Maria McClay was an American actress who is best known for Burke’s Law, All the Young Men, and Hawaiian Eye.
Personal and Family Life
Born on February 4, 1925, in the Philippines, Maria was the eldest of eight children from Chinese parents. She studied at St. John’s University in Shanghai during the 1930s and later attended Columbia University in New York. Maria was married to Booker McClay, and they had one child together.
Career
Maria McClay began her acting career in the 1950s and 1960s, often appearing in supporting roles on television. She was known for her work in various TV series and movies, showcasing her talent in diverse characters. Some of her most notable appearances include her roles in Burke’s Law and Hawaiian Eye.
Death and Legacy
Maria McClay passed away on November 2, 2020, in Los Angeles, California, USA. Her contributions to early television and film left a lasting impact, especially as a prominent actress of Asian descent during an era when such representation was rare. She is remembered for her roles that broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of actors.
Filmography
| Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Burke’s Law | 1964 | Japanese Girl (as Maria Tsien McClay) |
| 87th Precinct | 1962 | Mary (as Marie Tsien McClary) |
| Bachelor Father | 1962 | Lin Sing (as Marie Tsien McClay) |
| One-Eyed Jacks | 1961 | Townswoman (uncredited) |
| Hong Kong | 1961 | Sou Mei |
| All the Young Men | 1960 | Korean Woman (as Marie Tsien) |
| Hawaiian Eye | 1960 | Su Ling (as Maria Tsien) |
| Never So Few | 1959 | Eurasian Girl (uncredited) |
| Not for Hire | 1959 | Lilly (as Marie Tsien) |
| Bat Masterson | 1959 | Dealer (as Marie Tsien) |
| Man Without a Gun | 1959 | Chi Ying (as Marie Tsien) |
| December Bride | 1958 | (as Maria Tsien) |
| The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet | 1958 | Japanese Girl (as Marie Tsien) |
| The Californians | 1958 | Mei Soong (as Marie Tsien) |
| Omar Khayyam | 1957 | Chinese Girl (uncredited) |