Maria Callas

Maria Callas was probably the greatest stage performer of all time. She performed a wide range of roles, more specifically, the works of of Donizetti, Bellini, Rossini, Verdi, and Puccini. She didn't have the most beautiful voice (although many would disagree), but where she lacked in singing, she made up in stage presence many times over. Because Callas was 100% devoted to her career, she lost over 80 lbs. in a year's time. Weighing slightly over 200 pounds, she stated that she felt it was inaccurate to play a beautiful young woman on stage when she could hardly move with ease and grace. This one single act launched her to super-stardom.