Maria Callas' Net Worth and Legacy
Maria Callas was a legendary American-born Greek soprano with a net worth of $1 million at the time of her passing. Born in New York City in December 1923, Callas rose to prominence as one of the most influential opera singers of the 20th century, earning the nickname 'La Divina' for her exceptional musical and dramatic talents. Trained in Greece, she later established her illustrious career in Italy.
Struggles and Triumphs
Throughout her life, Callas faced significant challenges, including wartime poverty and severe myopia, which almost caused blindness on stage. Despite these obstacles, she maintained an illustrious career marked by both acclaim and controversy. Notably, she was involved in a highly publicized romance with Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.
Impact on Opera and Final Years
Maria Callas' powerful voice and dramatic presence left an indelible mark on the world of opera. She was celebrated as "the Bible of opera" by renowned conductor Leonard Bernstein and hailed as "the definition of the diva as artist" by Opera News. Her later years were marked by solitude, living in isolation in Paris. She passed away from a heart attack on September 16, 1977, at the age of 53.