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Maria Elena Holly

Acting
Freshness: Jan 29, 2026
2Total Films
7.5 Highest Rated
Born: Dec 20, 1932
Birth Place: San Juan, Puerto Rico

About Maria Elena Holly

María Elena Holly (née Santiago; born December 20, 1932) is the widow of American rock and roll pioneer Buddy Holly. As a receptionist at Peermusic, she met with Holly and his band the Crickets on June 19, 1958, and Holly proposed to her after five hours on their first date. Less than two months later, the couple married on August 15, 1958, in Lubbock, Texas. On February 3, 1959, Buddy Holly died in a plane crash along with fellow musicians Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper outside Clear Lake, Iowa. After learning of her husband's death from the television news, she suffered a miscarriage the following day and could not attend Holly's funeral in Lubbock.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Maria Elena Holly reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 2 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Documentary

The majority of Maria Elena Holly's filmography leans towards the Documentary genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 50% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Maria Elena Holly remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Buddy Holly: Rave On, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Maria Elena Holly Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Maria Elena Holly's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Maria Elena Holly.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2017 Buddy Holly: Rave On Self Super Hit Similar →
1985 The Real Buddy Holly Story Self Average Similar →

Maria Elena Holly - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Maria Elena Holly?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Maria Elena Holly is "Buddy Holly: Rave On" with a rating of 7.5/10.

How many movies has Maria Elena Holly acted in?

Maria Elena Holly has been featured in at least 2 major films throughout their career.