Maria Callas Biography: Age, Net Worth, Wikipedia, Parents, Sister, Spouse, Height, Ethnicity, Songs, Books

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Maria Callas was one of the most influential opera singers of the 20th century, renowned for her extraordinary vocals and dramatic interpretations.

Born on December 2, 1923, in New York City to Greek immigrant parents, she began her musical journey at an early age. Callas’s rise to fame was premiered by her Italian debut in 1947 at the Verona Arena, where she performed in “La Gioconda.”

This performance caught the attention of critics and audiences alike, establishing her as a formidable presence in the world of opera. Over the years, she became known for iconic roles in operas such as “Tosca,” “Norma,” and “La Traviata,” solidifying her status as a leading soprano.

Profile

• Full name: Maria Anna Cecilia Sofia Kalogeropoulos
• Nickname: La Divina
• Date of birth: December 2, 1923
• Age as of 2025: 102 (deceased)
• Gender: Female
• Place of birth: New York City, New York, USA
• Nationality: Greek-American
• Profession: Operatic soprano
• Height: N/A
• Parents: George Kalogeropoulos, Evangelia Callas
• Siblings: Jackie Kalogeropoulos (sister)
• Spouse: Giovanni Battista Meneghini (m. 1949–1959), Aristotle Onassis (partner)
• Children: N/A
• Relationship status: Divorced
• Religion: Greek Orthodox
• Ethnicity: Greek
• Net worth: $10 million

Early Life and Education

Maria Callas is posthumously at the age of 102. She was born on December 2, 1923, in New York City to Greek immigrant parents. Her father, George Kalogeropoulos, owned a pharmacy, while her mother, Evangelia, had high expectations for her children.

At the age of 14, following her parents’ separation, Maria moved to Athens with her mother and sister. In Greece, she attended the National Conservatoire where she received formal training in singing.

Callas graduated in 1940 and quickly made a name for herself with a notable performance in “Cavalleria Rusticana.” Her ethnic background and upbringing in a strict household influenced her artistic development and shaped her character.

Personal Life

Maria Callas’s personal life was as dramatic as her performances on stage. She married Giovanni Battista Meneghini in 1949; he was not only her husband but also became her manager. Their relationship was complex, marked by both professional collaboration and personal tension.

The couple divorced in 1959 after Callas’s affair with Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis became public knowledge. This relationship was tumultuous and often scrutinized by the media. Although they never married officially, Callas remained deeply affected by their bond until Onassis’s marriage to Jacqueline Kennedy in 1968.

There are claims that she gave birth to a son named Omero Lengrini on March 30, 1960, fathered by Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. Reportedly, the child died shortly after birth due to respiratory failure.

Career

Callas’s career took off after her Italian debut in “La Gioconda” in 1947. She became a prominent figure at La Scala in Milan, where she performed numerous leading roles from the Italian repertoire.

Her collaborations with renowned conductors and directors led to groundbreaking productions that showcased her vocal prowess and dramatic skills. Throughout the 1950s, Callas continued to perform internationally, appearing at prestigious venues such as the Metropolitan Opera and the Royal Opera House.

Despite facing challenges later in her career due to vocal decline and personal struggles, she left an indelible legacy through recordings that continue to resonate with audiences today.

Awards

Maria Callas received numerous accolades throughout her career for her contributions to opera. Some notable awards include:

• Grammy Award for Best Classical Vocal Soloist (1959)
• Kennedy Center Honors (1980)

Net worth

Maria Callas’s estimated net worth is approximately $10 million. Her wealth primarily stemmed from her successful career as an opera singer, which included lucrative concert tours and recordings that sold millions worldwide.

Death

Maria Callas passed away on September 16, 1977, at the age of 53 due to a heart attack in Paris, France. Her death marked the end of an era for opera enthusiasts who revered her contributions to the art form.

Controversy

Maria Callas’s life was rife with controversies that often overshadowed her artistic achievements. One significant scandal involved her relationship with Aristotle Onassis. The affair began while she was still married to Giovanni Battista Meneghini and drew intense media scrutiny.

Their romance was characterized by passionate highs and devastating lows; it became a focal point of public interest when Onassis married Jacqueline Kennedy shortly after his relationship with Callas ended.

Additionally, Callas faced criticism regarding her physical appearance throughout her career. After undergoing significant weight loss in the early 1950s—aimed at enhancing her stage presence—many speculated that this change negatively impacted her vocal abilities later on. The press frequently highlighted this issue alongside rumors about rivalries with other opera singers like Renata Tebaldi.

Social Media

• Instagram: N/A
• Twitter: N/A

Filmography

• The Great Singers (1960)
• The Concert (1978)
• Maria by Callas (2017)

Discography

• Tosca
• Norma
• La Traviata
• Carmen
• Madama Butterfly
• Il Barbiere di Siviglia
• La Gioconda

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