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Maureen O'Hara took the United States by storm in the mid 20th century, shooting to fame during the 1940's all the way to the 60's as one of Hollywood's biggest stars.
The stunning redhead, born in Dublin, died in 2015 aged 95 and looking back on her career, fans will remember her on-screen relationship with the great John Wayne. However, the pair grew to be lifelong friends off the screen.
According to her grandson, Conor Beau Fitzsimons, the Hollywood icon and 'The Duke' John Wayne struck up a secret romance, but remained very close friends through the decades and he even noted seeing O'Hara cry just one time - when Wayne passed away in 1979.
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Introduced through director John Ford, they did five films together and grew close due to a mutual respect.
"That's the only time I had ever seen my grandmother cry," Beau Fitzsimons told Closer in 2013 as he noted their relationship and why O'Hara respected Wayne. "She didn't really cry when her husband died. But when Duke died, she cried."
"I think my grandma didn't like when men hit on her too much," he said. "When she wanted to socialize, drink and just be Maureen, she knew that Duke always had her back."
Wayne publicly expressed his admiration for O'Hara, calling her a true friend and underlining how much he enjoyed her company.
"There's only one woman who has been my friend over the years, and by that, I mean a real friend, like a man would be," Duke said.
"She's big, lusty and absolutely marvelous, definitely my kind of woman. She's a great guy. I've had many friends, and I prefer the company of men. Except for Maureen O'Hara."
O'Hara's admiration for Wayne rubbed off on her grandson, who views the legendary actor as a father figure.
Fitzsimons said, "I didn't have a father when I grew up, and Maureen definitely pushed that this is the kind of man you want to be when you grow up. My impression of that was a man who opened doors, was respectful... I would say that Duke really help mold who I became."
The Secret Romance and the "Better as Friends" Card
While both stars claimed they were just close friends during their lifetimes, the video covers a revelation made after her death by her grandson.
He confessed that the two actually shared a brief real-life romance.
As proof, O'Hara kept a secret hotel room key until her death in 2015, preserved alongside a card that read "Better as friends"—showing she intentionally drew a boundary to protect their lifelong bond.
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"I know they did at one point, but she was way too strong for him."
He added: "You can't have those [tender] looks that they had in the movies without having a moment in time.
"They would have been friends first, and most of the Duke's dames were not his friends. I think that night might have cemented their friendship."
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