Maria O’Brien Dies: ‘Protocol’ & ‘Matlock’ Actress, ‘Days Of Our Lives’ Acting Coach Was 75

Maria O’Brien, a film and television actress and acting coach, has died. She was 75. The daughter of an acting family, her father was Oscar-winner Edmund O’Brien, and her mother was musical comedy star Olga San Juan. O’Brien was born on August 14, 1950. O’Brien’s first film credit was in 1975’s Smile as Maria. She […] Maria O'Brien Fairchild Archive/WWD/Penske Media / Getty Images Maria O’Brien, a film and television actress and acting coach, has died. She was 75. The daughter of an acting family, her father was Oscar-winner Edmund O’Brien, and her mother was musical comedy star Olga San Juan. O’Brien was born on August 14, 1950. O’Brien’s first film credit was in 1975’s Smile as Maria. She would take on film roles in other films like Shell Game (1975), The Choirboys (1977), Prime Time (1977), PSI Factor (1980), and The Incredible Shrinking Woman (1980). In 1984, she was part of the cast of Protocol, starring alongside Goldie Hawn, Richard Romanus, Jean Smart, and more. Related Stories Casting Jessica Belkin Joins Fox's 'Baywatch' As Series Regular