Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Joan O'Brien
1936 - 2025
Joan O'Brien
1936 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1936
DIED
2025
Joan O'Brien Obituary
Joan O'Brien, a 1960s film and television actress best known for "Operation Petticoat" and "It Happened at the World's Fair," died May 5, 2025, at the age of 89.?
O'Brien's route to the screen began with song: Country music legend Cliffie Stone hired her as a performer for the variety show "Hometown Jamboree" in 1949, while she was still in high school. O'Brien did similar work through the 1950s before transitioning into acting. One of her most notable roles came in 1959, when she played Dolores Crandall in "Operation Petticoat" opposite Cary Grant and Tony Curtis. Each of the next two years, she worked with John Wayne ("The Alamo" and "The Comancheros"), then in 1963 starred with Elvis Presley in "It Happened at the World's Fair." She was also a regular feature on television screens in the 1960s, appearing on shows like "Wagon Train," "Perry Mason," "Rawhide," and "The Dick Van Dyke Show." She left acting after 1965 to focus on her personal life.
Fan Jim Bartlett lamented her loss on Facebook: "She was my favorite co-star of any of Elvis's co-stars. So beautiful. I enjoyed watching her in any movie or tv show she was in. Joan, you will be truly missed. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. Heaven has received another angel."
By Eric San Juan
(Image: Everett Collection)
14 Entries
Leslie D McNeil
August 6, 2025
Joan O'Brien will always be Candy O" Hara from Wagon Train to me. (1960) Season 4. I have watched that episode over 50 times She was so pretty, with such a sweet spirit. I almost wished that she & her co-star Jim Davis, ( aka ) Josh Ewing from Dallas were a real couple. They were so convincing. The actors from that era, they were phenomenal to say the least. That's what good actors & actresses do, they create a believable story line. Rest in peace, Ms. O' Brien, your body of work will live on for all generations...
Thomas Bousman
July 17, 2025
I watched her on Perry Mason when I spent the night at my grandparents. I saw her tonight on a rerun and it brought back memories. I looked her up and saw she had just recently passed. I was stunned. She will be missed but she will forever be in my memory. Thomas Bousman
Luck Alimenti
June 21, 2025
in memory of the most beautiful comedy film that I would watch again 1000 times!
Joan was the best, most beautiful, most likeable of the actresses in operation pettycoat movie! R.I.P
Pam Rogers
May 25, 2025
So sorry for your loss going out to all the family and friends who knew her and also worked with her
I just loved watching her on many shows like the Petticoat Junction and many of the Elvis Presley movies
My deepest condolences and my thoughts and prayers for you all
How you can show support
Jody Shawn Brachman
May 22, 2025
I'm good u I was writing to you to give my condolences to you and your family etc rip I loved her movies etc she seemed like a nice person I will miss her so. No rush take care
Linda Royall
May 21, 2025
Goodnight, Beauty...
Carson Loveless
May 20, 2025
Condolences to her family
ER
May 19, 2025
My deepest sympathy is with Joan´s family and friends during this time of grief and sorrow. May the fond memories of your loved one always be remembered.
Wille
May 19, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
JK
May 19, 2025
So beautiful inside and out, she will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Tony Spirito
May 17, 2025
Mr. Jr.
May 17, 2025
My condolences.
RB
May 17, 2025
Such a beautiful and talented actress that worked with some of best in the business. She had roles in some well know movies throughout her career, and she always gave great performances. Sincere condolences to the O´Brien family, so very sorry for your loss. May God be with you in your time of loss.
Beau Dare
May 17, 2025
Joan O'Brien was not only one of the great beauty's in Hollywood, but also a fine actress who could do light comedy to Shakespeare. I work in the film industry, and believe me, Hollywood could take a lesson. A very classy lady.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Joan O'Brien's name
How to support Joan's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joan O'Brien's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more