Early Life and Family Background
C. Beau Fitzsimons, born Charles Beau Fitzsimons in 1941 in Dublin, Ireland, was the only child of iconic Irish-American actress Maureen O’Hara and British film producer George H. Brown. His parents’ marriage was annulled in the same year he was born. Raised primarily by his mother and later his stepfather, American film director William Houston Price, Beau spent his childhood moving between Ireland and the United States.
| Birth Name | Charles Beau Fitzsimons |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1941 |
| Place of Birth | Dublin, Ireland |
| Mother | Maureen O’Hara |
| Father | George H. Brown |
| Stepfather | William Houston Price |
| Nationality | Irish-American |
Maureen O’Hara, born in 1920 in Ranelagh, Dublin, was an internationally renowned actress known for her work in films from the 1940s to the 1970s. Beau’s early life was heavily shaped by his mother’s career and fame, as well as their strong Irish cultural ties.
Career in Music and Film
While C. Beau Fitzsimons never achieved the celebrity status of his mother, he carved out his own quiet path in the entertainment industry. His professional work centered on music composition and behind-the-scenes roles in film and television.
| Primary Occupations | Musician, Composer, Occasional Actor |
|---|---|
| Known For | Film scoring, support roles, archiving legacy |
| Active Years | 1960s–2000s |
Beau’s contributions to the industry included crafting musical scores that often reflected traditional Irish motifs blended with modern arrangements. His work appeared primarily in smaller productions, where his compositions served as atmospheric backdrops to storytelling.
His lesser acting performances were frequently uncredited or support parts, focussing on creative production rather than performance. After his mother died in 2015, Beau became interested in music departments and legacy management.
Relationship with Family Members
Maureen O’Hara – Mother and Matriarch
| Full Name | Maureen FitzSimons O’Hara |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 17, 1920 |
| Date of Death | October 24, 2015 |
| Major Films | The Quiet Man (1952), Miracle on 34th Street (1947) |
| Career Span | 1938–1971 (retired), 1991 (brief return) |
Maureen O’Hara’s influence on Beau was profound, both artistically and culturally. She raised him with strong ties to their Irish roots while also exposing him to Hollywood’s creative elite. Beau was her closest confidant in later years, managing her public engagements and preserving her career memorabilia.
Charles F. Blair Jr. – Stepfather and Aviator
O’Hara married Charles F. Blair Jr. in 1968. The Caribbean’s first seaplane service, Antilles Air Boats, was founded by renowned U.S. aviator Blair.
| Name | Charles F. Blair Jr. |
|---|---|
| Marriage to O’Hara | 1968 |
| Occupation | Aviator, Airline Executive |
| Date of Death | September 2, 1978 (plane crash) |
The family split time between their residences in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, and Los Angeles. Blair’s death in 1978 left a lasting impression on Beau, who remained deeply involved in honoring both his stepfather’s and mother’s legacies.
FitzSimons Extended Family
Beau was also closely connected to his maternal uncle, Charles FitzSimons (1924–2001), a film producer and actor. Charles appeared in The Quiet Man and several other notable works and remained active in Hollywood well into the 1980s.
The FitzSimons family from Dublin remained significant in Beau’s life. Many cousins and relatives continued participating in Irish theater, cultural events, and education. Beau visited Ireland frequently to maintain these relationships and support local initiatives honoring his mother’s legacy.
Personal Life and Foundation Work
C. Beau Fitzsimons never married and had no children. His personal life was defined by privacy, loyalty to family, and a deep commitment to Irish heritage. He lived much of his adult life quietly, managing family affairs and participating in arts-based community programs.
Close to Glengarriff, County Cork, Beau co-founded the Maureen O’Hara Foundation in 2016. The foundation was created to:
- Promote Irish arts and culture
- Support young artists
- Preserve O’Hara’s archives and memorabilia
| Foundation | Maureen O’Hara Foundation |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 |
| Beau’s Role | Founder, Legacy Curator |
| Focus Areas | Film preservation, cultural education |
| Location | Glengarriff, Ireland |
Beau’s later years were spent in close care of his aging mother, helping manage her affairs during a period marked by declining health. After Maureen’s death in 2015, Beau intensified his role in securing and presenting her legacy to the public through exhibitions and retrospectives.
Death and Legacy
C. Beau Fitzsimons passed away in 2020. His death marked the end of the direct familial line of Maureen O’Hara. However, his work in arts preservation and cultural philanthropy ensured that the Fitzsimons name would endure.
| Date of Death | 2020 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 79 |
| Place of Death | Likely in Ireland or U.S. (unspecified) |
| Survived By | Extended FitzSimons family |
FAQ
Who were C. Beau Fitzsimons’ parents?
He was the son of actress Maureen O’Hara and British film producer George H. Brown.
What was Beau Fitzsimons known for?
Music, film score, and maintaining his mother’s legacy were his specialities.
Did Beau Fitzsimons have children?
No, he did not marry or have children.
Where was he born?
He was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1941.
What was the Maureen O’Hara Foundation?
A cultural organization founded by Beau to honor his mother’s legacy and support Irish arts.
When did his stepfather Charles F. Blair Jr. die?
He died in a plane crash on September 2, 1978.
How was Beau involved in Hollywood?
He oversaw legacy projects, acting in minor roles, and music departments.
What was his connection to Ireland?
He was born there, frequently visited, and co-founded a cultural foundation in Glengarriff.
When did Maureen O’Hara die?
She passed away on October 24, 2015, at age 95.
When did Beau die?
He died in 2020, aged 79.
