May McAvoy

May McAvoy Profile Photo

Characters played by May McAvoy

Woman in crowd (uncredited) — Ben-Hur (1959)

Female spectator or local resident, representing public reaction.

Ruth Harper — No Defense (1929)

Ruth Harper is Harper, Sr.’s daughter and John Harper’s sister. She develops a romance with Monte Collins after their playful conflict at the construction site, but rejects him when his poor evening clothes embarrass her in Boston. After learning the truth about the bridge disaster, she defends her love for Monte and chooses a new life with him.

Lady Windermere — Lady Windermere's Fan (1925)

The central young woman of the story, devoted to the memory of a mother she believes dead. Suspicious of Lord Windermere's dealings, she confronts him, reacts angrily to Mrs. Erlynne's appearance at her ball, and later flees before being persuaded to return home.

Mary Dale — The Jazz Singer (1927)

A talented musical theater dancer who discovers Jack Robin at a cabaret and mentors him into stardom. She supports his career, helps him secure a leading role in April Follies, and challenges him to prioritize his ambitions, though she ultimately witnesses his spiritual reconciliation with his family.

Esther — Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1925)

Esther is Simonides's daughter and a former acquaintance of Judah who becomes closely connected with him after their reunion in Antioch. She helps conceal Miriam and Tirzah's whereabouts, then brings them to the Messiah in hope of healing before reuniting with Judah.

1st Nurse (uncredited) — Ringside Maisie (1941)

A hospital nurse appearing briefly during the recovery sequence.

Shirley Ross — The Lion and the Mouse (1928)

Judge Ross's talented sculptor daughter who falls in love with Jefferson Ryder. To clear her father's name and retrieve a crucial letter, she infiltrates Ryder's estate, ultimately sacrificing her own happiness by coldly rejecting Jefferson to secure her father's exoneration.

Judith Allen — The Road to Glory (1926)

Judith is David Hale's sweetheart and James Allen's daughter. After a car accident leaves her with a slight head injury and her father dead, she later loses her sight and breaks with David, losing her faith in God. After a storm injures them both, the shock of being at David's bedside restores her sight.

The Girl — Caught in the Fog (1928)

A bobbed-hair bandit who breaks into the Vickers family houseboat with her gunman accomplice to steal the jewels. She bluffs her way into staying by posing as the maid and later becomes the focus of Bob's concern when he rescues her from her domineering partner. Bob ultimately arrests her, but the two have formed a romantic bond.

Olga Redmayne — The Terror (1928)

Dr. Redmayne's daughter, Olga is horrified when her father pressures her into an unwanted engagement to Goodman. After a mysterious attacker targets her, she grows suspicious of Fane when she sees him conceal the murder weapon, even as their attraction develops. She is later abducted during the confrontation beneath Monkshall and begins a romance with Fane after the danger has passed.

Laura Pennington — The Enchanted Cottage (1924)

A plain governess who tends to children in the cottage garden. She befriends Oliver, shares his loneliness, and accepts his proposal. After their wedding night, she undergoes a magical transformation into beauty, prays to retain his love, and awakens radiant alongside her husband.

Middle Telephone Operator — Phantom Raiders (1940)

Communication worker handling calls.

Career Overview

May McAvoy has 77 screen credits in a career dating back to 1918. Their work spans 4 cinematic universes — most prominently Ben-Hur with 1 titles. Signature works include No Defense, The Terror, Caught in the Fog. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.

Personal Facts

Known For
Acting
Gender
female
Known Credits
77
Birth Date
1899-09-06
Birth Place
New York City, New York, USA

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 4 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q460262), public domain (CC0).