Introduction
Merle Oberon was a British actress who made a significant impact in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s. She was known for her beauty, elegance, and talent, which made her one of the most sought after actresses of her time. However, there is more to her life than just her acting career. In this blog post, we will explore the life and legacy of Merle Oberon, from her parents to her children and iconic movies.
Early Life and Parents
Merle Oberon was born in Bombay, India, on February 19, 1911. Her parents were Arthur Terrence O’Brien Thompson, a British army officer, and Charlotte Selby, a Eurasian woman. Her parents’ relationship was scandalous at the time, as interracial marriages were not accepted in society. As a result, Oberon’s mother pretended to be her daughter’s older sister, and Oberon was raised to believe that her mother was her sister.
Oberon’s childhood was not easy, as she faced discrimination and racism because of her mixed-race heritage. However, her parents’ influence on her life was significant, as they encouraged her to pursue her dreams and become an actress. Her mother, in particular, was a strong influence on her, and Oberon later dedicated her autobiography to her.
Accident and Early Career
In 1929, Oberon was involved in a car accident that left her with facial scars. She underwent plastic surgery to repair the damage, and the surgery was so successful that it left no visible scars. This event had a significant impact on her life, as it gave her a newfound confidence and led her to pursue a career in acting.
Oberon’s first acting role was in the British film “The Private Life of Henry VIII” in 1933. Her performance was well-received, and it led to more acting opportunities. She then moved to Hollywood in 1934 and signed a contract with Samuel Goldwyn. Her first Hollywood film was “The Dark Angel” in 1935, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Iconic Movies
Oberon’s career in Hollywood spanned over two decades, and she appeared in numerous films, including “Wuthering Heights” (1939), “The Scarlet Pimpernel” (1934), and “The Lodger” (1944). She was known for her beauty, elegance, and talent, which made her one of the most sought after actresses of her time.
One of her most iconic roles was in the film “The Divorce of Lady X” (1938), where she played opposite Laurence Olivier. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it solidified Oberon’s status as a Hollywood star.
Personal Life and Children
Oberon was married twice in her life. Her first marriage was to director Alexander Korda in 1939, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1945. She then married Italian industrialist Bruno Pagliai in 1957, and they remained married until her death in 1979.
Oberon had one child, a son named Francesca Pagliai, who was born in 1951. Francesca was the result of an affair between Oberon and actor Robert Wolders. Oberon kept her pregnancy a secret, and Francesca was raised by Pagliai as his own son.
Conclusion
Merle Oberon’s life and legacy are a testament to her talent, beauty, and resilience. She overcame discrimination and racism to become one of the most sought after actresses of her time. Her legacy lives on through her iconic movies and her influence on future generations of actresses. She will always be remembered as a Hollywood icon and a trailblazer for women of color in the entertainment industry.
