Maria Callas
1923-1977 · Greek-American (New York/Milan/Paris) · Opera / 20th Century
Known for: The most famous opera singer of the 20th century - La Divina - who revived bel canto and redefined dramatic singing
Callas was fiercely driven and relentlessly perfectionist. She lost 80 pounds to transform her image. Her rivalry with Renata Tebaldi was operatic itself. Her voice was not conventionally beautiful but her dramatic conviction was unmatched.
Her affair with Aristotle Onassis - who abandoned her for Jackie Kennedy - was publicly humiliating. She retired early and died alone in Paris at 53.
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