Anna Kashfi was an American actress who is best known for her roles in “Cowboy,” “Battle Hymn,” and her marriage to actor Marlon Brando.
Personal and Family Life
Anna Kashfi was born as Joan O’Callaghan on September 30, 1934, in Darjeeling, British India. She had a tumultuous personal life, highlighted by her marriage to Marlon Brando from 1957 to 1959, with whom she had a son, Christian Brando. After her marriage with Brando, she married James Edward Hannaford in 1974, remaining together until his death in 1987.
Career Highlights
Kashfi appeared in several films, including “The Mountain” (1956) and “Battle Hymn” (1957). While she is often perceived as Indian, there are claims that she was born to a Welsh father and reinvented her background for a more appealing Hollywood image. Despite these controversies, she is primarily remembered for her relationship with Brando and her brief, yet impactful, film career.
Death and Legacy
Anna Kashfi passed away on August 16, 2015, in Woodland, Washington, at the age of 80, due to natural causes. She left behind a legacy as Marlon Brando’s first wife and the mother of Christian Brando. Kashfi’s life was marked by both personal struggles and professional achievements in the entertainment industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Cowboy | 1958-01-23 | Maria Vidal / Arriega |
| Battle Hymn | 1957-02-14 | En Soon Yang |
| Night of the Quarter Moon | 1959-03-04 | Maria Robbin |
| The Mountain | 1956-05-31 | Hindu Girl |
| Listen to Me Marlon | 2015-07-29 | Self (archive footage) |
| Marlon Brando, un acteur nommé désir | 2014-09-20 | Self – Actress (archive footage) |
| Adventures in Paradise | 1959-10-05 | Monique Le Febure |
| Bronco | 1958-09-23 |