Maureen O'Sullivan was an Irish-born American actress, born on May 17, 1911, in Boyle, County Roscommon, Ireland. She grew up in a family with a military background, as her father was an officer in the Connaught Rangers. Maureen attended convent schools in Dublin, Paris, and London, where she developed a love for the arts. 

Her journey into acting began when she was discovered by director Frank Borzage while he was filming in Ireland. This led to her first role in the film "Song o' My Heart" in 1930, which marked the start of her Hollywood career.

She became widely known for her role as Jane Parker in the Tarzan film series, starring alongside Johnny Weissmuller. She appeared in six Tarzan films between 1932 and 1942, which made her a household name. Beyond Tarzan, she showcased her versatility in films like "The Thin Man," "Anna Karenina," "Pride and Prejudice," and "A Day at the Races."

Her career spanned several decades, and she continued to act in films, television, and theater, including notable performances in "Hannah and Her Sisters" and "Peggy Sue Got Married" later in her life.

In her personal life, she married director John Farrow in 1936, and they had seven children together, including actress Mia Farrow. She took a break from acting to focus on her family but returned to the screen occasionally. After John Farrow's death in 1963, she later married businessman James Cushing in 1983.

Throughout her career, she received recognition for her contributions to the entertainment industry. She was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and received the George Eastman Award for her work in film.

Maureen O'Sullivan passed away on June 23, 1998, in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the age of 87.