Paula Murad Coburn

Paula Josephine Murad Coburn[2] (October 31, 1955 – July 30, 2004), also known as Paula O'Hara[3] was a Jamaican-born American actress and television host.

Paula Murad Coburn
Born
Paula Josephine Murad

(1955-10-31)October 31, 1955
Kingston, Jamaica
DiedJuly 30, 2004(2004-07-30) (aged 48)
Beverly Hills, California, US
Other namesPaula O'Hara
OccupationActress, television host
Years active1991–2004
Spouse(s)
​
​
(m. 1993; died 2002)​
Children2[1]

Early life

Murad was born on October 31, 1955, in Jamaica to Leroy, a law professor, and Olive. She had three brothers, Claude (from Leroy’s first marriage to Audrey Neal), Mark and John, and three sisters, Ann (also from Leroy’s first marriage), Catherine and Elizabeth. When she was a baby, the Murads moved to Cleveland.[2]

Career

Prior to her acting career, Murad resided in Washington, D.C., where she hosted a television show called Real Estate Digest.[2] Murad was also a television newsreader.[4] She later moved to Los Angeles, where she studied with acting coaches Warner Loughlin and Howard Fine.[2]

She appeared in the films The Set Up (1995) and American Gun (2002), both of which feature her husband James Coburn. She also appeared in an episode of USA High.[2]

Personal life

Murad met her future husband, actor James Coburn, in Los Angeles.[2] They married on October 22, 1993, Their marriage made her stepmother of Coburn's two children from his first marriage: Lisa and James IV.[2][5]

Murad and her husband founded the James and Paula Coburn Foundation.[2]

Coburn, who won an Oscar for his performance in Affliction (1998), mentioned Murad in his acceptance speech: "This, for my beautiful wife, Paula. She finally got to come to the Academy Awards. This is for you, baby!"[6]

Murad and Coburn remained together until his death on November 18, 2002.[3] The couple were at their Beverly Hills home listening to music together when Coburn died of a heart attack.[5][7][8] According to Coburn's manager, Hillard Elkins, Coburn died in Murad's arms.[9]

Death

On July 30, 2004, Murad died of cancer at her home in Beverly Hills.[10] She was 48 years old.[3]

Filmography

References
  1. By Robert F. Worth (2002-11-19). "James Coburn, 74, Is Dead; A Sly Presence in 80 Films". The New York Times. Retrieved 2017-01-28.
  2. "The James and Paula Coburn Foundation 123 G Street San Diego, CA 92101 Actress Paula Coburn, Wife of Late LAcademy Award Winning Actor, James Coburn, Succumbs to Cancer at 48". James&Paula Coburn Foundation. 4 August 2004. Retrieved 2 November 2020.
  3. Jerry Roberts, The Hollywood Scandal Almanac: 12 Months of Sinister, Salacious and Senseless History!, The History Press, 2012 p309
  4. "James Coburn". The Daily Telegraph. 20 November 2002. Retrieved 20 February 2016.
  5. Paul Donnelley, Fade to Black: A Book of Movie Obituaries, Music Sales Group, 2003 p161
  6. "Actor James Coburn dies at age 74". United Press International. 19 November 2002. Retrieved 20 February 2016.
  7. Grace, Francie (19 November 2002). "Actor James Coburn Dead At Age 74". CBS News. Retrieved 20 February 2016.
  8. Borger, Julian (19 November 2002). "James Coburn, Hollywood tough guy, dies at 74". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 February 2016.
  9. Sahagun, Louis (19 November 2002). "James Coburn, 74; Actor Won an Oscar Late in His Career". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 20 February 2016.
  10. "Paula Coburn". Los Angeles Times. 7 August 2004. Retrieved 20 February 2016.
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