Mary Zilba was born in Toledo, Ohio and is of French and Lebanese ancestry, attended Central Catholic High School and is a graduate of the University of Toledo where she earned her degree in Journalism / Broadcasting. Zilba has been in the public spotlight nearly her entire life – she and her sister, Juliana, both held Miss Ohio titles.
Career
After her Miss Ohio win in 1986, Zilba's career began in Ohio where she spent her early career working in television in broadcasting as a reporter and, later, becoming a television host and MC, hosting TV shows and events. Eventually, she moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida where she conceptualized, wrote and produced a popular travel series called Eye on Travel. She later moved to Los Angeles, where she signed a music development deal. During this time she simultaneously began working in film and TV, landing commercials and a variety of film roles. She subsequently moved to Vancouver, British Columbia where she started her singing career. In March 2012, it was announced that Zilba had signed on to appear in The Real Housewives of Vancouver. She appeared for 2 seasons before the shows cancellation was announced. Musically, Mary Zilba has garnered over 7 Top 40 hits on Canadian Radio and most recently in 2013 her song, "HERO" went to #1 on the iTunes Charts in the United Kingdom. She has worked with some of the industry's elite songwriters and producers including pop writer, Diane Warren. In 2014 Mary Zilba made history as she became the first ever soloist given permission by the Vatican to sing in the sacred Sistine Chapel since its erection in the 15th century In March 2016, Zilba with the backing of Rosemary Siemens on piano, Eli Bennett, and Jesse Sukkau on vocals, recorded a single "#VancoUBER" and released it on YouTube as part of a growing desire to see Uber in Vancouver.
Personal life
Born and raised in Ohio, Zilba has six brothers and sisters, and is a mother to three sons; Cole, Chase, and Chad. Cole is a recent graduate of UCLA; Chase attends Santa Monica college and is a working musician. Chad is a model/actor attending school in Los Angeles. When not working or caring for her family Zilba works for charity. She is an advocate for PETA and is a national spokesperson for the disorder Tuberous Sclerosis and sits on the TSCANADA national board of directors.
