Whatever Happened to ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ Child Star Margaret O’Brien?

Margaret O’Brien turns 89 on January 15, 2026 — but while she’s been an adult for a long time, for many classic movie fans, she will always be remembered as the adorable little girl who stole scenes in Meet Me in St. Louis. Appearing opposite Judy Garland as “Tootie” Smith, O’Brien delivered one of the most emotionally moving child actor performances of the studio era, earning a special Academy Juvenile Award in 1944 and helping to define what youthful authenticity on screen could look like. Have you ever wondered what she is up to in recent years? The actress is still making public appearances, often for events celebrating her classic films.