Margaret Roach, born on March 15, 1921, in the vibrant metropolis of Los Angeles, California, was the daughter of the illustrious and renowned comedy producer Hal Roach, whose impressive career in the entertainment industry had already garnered significant recognition. Margaret's family life was further enriched by the presence of her younger brother, Hal Roach Jr., who would also go on to make a name for himself in the world of entertainment. As a teenager, Margaret embarked on a journey that would lay the foundation for her future success in the world of theatre, where she honed her skills and talents by singing at nightclubs, adopting the acting name Diane Rochelle for a brief period. This early exposure to the world of entertainment led to her securing small roles in films, although her father, initially hesitant to support her aspirations, refused to provide his backing for her acting career. However, in 1940, Hal Roach changed his stance and cast his daughter in his comedies, including the 1940 film Turnabout and the 1941 film Road Show, marking a significant turning point in her career.
Margaret's life was characterized by a tumultuous marital history, marked by a divorce from her first husband, E.L. Hilton, a union that ultimately ended in a state of separation.
Following the demise of her mother in 1941, Margaret's relationship with her father became increasingly strained, leading to a prolonged estrangement.
In 1947, she ventured into matrimony once more, this time with the renowned actor and writer, Robert Livingston, with whom she would share a son, Addison Randall.
As fate would have it, Addison would also follow in his mother's footsteps, pursuing a career in the world of acting.
Despite her extensive filmography, comprising over a dozen cinematic endeavors, Margaret was never able to achieve the coveted status of leading lady.
Margaret, a talented actress, made her mark on the film industry with a notable appearance in the 1949 crime drama "The Devil's Sleep". However, her illustrious career was short-lived, as she soon retired from acting.
Margaret's personal life was marked by a tumultuous marriage to Livingston, which unfortunately came to an end after a mere four years. Her life was cut tragically short when she passed away on November 25, 1964, at the tender age of 43, due to undisclosed causes.
In the end, Margaret's final resting place was at Holy Cross Cemetery in Los Angeles, where she was laid to rest alongside her beloved mother.
