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.
I Served a Rich Couple on a Plane, Next Day My Mom Introduced Me to Her Young Fiancé from the Same Plane — Story of the Day
Kristi tended to a rich couple in business class who were very affectionate with each other. The next day, she was shocked to discover the same man engaged to her mother. Kristi knew she had to act, but had no idea what she was about to unleash.
High above the clouds in the business class part of a commercial plane, Kristi, in her crisp flight attendant uniform, walked the aisle with practiced grace.
She stopped by a couple nestled by the window, absorbed in their private world. The man, in a sharply tailored suit, presented a small velvet box to the woman, whose eyes lit up like the 4th of July.
As he opened it, a delicate necklace gleamed, its stones scattering prismatic colors across their seats. Kristi’s eyes widened, and she paused her rounds for a second.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
“May I, my gorgeous Isabella?” the man whispered to his companion, excitement coloring his voice. The woman nodded, her cheeks blushing as she lifted her hair for him to clasp the necklace.
“That’s a lovely shade of lipstick,” the woman said, turning her attention to Kristi with a warm smile.
Flustered and touched, Kristi touched her lips. “Thank you, it’s my favorite,” she replied, stuttering at being caught snooping.
The man smiled up at Kristi, offering her a generous tip. “Thank you for making this flight special,” he said sincerely.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
“It’s my pleasure. Enjoy your journey together,” Kristi responded, her heart fluttering as she moved on, the couple’s joy lingering in her mind.
***
The next day was her only day off that weekend, and Kristi had promised to visit her mother. Upon arriving, the older woman grabbed her arm and introduced her to Edwin, her new fiancé.
Except, he was none other than the man from the plane who had given another, younger woman a beautiful diamond necklace. Kristi’s shock froze her, but she schooled her expression.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kristi. Your mother has told me so much about you,” Edwin said smoothly, offering his hand as if they had never met.
“Nice to meet you too,” she replied cautiously, playing along for her mother’s sake.
Edwin then took over the kitchen, whipping up a meal with the flair of a seasoned chef. “It’s my way of showing care,” he explained, serving dishes with ease.
As they ate, Edwin regaled them with stories from his travels, yet he only responded vaguely when Kristi probed further into his past.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
It only made things worse, but she wasn’t sure what to say to her mother. Could she be wrong about him?
After dinner, Kristi decided to take her mother outside, hoping the air would clear her mind.
***
The cool breeze of the terrace was exactly what she needed before asking some tough questions. “Mom, what do you really know about Edwin?” Kristi asked carefully.
“He’s wonderful. A billionaire, a diamond tycoon’s son. He’s shown me such a glamorous life,” her mother replied, eyes shining. “We’ll be married in just a few days!”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
“Mom, I know this is going to sound strange, but I swear I saw him on a recent flight with another woman, now suddenly he’s with you and getting married,” Kristi pressed.
Her mother frowned. “Why are you lying? Can’t you be happy for me? Edwin loves me. You just don’t want me to be with another man after your father’s death.”
“That’s not it! Doesn’t his quick move seem odd?” Kristi argued.
“Odd? No, it’s romantic. You’re too young to understand. Edwin is all about love,” her mother shook her head.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
Kristi sighed. “Mom, please think about it. He could be a scammer. That act on the plane… he’s like a Casanova.”
“Scammer? Kristi, that’s ridiculous. Edwin is a good man!” her mother defended.
“I just don’t want to see you lose everything to a man we barely know,” Kristi said, desperately trying to make her understand.
But at that moment, Edwin appeared, drinks in hand.“Ladies, let’s celebrate,” he said cheerfully, and Kristi’s mother excused herself for a second.
Kristi frowned at Edwin once they were alone and couldn’t hold back any longer.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay
“How can you manipulate my mother’s feelings?” she demanded, exposing everything she saw him doing on the plane.
Edwin’s smile faltered. “Kristi, I only want your mother’s happiness. No need for hostility.”
She scoffed and poured a drink over his head. “You think you’re clever, but I see through you. I won’t let you hurt my mother,” she declared firmly. “You’re a fraud!”
