Margarita Sierra was an American actress and singer best known for her role as Cha Cha O’Brien in the television series Surfside 6. Born in Madrid, Spain, on January 5, 1936, she gained fame as a nightclub performer before her early death at the age of 27.
Personal and Family Life
Margarita was born Maria Margarita Suarez Sierra and showed her talent for dance at a very young age, becoming an accomplished tap dancer by four. She spent much of her early career performing in children’s shows and nightclubs across Spain, Central America, and South America. At 20, she moved to the U.S. for a nightclub tour where she showcased her singing and dancing skills.
Career
After gaining attention on the Jack Paar show, Sierra caught the eye of a Warner Bros. executive who offered her a contract. She made her mark in American television with her role in Surfside 6, which enjoyed two successful seasons. Despite her celebrity status, reports suggest that she had a demanding persona on set, although she later became friends with her co-star Van Williams.
Death and Legacy
Margarita Sierra’s life came to a tragic end on September 6, 1963, following complications from heart surgery. At just 27, she had undergone a procedure that could only replace two of her four defective heart valves. Her passing left a mark on the entertainment industry, as she was a rising star with immense talent and charisma.
Filmography
| Role | Title | Type | Years | Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cha Cha O’Brien | Surfside 6 | TV Series | 1960–1962 | 57 episodes |
| performer: “Zing Went the Strings of My Heart” | Soundtrack | 1960–1962 | 40 episodes | |
| performer: “Pretty Baby” | Soundtrack | 1960–1962 | 40 episodes | |
| performer: “Lover Come Back” | Soundtrack | 1960–1962 | 40 episodes | |