Lily Pons French-American singer (coloratura soprano), actress Date of Birth: 12.04.1898 Country: France

1. Early Life and Career
2. Operatic Debut
3. Met Debut and Stardom
4. Film and Television Career
5. Style Icon and Public Image
6. Marriage and Family
7. Death and Legacy

Early Life and Career

Alice Joséphine Pons was born on April 12, 1898, in Draguignan, France. She studied piano at the Paris Conservatory, winning first prize at the age of 15. With the outbreak of World War I, Pons, her mother, and her younger sister moved to Cannes, where she played piano and sang for soldiers at receptions in support of the French troops.

Operatic Debut

In 1925, Pons began taking singing lessons under Alberto de Gorostiaga in Paris. Her professional opera debut came in 1928, when she sang the role of Lakmé in Mulhouse. Her performance caught the attention of impresario Giovanni Zenatello, who arranged for her to audition for the Metropolitan Opera.

Met Debut and Stardom

Pons made her Met debut in 1931 as Lucia di Lammermoor. Her performance was a triumph, and she quickly became known as the Met's leading coloratura soprano. She remained a principal soprano at the Met until 1960, appearing in over 300 performances.

Film and Television Career

In the mid-1930s, Pons starred in three musical films for RKO Pictures. She also made numerous radio and television appearances, including on "The Ed Sullivan Show," "The Colgate Comedy Hour," and "The Dave Garroway Show."

Style Icon and Public Image

Pons became a successful brand and fashion icon. Her opinions on fashion and interior design were frequently featured in women's magazines. She was the face of advertising campaigns for Lockheed Corporation, Knox gelatin, and Libby's tomato juice.

Marriage and Family

Pons married publisher August Mesritz in 1921 and divorced him in 1933. In 1938, she married conductor André Kostelanetz. They remained married until his death in 1958.

Death and Legacy

Lily Pons died from cancer on February 13, 1976, in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 77. She is remembered as a charismatic and talented coloratura soprano who captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.