Maureen O’Sullivan, the renowned actress best known for her role as Jane in the “Tarzan” film series, was not only a trailblazer in Hollywood but also a dedicated mother to her seven children. Her offspring, many of whom followed in her footsteps in the entertainment industry, have continued contributing to cinema and television, carrying on their mother’s legacy. In this post, we introduce you to Maureen O’Sullivan’s talented children and highlight their accomplishments in the world of arts and entertainment.
#1 Michael Damien Farrow (1939-1958)
Michael Damien Farrow was the eldest son of Hollywood stars Maureen O'Sullivan and John Farrow. He was born in Los Angeles, California, on March 27, 1939. He had six siblings: Patrick, Mia, John Charles, Prudence, Tisa, and Theresa. He showed an early interest in writing and art. He attended Loyola High School in Los Angeles, where he wrote for the school newspaper and magazine. He also won several awards for his paintings and drawings. He graduated in 1957 and enrolled at Loyola University.
However, Michael's academic career was interrupted by his decision to join the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. He underwent training at Camp Pendleton and became a private first class. He was assigned to the Marine Air Reserve Training Detachment at Van Nuys Airport. On January 15, 1958, Michael was flying a Piper Cub plane with his instructor, Robert J. Hagen, when they collided with another plane over the San Fernando Valley. Both Michael and Hagen were killed instantly. The other plane landed safely, with minor injuries to the pilot and passenger. Michael's death was a devastating blow to his family and friends. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California. His parents dedicated a memorial plaque to him at Loyola High School. His artistic talents and potential were never fully realized.
#2 Patrick Joseph Farrow (1942-2009)
Patrick inherited his parents' artistic flair but chose a different medium: sculpture. He studied at the Art Students League of New York and the National Academy of Design. He also traveled to Europe and Asia to learn from various cultures and traditions. He established himself as a successful sculptor, exhibiting his work in galleries nationwide. His sculptures, often inspired by nature and spirituality, were praised for their originality and craftsmanship. He worked with various materials, such as bronze, stone, wood, and metal.
Patrick married Susan Elizabeth Alexander in 1968. They had two children: Patrick Damien and Michelle Maureen. They settled in Castleton, Vermont, where Patrick built his studio and gallery. He also taught art at local schools and colleges. He died on June 15, 2009, at the age of 67. His wife found him in his studio, apparently having committed suicide by shooting himself in the head. He had been suffering from depression and anxiety for years.
#3 Maria de Lourdes Villiers “Mia” Farrow (born 1945)
Mia Farrow, the most famous of Maureen O'Sullivan's children, is an accomplished actress and activist. With a career of over five decades, Mia has appeared in numerous films and television shows, earning critical acclaim and accolades for her work. Some of her most notable roles include the vulnerable Rosemary Woodhouse in Roman Polanski's "Rosemary's Baby" (1968), Daisy Buchanan in "The Great Gatsby" (1974), and a series of films directed by Woody Allen, including "Hannah and Her Sisters" (1986) and "Crimes and Misdemeanors" (1989). Beyond her acting career, Mia is also known for her humanitarian work, particularly as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
#4 John Charles Farrow (born 1946)
John Charles Farrow was the third son of Hollywood stars Maureen O'Sullivan and John Farrow. He was born in Los Angeles, California, on September 6, 1946. He had six siblings: Michael, Patrick, Mia, Prudence, Tisa, and Theresa. He followed his parent's footsteps into the entertainment industry but focused on the technical aspects of film production. He was a film technician and cinematographer for various movies and television shows. He also acted in a few films, such as "Fingers" (1978), which starred his sister Tisa.
John Charles married Marilyn Gillian in 1979. They had four children: Bridget, Eamon, Felicia, and Liam. They lived in Edgewater, Maryland, where John Charles was active in the community. He served as an Anne Arundel County Housing Authority commissioner and a board member for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis. His reputation was tarnished in 2012 when he was arrested and charged with sexually abusing two boys who lived near his home. He pleaded guilty to two counts of child abuse in 2013 and was sentenced to 10 years. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life. His family and friends expressed shock and disbelief at his crimes.
#5 Prudence Anne Villiers “Prudence” Farrow (born 1948)
Prudence Farrow was the fourth child of Hollywood stars Maureen O'Sullivan and John Farrow. She was born on January 20, 1948, in Los Angeles, California. She had six siblings: Michael, Patrick, Mia, John Charles, Tisa, and Theresa. She did not pursue a career in the entertainment industry like some siblings. Instead, she became interested in spirituality and meditation. She traveled to India in 1968 to study Transcendental Meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. There, she met the Beatles, who also learned from the Maharishi. Prudence inspired their song "Dear Prudence", which urged her to come out of her room and join them.
Prudence returned to the United States and earned a degree in philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley. She married Albert Bruns in 1970 and had three children: Jessica, Paul, and Francesca. She also became a film producer and worked on documentaries such as "Romance of a Horsethief" (1971) and "The Muppets Take Manhattan" (1984).
Prudence continued to practice and teach meditation throughout her life. She wrote a memoir titled "Dear Prudence: The Story Behind the Song" in 2015. She also founded the Dear Prudence Foundation, which promotes meditation and wellness.
#6 Stephanie Margarita “Tisa” Farrow (born 1951)
Tisa Farrow is the fifth child of Hollywood stars Maureen O'Sullivan and John Farrow. She was born in Los Angeles, California, on July 22, 1951. She had six siblings: Michael, Patrick, Mia, John Charles, Prudence, and Theresa.
Tisa, like her sister Mia, pursued a career in acting. She appeared in several films throughout the 1970s and 1980s, mainly in the horror and thriller genres. Some of her notable roles include Anne Bowles in "And Hope to Die" (1972), Anne West in "Zombie" (1979), Carol in "Anthropophagus" (1980), and Carol in "Fingers" (1978), also starred her brother John Charles. She retired from acting in 1989 and became a nurse. She worked at various hospitals and clinics, providing care and comfort to patients. She also volunteered for humanitarian causes, such as helping refugees and disaster victims.
#7 Theresa Magdalena “Thaddeus” Farrow (born 1953)
Theresa Magdalena Farrow, born on January 27, 1953, is another of Maureen O'Sullivan and John Farrow's children who has chosen to live a private life, away from the spotlight that followed her parents and some of her siblings. Despite being part of a well-known Hollywood family, Theresa, like her brother Michael Damien Farrow, decided to pursue a life outside of the entertainment industry.
