Maureen OHara born Maureen FitzSimons August 17 1920 died October 24 2015 was a native Irish and naturalized American actress and singer and a natural redhead who became successful in Hollywood from the 1940s through to the 1960s She was known for playing fiercely passionate heroines with a highly sensible attitude She often worked with director John Ford and longtime friend John Wayne She was one of the longestlived stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood