The woman who starred in such films as the Miracle on 34th Street and Parent Trap celebrates her birthday today in Boise. You can see some of Maureen O’Hara’s most popular films at the Egyptian Theatre throughout the day and then dine with the actress at a benefit dinner.
O’Hara’s biographer and manager Johnny Nicoletti says her 93 birthday celebration came together after a trip in May to visit the John Wayne Birthplace Museum in Winterset, Iowa.
There was a film festival featuring O’Hara’s films and a special benefit dinner to pay tribute to O’Hara, who was one of John Wayne’s close friends. The event sold out.
Nicoletti says when they returned to Boise, they decided to do something similar to celebrate O’Hara’s birthday. “And in typical fashion she said well, ‘We can’t make this about me. If we’re all going to get together let’s do some good for somebody’.”
Maureen O’ Hara’s birthday celebration today will raise funds for The Idaho Justice Alliance for Vulnerable Adults (JAVA). It’s a network of organizations and people who work to prevent elder abuse.
You can see O'Hara's films and attend the benefit dinner for $150. You can meet the actress and more for a $300 ticket. Or you can see each film for $6. The movie Parent Trap kicks off the festivities at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 10:20 p.m. with Only The Lonely. Here's where you can go for a complete schedule.
Nicoletti says over the years O’Hara has championed several causes including aviation safety and artist’s rights. “As she’s gotten older, I think she is interested more and more in adult and elder issues because she’s one of them.”
O’Hara moved to Boise late last year to live a few doors down from her grandson. The Irish American media site Irish Central noted in July her move came after rumors she was the victim of elder abuse by her executive assistant. Legal matters are underway – something Nicoletti won’t discuss.
Nicoletti says O’Hara’s birthday celebration will give the actress a chance to meet her new neighbors and to say thanks for making her feel welcome in her new home.
Copyright 2013 Boise State Public Radio