May McAvoy (born September 8, 1899 in New York City; died April 26, 1984 in Los Angeles, California), was a pioneer American silent film actress best known starring in Hollywood's first motion picture talkie. McAvoy made her film debut in 1920. After appearing in more than three dozen films, she co-starred with Ramon Novarro and Francis X. Bushman in director Fred Niblo's 1925 production of Ben-Hur. The feature length film was one of the most lavish and spectacular productions of the silent movie era. However, she is best remembered for her role with Al Jolson in the first sound film, The Jazz Singer.
May McAvoy made her last film in 1957 and died in 1984. She is interred in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California.
For her contribution to the motion picture industry, May McAvoy has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1731 Vine Street.
The Jazz Singer (1927)
