Born Chianetta Mara, Maryl graduated from Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia di Roma in 1957 and went on to appear in a number of comedies under the name Mara Ombra. After marrying screenwriter Ernesto Gastaldi in 1960, she adopted the names Mara Maryl (for acting) and Maria Chianetta (for writing credits); usually only appearing in films her husband directed.