Mary Costa is a renowned American opera singer and actress, best known for her portrayal of the lead role in the 1959 Disney film, Sleeping Beauty. Born on April 5, 1930, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Mary was the daughter of Greek immigrants. Her father, who was a Greek Orthodox priest, encouraged her to pursue music from a young age. Mary began singing in church choirs and local events in Knoxville. She was also a regular performer on the radio show, The Children's Hour, which aired on the NBC network. Her talent was soon recognized, and she was offered a scholarship to study at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. At Juilliard, Mary studied under the renowned voice teacher, Beverley Peck Johnson. She made her operatic debut in 1953, playing the role of Violetta in Verdi's La Traviata at the New York City Opera. Her performance was well-received, and she soon became a regular performer at the opera house. In 1955, Mary made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera, playing the role of the Countess in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro. Her performance was a huge success, and she was praised for her beautiful voice and stage presence. She went on to perform in several other productions at the Met, including La Bohème, Madama Butterfly, and Tosca. Mary's career continued to flourish throughout the 1950s and 1960s. She performed in several operas and concerts across the United States and Europe. In 1958, she played the role of Cio-Cio San in Madama Butterfly at the Royal Opera House in London. Her performance was so well-received that she was invited back to perform in several other productions at the opera house. In 1959, Mary was offered the lead role in Disney's Sleeping Beauty. She played the role of Princess Aurora and provided the singing voice for the character. The film was a huge success, and Mary's performance was praised for its beauty and clarity. She went on to provide the singing voice for several other Disney characters, including Tinker Bell in Peter Pan and Alice in Alice in Wonderland. Mary's success in the film industry did not detract from her operatic career. She continued to perform in operas and concerts throughout the 1960s and 1970s. In 1961, she played the role of Marguerite in Gounod's Faust at the Paris Opera. Her performance was a huge success, and she was praised for her ability to convey the character's emotions through her singing. In 1971, Mary retired from the opera stage. She continued to perform in concerts and recitals, but she focused more on her work in the film industry. She provided the singing voice for several other Disney characters, including Princess Aurora in the 1999 direct-to-video sequel, Sleeping Beauty: Enchanted Tales. Mary has received several awards and honors throughout her career. In 1961, she was awarded the title of Kammersängerin by the Vienna State Opera, an honor given to only the most distinguished singers. In 1999, she was inducted into the Disney Legends Hall of Fame, in recognition of her contributions to the Disney film industry. Mary Costa's career has spanned over six decades, and she has left an indelible mark on the world of classical music and film. Her beautiful voice and stage presence have captivated audiences around the world, and her performances continue to inspire new generations of musicians and performers.

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