Maya Karin Biography: Age, Net Worth, Spouse, Children, Family, Movie, Songs

Maya Karin is a multi-talented Malaysian artist who has succeeded in various entertainment fields.

She is a film actress, television host, and singer who has won numerous awards and accolades for her performances.

She is also an environmental activist and a public outreach ambassador passionate about preserving her country’s natural beauty.

She is widely regarded as one of Malaysia’s most popular and influential celebrities.

Profile

• Full name: Maya Karin Roelcke
• Date of birth: October 29, 1979
• Age: 44 years old
• Gender: Female
• Place of birth: Bayreuth, Germany
• Nationality: Malaysian
• Profession: Film actress, television host, singer
• Height: 1.65 m
• Parents: Gottfried Roelcke (father), Che Zan (mother)
• Siblings: Natalia Roelcke (sister), Sebastian Roelcke (brother)
• Spouse: Steven David Shorthose (ex-husband)
• Children: N/A
• Relationship status: Single
• Net worth: $5 million

Early Life & Education

Maya Karin, who turned 44 years old in 2023, was born on October 29, 1979, in Bayreuth, Germany, to a German father, Gottfried Roelcke, and a Malay mother, Che Zan. She has two siblings: a sister named Natalia and a brother named Sebastian.

Maya is of German, Malay, Chinese, and Indian Muslim descent. She spent her childhood in various countries, including Germany, Indonesia, Australia and Malaysia.

She attended international schools and learned to speak several languages, including English, Malay, German, and French.

She developed a love for music and acting at a young age and participated in various school plays and musicals. She also enjoyed outdoor activities and sports like hiking, camping, swimming, and horse riding.

She moved to Malaysia permanently when she was 17 and completed her secondary education at the Garden International School in Kuala Lumpur.

She then enrolled at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, graduating with a degree in Media and Marketing studies. She joined the university’s drama club and performed in several theatre productions.

Personal Life

Maya Karin married Steven David Shorthose, a British expatriate, in 2008. They had a traditional Malay wedding ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, followed by a reception in London.

However, their marriage did not last long, and they divorced in 2010. Maya Karin cited irreconcilable differences and lack of communication as the reasons for their separation.

She also revealed that she suffered from depression and anxiety during her marriage and sought professional help to cope with her emotional issues. She has since remained single and focused on her career and personal growth.

Maya Karin has no children but is close to her nieces and nephews. She often spends time with them and treats them as her own.

She also has a pet cat named Luna, whom she adopted from a shelter. She is an animal lover and supports various animal welfare organizations.

Career

Maya Karin began her career as a television host in 1999 when she joined the Astro Ria channel. She hosted several shows, such as Warna, Maya, and Gaya. She also appeared in several commercials and music videos.

She made her film debut in 2001 when she starred in the horror movie Seri Dewi Malam. She then appeared in several other films, such as Cinta Kolestrol, Mr Cinderella, and Cinta 24 Jam.

She rose to fame in 2004 when she played the lead role of Meriam in the horror film Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam.

She received critical acclaim and won the Best Actress Award at the Asia-Pacific Film Festival and the Estepona Fantasy and Terror Film Festival.

She also reprised her role in the sequel, Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam 2, in 2005. She then starred in several successful films, such as Anak Halal, Waris Jari Hantu, Ombak Rindu, and Munafik 2.

She has been nominated for the Best Actress Award at the Malaysia Film Festival 11 times and won twice for Waris Jari Hantu and Munafik 2.

She is also a singer who has released Maya and Maya Karin albums. She has sung several songs for her films, such as “Menghitung Hari,” “Tiada Kata Secantik Bahasa,” and “Lagu Cinta.”

She has also collaborated with other artists like Ning Baizura, Jaclyn Victor, and Faizal Tahir. She has won several awards for singing, such as the Anugerah Planet Muzik and the Anugerah Juara Lagu.

She is also a television host who has hosted several shows, such as Maya HD, Maya Unplugged, and Maya Travelogue. She has also been a judge and a mentor for several talent shows, such as Mentor, Akademi Fantasia, and The Voice Malaysia.

She has also been a guest star and a cameo in several television series, such as Cinta Si Wedding Planner, Cinta Koko Coklat, and Cinta Sekali Lagi.

Controversy

Maya Karin has been involved in several controversies and scandals throughout her career. Some of them are:

• In 2006, she was accused of plagiarizing the song “Menghitung Hari” from the Indonesian singer Krisdayanti. She denied the allegation and claimed she had obtained the original composer’s permission and license to sing the song.
• In 2008, she was criticized for wearing a revealing dress at the Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian. She apologized for her wardrobe malfunction and explained that she did not realize the dress was too transparent under the spotlight.
• In 2010, she was rumored to have an affair with her co-star Aaron Aziz while filming Ombak Rindu. She denied the rumor and said they were good friends and professional colleagues. She also said that she was still married to Steven David Shorthose at that time and that she respected her husband and her marriage vows.
• In 2012, she was sued by her former manager, Zainal Abidin, for breach of contract and unpaid fees. She claimed that she had terminated her contract with him due to his unprofessionalism and mismanagement. She also said that she had paid him all the fees that he deserved. The case was settled out of court in 2013.
• In 2018, she was mocked by some netizens for her appearance at the Anugerah Skrin. They said that she looked old and worn and that she had undergone plastic surgery. She responded by saying she was proud of her natural beauty and did not care about the negative comments.

Social Media

• Instagram: @maya_karin
• Twitter: @maya_karin

Filmography

• Ombak Rindu
• Munafik
• Cun!
• Anak Halal
• Duyung

Discography

• Teka-Teki
• Pulang
• Gebang
• Terseyum
• Logika
• Titi Rahsia

Net Worth

Maya Karin has an estimated net worth of $5 million. She earns income from acting, singing, hosting, and endorsement deals.

She has endorsed several brands and products, such as L’Oréal, Sunsilk, Samsung, and Honda.