Born: 12/02/1923
In: New York City, NY, Unites States
Died: 09/16/1977   In: Paris, France

Maria Callas (1923-1977) was one of the great legends of opera in the 20th century. A soprano with an extraordinary range -- from F below middle C to high E -- Callas was even more remarkable for her versatility in a wide range of roles, often displaying an intensity that was uncommon. Her career included portrayals of Br?nnhilde, Aida, Norma, Tosca, and Turandot, but it was also marked by temperamental outbursts and dismissals from opera houses. Despite her fame and successes, she became controversial in her later years for her declining vocal skills and a scandalous affair with Aristotle Onassis. ~ Blair Sanderson, Rovi