She was born in New York of Greek parents. With a voice of fine range and a gift for dramatic expression, she excelled in operas including Norma, La Sonnambula, Madame Butterfly, Aieda, Tosca, and Medea. She debuted in Verona, Italy, 1947 and at New York's Metropolitan Opera 1956. Although her technique was not considered perfect, she helped to popularize classical coloratura roles through her expressiveness and charisma.
