Veteran Actress Maria O'Brien, Known for 'Protocol' and 'Matlock', Dies at 75

O'Brien also worked as an acting coach on 'Days of Our Lives' for 15 years before retiring in 2022.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Maria O'Brien, an actress known for her roles in films like Protocol and Matlock, as well as her extensive work as an acting coach on the soap opera Days of Our Lives, has died at the age of 75. O'Brien, who came from a Hollywood family, had a prolific career spanning over five decades with credits in both film and television.

Why it matters

O'Brien's passing marks the end of an era for a talented actress who worked alongside many iconic stars over the years. Her work as an acting coach also helped shape the careers of numerous soap opera performers during her 15-year tenure on Days of Our Lives.

The details

Born in Los Angeles in 1950, O'Brien followed in the footsteps of her Oscar-winning father, Edmond O'Brien, and her mother, musical comedy star Olga San Juan. She landed her first onscreen credit in 1963 and went on to appear in a variety of films and TV shows over the decades, including Protocol, Smile, Matlock, and Murder, She Wrote. Aside from her acting work, O'Brien also served as an acting coach on the soap operas Sunset Beach, Passions, and Days of Our Lives, where she worked for 15 years until her retirement in 2022.

  • Maria O'Brien was born on August 14, 1950 in Los Angeles.
  • O'Brien landed her first onscreen credit in 1963.
  • She appeared in the 1984 film Protocol.
  • O'Brien worked as an acting coach on Days of Our Lives for 15 years, from 2007 until her retirement in 2022.
  • O'Brien passed away on February 24, 2026 at the age of 75.

The players

Maria O'Brien

An actress known for her roles in films like Protocol and Matlock, as well as her extensive work as an acting coach on the soap opera Days of Our Lives, where she worked for 15 years until her retirement in 2022.

Edmond O'Brien

Maria O'Brien's father, who was an Oscar-winning actor.

Olga San Juan

Maria O'Brien's mother, who was a musical comedy star.

Brendan O'Brien

Maria O'Brien's brother, who is also an actor.

Thomas Anderson, Danica Anderson, and Sean Anderson

Maria O'Brien's three children.

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What they’re saying

“Maria O'Brien was a talented and dedicated actress who left an indelible mark on the industry. Her work both on screen and as an acting coach will be deeply missed.”

— Carly Thomas, Entertainment Reporter (hollywoodreporter.com)

The takeaway

O'Brien's passing is a significant loss for the entertainment industry, as she was a versatile and accomplished actress who also played a crucial role in nurturing the talents of countless soap opera performers through her work as an acting coach. Her legacy will continue to inspire and influence the next generation of actors and acting coaches.