Mara Lija (Liya) (real name Alexandra Gudovich) (1 August 1897, Riga — 1960(?)) — German silent-film actress.

Lija Mara was born into a large family, lost her father at an early age, and was forced to leave school. As a teenager, she trained at the Riga Ballet School and by 1913 had become a well-known ballerina. During the First World War, she lived in Warsaw. In 1915, she made her film debut in The Beast (the leading role was played by Pola Negri).

The German actor, director and producer Frederic Zelnik invited Mara to Berlin and offered her a contract; in 1917, he cast her in the film The Story of the Fallen Woman. In 1918, Zelnik and Mara married, and she went on to appear in 28 of his films. Her most famous role was in Dancing Vienna (1927). In 1931, she appeared in her only sound film, Everyone Asks About Erika, after which she retired from acting and moved to London together with Zelnik.

In 1950, Zelnik died. The date and place of Lija Mara’s death remain unknown.

Lija Mara in the 20ies.