis,” 1944 | Source: Getty Images
Actress Margaret O’Brien’s work on the film earned her a special Juvenile Academy Award in 1945 at seven years old as an Outstanding Child Actress of 1944. The honor also solidified her status as the highest-paid entertainer in the country at the time.
The actress accepts her Juvenile Academy Award from Bob Hope on March 15, 1945 | Source: Getty Images
The actress photographed on January 1, 1945 | Source: Getty Images
The public figure’s Oscar was kept in a dedicated awards room at her home. In 1954, during a time when the then-17-year-old’s mother was gravely ill, the family’s maid took the statuette, along with two other awards, home to polish—something she had done before.
The celebrity pictured on May 10, 1954 | Source: Getty Images
The actress posing for a portrait on January 1, 1955 | Source: Getty Images
The actress on the set of the musical “Little Women,” 1958 | Source: Getty Images
However, after the maid was dismissed and moved away without leaving a forwarding address, the award was not returned.
The actress pictured on January 1, 1960 | Source: Getty Images
The actress posing for a photo on January 1, 1968 | Source: Getty Images
In the years that followed, O’Brien continued to search for her missing Oscar. While browsing antique shops and flea markets, she often reminded herself, “If I don’t lose hope, it’ll come around.”
The actress attends The Thalians Presidents Club’s Crown Russe Ball on February 13, 1977, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
The celebrity at the Fifth Annual American Cinema Awards on January 30, 1988, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
The actress attends the taping of “America’s All-Star Tibute to Elizabeth Taylor” on February 23, 1989, in Palm Desert, California. | Source: Getty Images
Fortunately, it eventually did. After nearly four decades, her search came to an end in 1995 when she was finally reunited with the special Oscar.
Margaret O’Brien attends a press conference to announce return of her long lost Oscar on February 7, 1995, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
This came after baseball memorabilia collectors Steve Neimand and Mark Nash found the prestigious trophy at a Pasadena swap meet and ensured its return. “I never thought it would be returned,” O’Brien said at the time.
Margaret O’Brien and Arthu Hiller at a press conference on February 7, 1995, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Looking back on her journey in another interview, she reflected on the challenges of transitioning from a beloved child star to an adult actress, “It’s harder to get people to accept the fact you’re older, but it’s good because it helped me as an actress.”
Margaret O’Brien at an event honoring actress Rose Marie with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on October 3, 2001, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
The award-winning star credited television with allowing her to move beyond her childhood roles and take on more mature parts. “It has given me a chance to get out of the awkward age—something the movies couldn’t do for me,” she explained.
Margaret O’Brien during “The Ten Commandments” opening night on September 27, 2001, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
“Regrets? No, I have no regrets at all about spending my childhood as an actress,” O’Brien expressed. Her mother ensured she stayed grounded by making sure she played with the neighborhood children and received the same allowance as any other kid her age.
Margaret O’Brien at the Professional Dancers Society’s 27th Annual Gypsy Award Luncheon on March 30, 2014, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
The celebrity’s grounded upbringing and positive outlook have shaped her approach to life and her career. “I really enjoyed it, and it gave me a wonderful life,” she said of her acting journey in another interview, which has included steady work in television and on stage.
Margaret O’Brien attends the TCM Classic Film Festival’s opening night gala and world premiere of “Oklahoma!” on April 10, 2014 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Decades later, the veteran star’s talent continues to impress audiences, with fans frequently praising her timeless performances.
Margaret O’Brien attends the screening of “Meet Me in St. Louis” on April 11, 2014, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
One social media user remarked, “Great actress. Wonderful person. You brought happiness to so many people, thank you, Margaret O’Brien.” Another added, “What a girl, the most talented child star of them all.” A third shared, “Always loved her!!”
O’Brien’s personal life has been as eventful as her career. She was first married to Harold Robert Allen Jr. from 1959 to 1969. Years later, in 1974, she remarried Roy Thorsen, with whom she welcomed her daughter, Mara Thorsen, in 1977.
