Mariska Megyzsi, known professionally as Mae Clarke, was born to Hungarian parents, her father being a violin maker who played in the San Francisco Symphony. This talented individual was destined to make a lasting impact in the world of entertainment, and her early life was marked by a series of events that would shape her future.
As a young girl, Mae trained as a singer, but her true passion lay in dance. She began her career at the tender age of nine as a performer with 'The Megland Kiddies', a group that showcased her impressive dancing skills. Her unique voice was once described as sounding like Betty Boop after one too many Martinis, a testament to her charming and lively personality.
Mae's career in Hollywood was marked by a string of successful films, including the iconic Busby Berkeley musicals made at Warner Brothers. She worked alongside some of the biggest names in the industry, including D.W. Griffith, Errol Flynn, and Gary Cooper. Her stunning blue eyes and blonde hair made her a standout on the big screen, and she quickly became a mainstay of the Warner Brothers' stable of stars.
One of Mae's most notable roles was in the 1929 film "The Fox Movietone Follies of 1929", in which she danced the "Breakaway", a derivation of the Charleston that had originated in 1920s New York. This film showcased her impressive dancing skills and cemented her status as a rising star in Hollywood.
Mae's career continued to soar throughout the 1930s, with standout roles in films such as "The Big Stampede" (1932),"So Big!" (1932),and "The Mouthpiece" (1932). She worked alongside some of the biggest names in the industry, including John Wayne, Bette Davis, and Warren William.
Despite her success, Mae's career began to wane by the mid-1930s, and she eventually left the entertainment industry to focus on other pursuits. She got married, raised a family, and eventually became a realtor in Covina and Claremont, California.
After a 75-year hiatus from the screen, Mae was interviewed for a TV documentary entitled "I Used to Be in Pictures" (2000),which featured interviews with numerous actresses from the Golden Years of Hollywood. Mae passed away four years later, at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most talented and enduring actresses of her generation.
Mae Clarke's life was marked by a series of events that showcased her talent, charm, and determination. From her early days as a performer with 'The Megland Kiddies' to her later years as a successful realtor, Mae's story is a testament to the enduring power of the entertainment industry and the impact that it can have on our lives.
