Maria Callas

Birth Name: Sophie Cecilia Kalos

Date of Birth: December 2, 1923

Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Death: 16 September, 1977

Place of Death: Paris, France

Ethnicity: Greek

Maria Callas was a Greek soprano. She was one of the most renowned and influential opera singers of the 20th century.

Maria was born in New York City, New York, to Greek parents, Elmina Evangelia “Litsa” (Dimitriadou/Demes) and George Kalogeropoulos, who shortened his name to Kalos, and then Callas. She was christened Maria Anna Cecilia Sofia Kalogeropoulos (Greek: Μαρία Άννα Καικιλία Σοφία Καλογεροπούλου). She returned to Athens, Greece with her mother in 1937.

Maria’s paternal grandfather was named Vasilis Kalogeropoulos.

Maria’s paternal grandmother was named Fotoula Kountouri (the daughter of Stathis Kountouris).

Maria’s maternal grandfather was named Petros Dimitriadis.

Maria’s maternal grandmother was surnamed Lourou.

Source: Genealogy of Maria Callas – http://www.geni.com