Margaret O’Brien attends as Michael Bush receives a star on the Palm Springs’ Walk of Stars on November 9, 2021, in Palm Springs, California. | Source: Getty Images
O’Brien’s journey from a beloved young actress to a respected performer on stage and television highlights her exceptional skill and dedication. Years after her rise to fame, she remains a cherished figure in Hollywood, admired by both fans and peers.
Margaret O’Brien attends the Judy Garland 100th Birthday Gala & Fragrance Reveal on June 10, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
With a legacy of unforgettable performances and a life filled with memorable achievements, she continues to be celebrated as one of the most legendary stars of her era.
You Won’t Believe What I Just Found Out!
The excitement of traveling can sometimes be interrupted by unexpected challenges, one of which is the SSSS label that may show up on a passenger’s boarding pass. For many, this mix of letters might look like a secret code to figure out, but knowing what it means can help travelers deal with the system better. When someone has SSSS on their pass, it indicates they will go through extra security checks at the airport, something that can be confusing for first-time flyers and stressful for those who aren’t ready. To help ease some of this worry, it’s important to know what the SSSS label involves and how to handle it calmly.
Getting to Know the Basics of the SSSS Code
SSSS stands for ‘Secondary Security Screening Selection’ and is a sign used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to mark certain passengers for more intense security measures. When a boarding pass shows SSSS, it means that traveler will face more thorough checks than normal—this includes extra pat-downs, searches of personal items, and maybe even more detailed questions at security points. Although seeing SSSS can be puzzling, it’s part of regular safety procedures meant to keep passengers safe.
Why Passengers Get Assigned an SSSS Code
There are many reasons why someone might get an SSSS label on their ticket. It could come from random selection for added security checks or specific travel habits like last-minute bookings or international trips. Sometimes issues with documents or changes in travel plans can also trigger this designation. It’s key to understand that getting marked with SSSS doesn’t mean there’s any suspicion about wrongdoing; it’s just part of TSA’s rules for keeping high safety standards.
The Process and Experience When Marked as SSSS
Travelers who see an SSSS tag should expect a more detailed security process when they arrive at the airport. This usually means being sent to a special line where their identity and travel papers are closely checked. They may have their person searched along with carry-on bags too! The extra steps could also include swabbing for explosive traces or checking electronic devices carefully. While these procedures might take longer and feel invasive sometimes being polite and following instructions can speed things up.
Effects of Having an SSSS Designation on Travel Plans
Having an SSSS tag can really change how someone travels! It’s smart for those marked with this code to get to the airport earlier than usual so they have enough time for all those extra checks—this helps avoid stress & delays! Even though it rarely leads to missed flights, going through these steps takes time & could mess up connections if not planned well enough! So being ready & allowing extra time in your schedule is super important!
How To Get Ready For Future Flights With An & ‘ SSs designation
People who fly often or have been flagged before might want some tips on how not get picked again in future flights . These tips include making sure all personal info is correct when booking tickets , using trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck ,and avoiding last minute changes unless absolutely necessary . While these ideas aren’t guaranteed ,they could help lower chances off getting tagged again !
Common Questions About The & ‘ ssss Designation
Travelers facing ssss may wonder things like “Why me?” Or “Will this affect my next trip?” Since assignments are random ,it’s hard predict them . Many people worry about privacy issues but tsa says selections are based either randomly or through algorithms strictly related towards safety concerns rather than invading anyone’s privacy ! Passengers should feel free ask tsa agents questions politely while respecting protocols too !
Conclusion : Making Airline Security Easier To Handle
Even though getting hit by ssss sounds scary at first glance understanding its purpose plus preparing ahead makes everything smoother during travels . Knowledge truly empowers us ;by learning how airport systems work we gain confidence while flying without worries ! Remembering these protocols exist solely protect everyone onboard cooperation remains essential throughout journeying experiences together !! Patience combined preparedness goes long way navigating strictest levels securities possible !!
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