Veteran Actress Maria O'Brien Dies at 75

Maria O'Brien, a veteran actress and acting coach known for her roles in films like "Protocol" and television series including "Matlock" and "Murder, She Wrote," died on February 24 at her home in Los Angeles. She was 75.

O'Brien's death was confirmed by representatives to several entertainment outlets, though no cause was disclosed. Born on August 14, 1950, in Los Angeles, she grew up in a prominent show business family. Her father, Edmond O'Brien, won an Academy Award for best supporting actor for his role in the 1954 film "The Barefoot Contessa." Her mother, Olga San Juan, was a musical comedy performer who appeared in films such as "Duffy's Tavern" opposite Bing Crosby and Betty Hutton.

O'Brien began her acting career early, landing her first onscreen credit in 1963 on the television series "Sam Benedict." Over the next six decades, she built a steady presence in Hollywood, appearing in more than a dozen films and numerous guest spots on popular TV shows. Her film credits included "Smile" in 1975, where she shared the screen with Bruce Dern and Annette O'Toole; "The Choirboys" in 1977; "The Incredible Shrinking Woman" in 1981 opposite Lily Tomlin; and "Protocol" in 1984,...