junebio

June Parker Beck

A special education administrative assistant to psychologists and related services in elementary education for 20 years, I rekindled my love of writing in 1991 (at the tender age of 55). With a background in the performing arts, I first chose to write about my true passion - the cinema; specifically, actress Maureen O'Hara. Having long been intrigued with the many dimensions of the spirited Ms. O'Hara, I began research on her life and career that has been ongoing for over fifteen years. My initial research evolved into a website in 1995. It was a great media to share my findings and would eventually become a popular website thanks to her support and that of her brother, producer Charles B. FitzSimons.

I have published numerous articles on Maureen O'Hara in nostalgia magazines and Irish periodicals. A particularly fun project was an assignment to write comprehensive synopsis of "The Quiet Man" for the 1997 Autumn Edition of the former posh Irish Diaspora magazine, "The World of Hibernia" (which included behind the scenes stories of that film). I wrote a spotlight article about Maureen O'Hara in "Cowboys and Indians" magazine - June 2003 issue. I have also had a feature article on Maureen published in Cowboys and Indians Magazine - June 2003 issue, and a sidebar on Maureen O'Hara in that same magazine in their Special Collector's Edition paying a centennial tribute to John Wayne - July 2007. In 2010 I was again published in Irish America Magazine and Irish Echo Magazine.

A three-week visit to Ireland in June/July of 1999 expanded my "Irishness" even more when given a fantastic tour of the many TQM film sites by Prof. Des McHale of Cork University, and Paddy McCormick, graphic artist - topped off with a visit with Maureen O'Hara in Glengarriff. Professor McHale is author of "The Complete Guide to The Quiet Man" - published in October of 2000. Another website visitor and O'Hara fan, Liam Bluett, of Nortel Networks in Galway hosted me on a tour of that area. Another highlight in my research was being asked to contribute archival material, photos, and be interviewed on camera for Van Ness Films for "A & E Biography" of Maureen O'Hara in 1999. During this last decade it has also been my pleasure to personally interview Harry Carey, Jr., Anna Lee, John Agar, Charles FitzSimons and Paul Keyes, Producer. I also acted as archivist for Ms. O'Hara doing research for her autobiography, "Tis Herself" - published in 2004. Another honor was being interviewed by Loopline from Dublin who came to the U.S. to expand commentary on their documentary, "Dreaming the Quiet Man" which will be premiered in Cork in November 2010.

What a treat it is to be able to assist networks and organizations like American Movie Classics, Turner Classic Movies, Disney/Buena Vista, CNN-Larry King Live, CBS, New England Air Museum, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Marymount College, The Immigration Law Foundation, Heartland Movie Film Festival; and publications: Aviation & Business Journal, Irish Voice, Irish American, Irish Connections, Desert Shamrock, Irish Eyes and numerous publications and TV stations in Ireland. On August 17th, 2010 Ms. O'Hara celebrated her 90th Birthday and she was honored at serveral celebrations in Ireland, along with TV and radio interviews. Another special event was when she returned to her home town of Renalagh, a suburb of Dublin, to launch their Arts Festival shortly after her birthday in 2010.

I also enjoy writing about my family and surprised myself by winning an awards for an essay about my beloved mother, and my five children. It has been an adventure that is highlighted by the composition of this website dedicated to Maureen O'Hara. My favorite motto has always been a motivating factor in this little adventure of the past years. "To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream - Not only plan, but also believe." (Anatole France). I truly feel that a strong "belief," coupled with effort, is possibly the most important part of this formula. The animated film "An American Tale" has a great tune called "Never Say Never" with a lyrical phrasing that includes the words, "....Hope for the best, and work for the rest." Well dear friends, I'm still working, and still hoping and thoroughly enjoying the adventure along the way.

Thank you Ms. O'Hara for your friendship and support of my efforts in perpetuating your image, life, and career on the Internet .

June

Mom- 2010

"Dear Hearts and Gentle People" - An essay I wrote and published in the Ashton Gazette - Dec. 2003, on my nostalgic return to my home town in the village of Ashton, Illinois - Lots of memories there.

My Greatest Accomplishment
Meet my five children

When you're the only girl with four big brothers, as well as the youngest...
you get a solo headshot. Now you have to move over for my new grandson, Ryan Christopher, born November 20th, 2003.
As cute as the picture above may be - that was taken a few years back - Now little Rayn (on this update 1-09) has two younger
sisters and a baby brother - below: The Rodriguez kids
.

Back to cover page

"Sweet Georgia Brown"
No, this is not the "Harlem Globetrotters" but one
of my favorite numbers to dance to about 40 pounds ago.
©June Parker Beck - 2010

Back to "Contents"