Miliza Korjus

Miliza Elisabeth Korjus, born on August 18, 1909 in Warsaw, Poland, was a Polish-Estonian lyric coloratura soprano opera singer. She began her musical training in Moscow and toured the Soviet Union with a dumka choir. In 1936, Korjus moved to the United States after being signed to a 10-year film contract by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios based on her recordings. Her debut film role in The Great Waltz (1938) earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. An automobile accident in 1940 led to the cancellation of a planned film and the termination of her contract with MGM. Korjus continued her career, performing at Carnegie Hall in 1944 and touring extensively. She founded Venus Records to release many of her earlier recordings. Korjus passed away on August 26, 1980, in Culver City, California.