In July 1969, Maureen O’Hara decided to take a break from the movie set of How Do I Love Thee? to embark on an unforgettable adventure with her husband, Capt. Charles F. Blair. This whirlwind trip wasn't just any vacation—it marked Charlie’s final journey as a senior pilot for Pan Am before his retirement. Their itinerary spanned the globe, from bustling New York to enchanting Germany, vibrant India, serene Thailand, bustling Hong Kong, historic Japan, tropical Hawaii, and picturesque San Francisco. Maureen gleefully recounted, "I finally got to live the adventures I had only acted out on the Fox and Universal lots." It was a journey that transformed her life in ways she could never have imagined.
Maureen’s Passion for Acting and Stunts
Before Charlie entered her life, Maureen O’Hara was all about her craft. Born in Dublin, she set her sights high, dreaming of becoming the world’s top actress. And boy, did she deliver! Known for her fiery red hair and captivating green eyes, Maureen wasn’t just another pretty face in Hollywood. She was a powerhouse who stood toe-to-toe with some of the biggest stars of her time—Errol Flynn, Tyrone Power, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., and her frequent co-star, John Wayne. What set her apart? Her fearless approach to stunts. Unlike many of her female contemporaries, Maureen didn’t shy away from physical challenges. “I was proficient with the sword. I was a fine talent with a bullwhip. I could take a cigarette out of your mouth, toss it in the air, and catch it,” she proudly declared. Her skills weren’t just for show; they were a testament to her dedication and passion for her craft.
Love Finally Found Her
When it came to matters of the heart, Maureen’s story was filled with heartache until she met Charles F. Blair. They had only a decade together, but it was a decade filled with joy, adventure, and love. Even though Charlie’s untimely death under mysterious circumstances would leave a lasting mark on Maureen, she always cherished their time together. She fondly referred to their marriage as “the best time of my life.”
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A Late-Blooming Romance
Theirs was a love story that blossomed later in life. They first crossed paths on the London set of The Forbidden Street in 1947, but it wasn’t until two decades later, when Maureen’s brother set them up on a friendly dinner date in Los Angeles, that sparks finally flew. That night, they talked about their lives, their families, and their dreams. Maureen remembered, “We talked about his children… who were going to school with my daughter.” After that fateful evening, Charlie started calling her every time he came into town. Their connection was undeniable, and it grew stronger with each passing day.
A Rocky Road to True Love
Maureen’s journey to finding true love wasn’t easy. At 19, she fell victim to a deceitful British film producer named George H. Brown, who tricked her into a marriage she refused to consummate. As a devout Catholic, Maureen eventually obtained an annulment and sailed off to the United States in search of a fresh start. But even in a new country, her luck with love didn’t improve. Her second marriage to director Will Price in 1941 turned out to be a nightmare. An alcoholic who resorted to violence, Will even punched her when she was pregnant. It wasn’t until 1953 that Maureen finally found the courage to divorce him. Despite the challenges, she remained resilient, determined to find happiness.
A Perfect Match
Enter Charles F. Blair, a pioneering aviator who had risen to the rank of brigadier general in the Air Force. Unlike the men who had hurt her in the past, Charlie treated Maureen with kindness and respect. His proposal in 1968 came as a surprise but felt perfectly right. “Both were handsome, charismatic, tough, bold, and larger-than-life,” said John Nicoletti, co-author of Maureen’s memoir ’Tis Herself. “They were a perfect match.”
