Devoted sister, mother, wife, and aunt. Successful model and actress. Generous philanthropist and explorer of the world.
This article is a prime example for much of what was wrong in the 1950s. Allen Rich, real-life sleazy creep and the author of this piece, is, with all due respect, which is close to none, oozing sexism, exoticism and various other unpleasant -isms from every pore. I can’t imagine what it must have been like for Maria to endure this man for the length of an entire interview.
In February of 1958 Maria and Lisa Lu were Chinatown princesses appearing at events celebrating the Chinese New Year, which, in this case, was the Year of the Dog.
Deep in the column James Abbe highlights the imminent broadcast of a new episode of The Californians titled China Doll, featuring Adam Kennedy and Maria as a Chinese slave girl. Apparently “they” say that Maria is the Chinese equivalent of a what’s known as a “cupcake”.
Maria is mentioned as co-star of an upcoming episode of The Californians, namely China Doll (Season 1 Episode 17), as a Chinese slave girl that Dion Patrick (Adam Kennedy) wins at a poker game.
A brief blurb highlighting the imminent broadcast of a new episode of The Californians titled China Doll, featuring Maria and Adam Kennedy.
One of the more in-depth articles on Maria’s appearance on The Californians in the episode titled China Doll, featuring Adam Kennedy and Maria as a Chinese slave girl.
A photo with a brief description shows Maria as a guest at the wedding reception of Sarah Ahn Buffum and motion picture and TV writer Ray Buffum at the bride’s father’s, Philip Ahn’s, Moongate Restaurant. The photo was posted with similar short captions in various Newspapers in early November of 1957.
Maria was among a group of Chinese starlets welcoming James Wong at the airport after spending 6 months in Europe filming No. 1 Son.
This ad for KROD-TV’s program schedule lists Maria as a cast member featured in a 6:30pm showing of a Frontier Doctor episode about a cholera outbreak. This episode would be “Illegal Entry” (S01 E16) in which she plays Mei Ling, an employee of Hong Kong Harry’s.
In a small untitled news item with photo Maria is quoted as saying that bald heads are for eagles, not men.
