Juanin Clay

Clay was born in Westchester County, New York, to Antonio and Barbara de Zalduondo.^[1][3] and attended the Ethel Walker SchoolinSimsbury, Connecticut. She graduated from Smith College, then earned a master's degree in education from Harvard University.^[2] She was a kindergarten teacher in Connecticut before she became an actress.^[3]

Clay originated the role of Raven Alexander on the daytime soap opera The Edge of Night from 1976 to 1977,^[4][5] and chose to leave to pursue other projects.^[6] She was a contender for the role of Wilma Deering in the 1979–1981 television series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, but lost the role to Erin Gray, who returned to reprise her role from the 1979 theatrical release. Clay later guest-starred in the Buck Rogers episode "Vegas in Space", playing Marla Landers, who briefly partnered with Rogers. Clay appeared as a guest star on a number of TV series, including Father Murphy and L.A. Law. In 1981, she appeared in The Legend of the Lone Ranger, and in 1983, she had a small role in WarGames.^[7] In 1985, she played Jacqueline Kennedy in the miniseries Robert Kennedy and His Times. She was a founding member of the New York Acting Unit, a Shakespearean repertory group, and the co-author, producer, and director of King of the City, a drama about Al Capone.^[7][8][9]

Clay's work on stage included acting off-Broadway and in productions in Los Angeles and Edinburgh, Scotland.^[3]

In 1981, Clay married Joe Lambie, who played opposite her as Logan Swifton The Edge of Night.^[1][2] She was a Christian Scientist.^[3]

Clay died in a convalescent hospital in Los Angeles on March 12, 1995, "after a lengthy illness". She was 45 years old.^[3]

The Valley Theatre League of Los Angeles created the Juanin Clay Lifetime Achievement Award in her memory.^[10]

• Juanin Clay, the woman who would have been Wilma – tribute site
• Juanin ClayatIMDb