Ray Mala

Birth Name: Ray Agnaqsiaq Wise

Date of Birth: December 27, 1906

Place of Birth: Candle, District of Alaska (now Alaska)

Date of Death: September 23, 1952

Place of Death: Hollywood, California, U.S.

Ethnicity:
*father – Ashkenazi Jewish
*mother – Inupiaq Inuit

Ray Mala was an Alaska Native/American actor. He is considered one of the first Native Hollywood stars. He made his debut in Captain Frank Kleinschmidt’s film Primitive Love, at fourteen. He also accompanied Danish explorer Knud Rasmussen as a cameraman on his Great Sled Journey.

Ray was the son of Karenak Ellen “Casina”/”Constance” Armstrong and William Mendel “Bill” Wise. His father was a Russian Jewish immigrant. His mother was born in Alaska, and was of Inuit descent. He was married to Galina Kropotkin Liss, until his death, with whom he had a son. His granddaughter is actress Galina Liss.

Ray’s paternal grandfather was named Mendel Wise.

Ray’s paternal grandmother was named Dina/Dena Walsh/Wolsch.

Ray’s maternal grandfather was Preston Keyakpuk Mills (the son of Makpiiquaraq Cole and Makpiiq).

Ray’s maternal grandmother was Lorena Oyon “Nancy” Armstrong (the daughter of Yayuk and Tounounatuk).

Source: Death record of Ray Mala – https://www.findagrave.com