Abhiroop Das
Helmed by Sean McNamara, ‘Soul on Fire’ dramatizes the inspiring true story of John O’Leary, who, at the age of 9, was in a fire accident and suffered severe burns over 100% of his body. Despite many professionals declaring that his chances of recovery were slim to none, John proved them all wrong and recovered through his sheer resilience, faith, and the support he received from his loved ones. The biographical drama movie traces his journey from childhood to adulthood, tackling the numerous struggles he faced in life, and how he learnt to overcome them. Beth O’Leary, his wife and an occupational therapist by profession, stands alongside him as both a pillar and a guiding light, and together they blossom into something truly special.
Beth and John’s Love Story Blossomed Over the Course of Their College Years
In ‘Soul on Fire,’ the character of Beth is an on-screen recreation of John O’Leary’s real-life partner, Beth O’Leary, formerly Beth Hittler. The duo met in 1998 as freshman students at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. Smitten at first sight, John sought his mother’s advice before inviting Beth to the dance floor. “He approached me like he didn’t have any injuries,” Beth recalled in an interview with Focus on the Family, before adding, “like nothing was holding him back.” Over the following year, Beth and John became close friends, frequently spending time together. Around that time, John decided to take things to the next stage by formally asking her out, but was turned down. At this point, Beth described him as a brotherly figure, but that didn’t stop John from proposing to her the following year, only to be rejected again.
This time, a change transpired in John’s psyche, and he began to perceive his dynamic with Beth differently. In the same interview, he recounted that he “stopped pursuing her for what I could get, and I started to love her for who she was.” This positive turn to unconditional love meant that the duo grew much closer as friends, and one more year later, Beth confessed that she had begun liking him romantically. Beth and John married three years later, on November 22, 2003. The moment was particularly monumental for John’s parents, Dennis and Susan O’Leary. In the following year, they penned a book detailing John’s inspirational journey, titled ‘Overwhelming Odds,’ which also had a section about his life with Beth.
Beth is a Doting Mother of Four and a Professional Occupational Therapist Today
John and Beth went on to welcome four children into the world: Jack, Patrick, Henry, and Grace. The family, made complete by their pet dog, Emma, is based in the St. Louis, Missouri area, a place that holds great meaning for both John and Beth. After graduating from Saint Louis, Beth began working as the university’s adjunct instructor in occupational science and therapy, a position she held till 2016. As of writing, she continues to work as an occupational therapist and has maintained a low profile on social media. She continues to work closely with her husband in his journey as a motivational speaker. The couple has shared 22 years of marriage so far and reportedly go on weekly date nights. They have made it a rule to sleep at the same time and ensure they pray for each other before falling asleep.
Reportedly, Beth was also closely involved in the making of ‘Soul on Fire,’ serving not only as a consultant but also providing assistance at multiple stages of the filming process. “When presented the opportunity to share a story we know will be such an encouragement to so many others,” John said in his blog post, “Beth did what she always does when an opportunity presents itself to make a difference for others, she said yes.” She helped the crew understand the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy, ensuring that the film stayed as accurate as possible. To add to the realism, she even gave the team her actual wedding dress, which actor Masey McLain later donned on-screen.
Beth Went Above and Beyond to Make the Filming of Soul on Fire a Success
Beth also helped the production during some critical moments, such as the one time when the crew urgently needed O’Leary’s pet dog, Emma, for a scene. Beth accommodated that request by rearranging her entire schedule, even joining the crew between her professional meetings. This level of commitment to the movie was key to infusing it with the values that make Beth and John’s story special in the first place. The latter also discussed the occasion when the cast and crew’s dinner plans fell through, and Beth stepped up to the task by hosting an entire gathering, creating memories along the way. John’s most memorable moment from the production, however, happened when the filming wrapped up.
John recalled that, while the crew was preparing for the next scene, one of the cameras was left recording. Amidst the scene of a bustling hallway with people moving in and out of rooms, Beth entered the frame and began interacting with the cast and the crew one by one. Upon recognizing one of the crew members, she greeted them with a warm embrace, drawing the entire team’s attention to the heartfelt moment. While this encounter never made it into the final cut of the film, it remained in the crew’s minds, demonstrating just how authentic and warm Beth’s engagement with the film was. As of writing, she continues juggling her personal life and professional endeavors like a pro, inspiring many alongside John.
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