Bernadette O'Farrell

Bernadette Mary O'Farrell (30 January 1924 – 26 September 1999) was an Irish actress in film and television, best known for playing Maid Marian in the 1950s.

Early years O'Farrell was born in Birr, County Offaly, Irish Free State. Her mother was an amateur actress, and her father managed a bank. She attended a convent school, and worked as a secretary as a young woman.

Career O'Farrell broke into film work in her twenties, after being introduced to English director Carol Reed. She is best known for playing Maid Marian in the 1950s British television adaptation of The Adventures of Robin Hood, co-starring Donald Pleasence, Paul Eddington, Richard O'Sullivan, and Richard Greene. She left the show in 1957, after 78 episodes, to avoid type-casting, and was replaced by Patricia Driscoll.

She played an English school mistress, Miss Harper, in The Happiest Days of Your Life (1949), Jessie Bond in The Story of Gilbert and Sullivan (1953) and Peg Curtis in the boxing film The Square Ring (1953).

Personal life

After appearing in his production of The Happiest Days of Your Life, O'Farrell married the film writer, director and producer Frank Launder in 1950. He died in 1997. They had two daughters together, Georgina and Aisling. O'Farrell died in 1999, at the age of 75, in Monaco.

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes1947 Captain Boycott Mrs. Fagan 1950 The Happiest Days of Your Life Miss Harper 1951 Life in Her Hands Mary Gordon 1951 Lady Godiva Rides Again Janie 1952 Lady in the Fog Heather McMara 1953 The Story of Gilbert and Sullivan Jessie Bond 1953 The Genie 1953 The Square Ring Peg Curtis 1959 The Bridal Path Siona 1980 The Wildcats of St Trinians Miss Carfax (final film role)