Mary Alish McGiveney, later known as Maura McGiveney, was born on February 28, 1939, in Stockport, England, to Owen McGiveney, a "quick change" actor, and Elizabeth Hughes.
She studied at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and initially ventured to Hollywood to pursue a career in film. Her early work included an uncredited role as an attendant in Alfred Hitchcock's 1959 film, North by Northwest.
Throughout her career, McGiveney primarily worked in television, appearing in numerous episodes of popular shows such as Perry Mason, Hawaii 5-0, Dr. Kildare, McHale's Navy, The Virginian, Laredo, and My Three Sons.
In 1966, McGiveney received a Golden Globe nomination from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association as Most Promising Newcomer for her role as Claire Hackett in the farcical comedy, Do Not Disturb, alongside Doris Day and Rod Taylor.
On stage, McGiveney showcased her talents in productions such as Harvey, The Second City, and The Fantasticks, among others.
Beyond her acting career, McGiveney was also a skilled comedian and singer. In a bold attempt to secure fame, she appeared in the short-lived series, Turn-On, which aired a single episode in 1969. The show's risqué content and themes led to ABC affiliates refusing to broadcast the second episode, resulting in the sponsor, Bristol-Myers, immediately canceling the series, despite five shows being filmed and twenty-one more planned.
On January 10, 1972, McGiveney married her longtime on-and-off boyfriend, William Szathmary, also known as Bill Dana, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The couple divorced four months later in Los Angeles.
Maura McGiveney passed away on November 10, 1990, at the age of 51, due to cirrhosis of the liver in Sherman Oaks, California.