Her mother appeared, and her eyes bulged at the orange slice that was still dripping from Edwin’s face. “Kristi, how could you? Edwin, I’m so sorry…”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
Edwin reassured her. “It’s alright. Let’s not let this ruin our evening.”
Kristi’s frown deepened as her mother tended to the scammer, and she realized there was no way to win that night. Still, she knew she had to prove Edwin’s true nature to protect her mother.
It would just take some time.
That’s when she remembered an important detail from the day of the flight where she saw Edwin…and Isabella.
***
Kristi paced outside the airline office, gathering her courage before entering. At the front desk, a cheerful representative greeted her. “Good morning! How can I assist you today?”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
“I need to see the passenger list from my last flight. It’s important,” Kristi said, stumbling over her words.
“That’s confidential. May I ask why you need it?” the representative asked, her brow furrowing.
Kristi tried to hide her nervousness as she said, “A passenger left something valuable. I want to help return it.”
“Okay, I can’t show you the list, but I can help if you give me more details,” the representative said, leading Kristi to a private office.
Once seated, Kristi explained that a passenger named Isabella lost her jewelry and was talking about it as they disembarked.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
The representative confirmed the Lost & Found department had received Isabella’s missing item report, and they had, in fact, found the jewelry.
“Could I return it to her myself? It might mean more coming from someone who was on the flight,” Kristi asked.
After signing a release form, Kristi received Isabella’s jewelry and contact details. She called the strange woman, arranging to meet the next day in a hotel lobby.
***
Kristi approached Isabella, the same woman Edwin was affectionate with on her last flight, in a beautiful hotel coffee shop and was recognized immediately.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
“You were the flight attendant on my last trip, weren’t you?” Isabella asked, surprised.
“Yes, that was me. It’s a small world.”
Kristi went right into it, telling her about Edwin, her suspicions, and everything else she knew. The young woman frowned, frustrated.
“I knew something was off. Edwin asked me for a large sum of money for an emergency. I trusted him, and I’m supposed to meet him soon to give it to him,” Isabella revealed, leaning back and crossing her arms.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
Kristi told her that was their chance to expose him. “We can set up a scenario to catch him. We’ll record everything. I’ll disguise myself; he won’t recognize me,” she planned.
Isabella agreed, and they spent the next hour devising their strategy, focusing on every detail and potential reaction from Edwin.
As Kristi left the coffee shop, she felt nervous but resolved. The plan was set, and together, they were going to save her mother.
***
In a dimly lit upscale restaurant where Isabella had arranged to meet Edwin and give him the money he asked for, the young woman waited, twirling her wine glass.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
Meanwhile, Kristi was disguised as a waitress and watched from across the room as Edwin entered confidently and greeted Isabella.
“Isabella, my dear, sorry to keep you waiting,” he said, sitting down.
Kristi approached their table to take their order, and Isabella played along perfectly, suggesting they celebrate with red wine.
“Excellent choice,” Edwin agreed, keeping his eyes on Isabella. Kristi quickly brought the wine, her heart racing with each step.
“That’ll be all, thank you,” Edwin said, looking only briefly at Kristi. It wasn’t enough to notice who she was. His attention quickly turned back to his date.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
As they sipped their wine, Isabella suggested that instead of giving him money, she could give him a gift, something more tangible like jewelry as he had been so generous to give her diamonds.
Intrigued, Edwin pulled out his phone to show her some options, from Cartier and Rolex watches to designer clothes.
As soon as his phone was on the table, Kristi saw her chance. She pretended to refill their wine glasses and accidentally spilled some on Edwin’s shirt.
“Damn it! My shirt!” he exclaimed, jumping up in irritation.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay
“It’s just an accident, Edwin. Let’s not make a scene,” Isabella calmed him, giving Kristi a discreet nod.
Kristi apologized profusely, then hurried away, claiming she needed to fetch club soda and napkins.
She had swapped Edwin’s unlocked phone during the commotion with a temporary decoy, and rushed to the restroom to check the real phone.
After searching for a few minutes, Kristi discovered Edwin’s active dating profile and flirtatious messages similar to those he’d sent her mother.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
Not the undeniable proof she hoped for, but troubling all the same. Therefore, Kristi started typing a message, making a last-ditch effort to trap Edwin.
Suddenly, a knock startled her. “I know you’re in there with my phone! Come out now!” Edwin shouted from outside.
“I’m calling the police!” he declared, his voice stern and urgent.
Kristi stood, phone in hand, heart pounding. She opened the stall door to face Edwin in a tense standoff. He lunged for the phone, but Kristi dodged him.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay
“Stay back!” she warned, her back against the cold restroom wall.
“Give me my phone, or you’ll regret it!” Edwin cornered her, his hand reaching out. Kristi screamed, hoping someone would come to her aid and bracing for what might happen next.
***
In a sterile police station, Kristi sat under the cold glare of fluorescent lights.
“You’re lucky Mr. Edwin hasn’t pressed charges,” a stern officer warned, “Consider this your only warning.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
Kristi nodded, her voice small. “I thought I was doing the right thing.”
“Good intentions don’t always lead to good actions,” the cop replied before walking away.
Just then, her mother burst through the doors, her face etched with disappointment. “Kristi, this isn’t the daughter I raised,” she declared, her voice thick with emotion.
“Mom, I was trying to protect you from Edwin,” Kristi explained, looking down.
“Protect me by breaking the law?” her mother retorted sharply. “You’ve gone too far.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay
An officer intervened. “Mr. Edwin had filed a restraining order. Any further actions will lead to arrest.”
Kristi closed her eyes, but her mother didn’t give her any reprieve.
“I don’t want to see you anymore. Learn from this. Goodbye, Kristi,” the older woman said before leaving.
***
Kristi returned to the same hotel where she had met Isabella and sat at the lobby bar. While nursing a stiff drink, Isabella slid next to her.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay
“I heard about what happened. I’m sorry,” she sighed, linking her fingers on the bar surface.
“Thanks,” Kristi said, half-smiling. “But before everything went down, I changed Edwin’s password on the dating site.”
“That’s brilliant,” Isabella responded, intrigued. “We can use that. Let’s warn the other women.”
Kristi laughed as they logged into Edwin’s dating profile together, crafting many messages to alert his targets.
“Beware of Edwin. He’s not who he claims to be. Protect your heart and your wallet,” Kristi typed steadily.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay
Their initial laughter faded into a determined silence as they saw how far this man would go to scam women off their one.
It was late at night when Isabella closed her laptop and squeezed Kristi’s hand.
“And just think, what we’ve started tonight is only the beginning. Edwin has no idea what’s coming for him. Wait until the wedding—it’s going to be unforgettable!”
***
The morning sun cast a golden glow over the city chapel as Edwin, clad in a sharp black tuxedo, prepared to marry Kristi’s mother.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay
However, he didn’t know that today was the last time he would ever get away with his Casanova scam.
Kristi watched from the trees, her heart pounding as the ceremony began. Suddenly, an unusual murmur spread through the crowd.
Heels clicked on the floor as one woman, then another, and dozens more converged at the chapel. All were women Edwin had deceived.
A woman in a bright red dress yelled, “Scammer!” Her voice cut through the ceremony’s solemnity.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
Edwin frowned, his confusion turning to horror as he recognized her and others.
“He’s a liar!” shouted another.
“You won’t get away with this!” added a third.
The ceremony descended into chaos. One woman smashed a piece of the wedding cake into Edwin’s face, covering him with cream.
He started fleeing down the aisle, but a guest tripped him, sending him sprawling into a flower bed.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay
The women swarmed, using handbags, shoes, and floral arrangements to exact their vengeance, shouting accusations.
The police eventually intervened, clearing the crowd and leading a disheveled Edwin away. As calm returned, the chapel buzzed with hushed conversations and occasional sobs.
Kristi stepped out from her hiding spot just as her mother exited the chapel, tears falling from her face. The older woman shook her head at her and got into a car.
Her mother was too proud to admit she was wrong. But Kristi would wait and give her enough time to grieve. In the meantime, she would make sure Edwin felt the full extent of the law.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock
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If you enjoyed this story, read this one: My 18-year-old daughter fell in love with a 60-year-old man and was marrying him against my wishes. She was madly in love with this guy, and I was shocked until I discovered a chilling truth about him.
This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.
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