Korjus, Miliza (1900–1980)

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Korjus, Miliza (1900–1980)

Polish singer and actress. Name variations: The Berlin Nightingale. Born Miliza Elizabeth Korjus, Aug 18, 1900, in Warsaw, Poland; died Aug 26, 1980, in Culver City, CA; dau. of Arthur Korjus (lt. col. in Russian imperial army and later chief of staff to war minister in Estonia) and Anna Gintowt; m. Dr. Kuno Foelsch (physicist), 1929; m. Dr. Walter E. Shector, 1952; children: 3.

Coloratura soprano, made operatic debut with Vienna State Opera singing the lead in The Magic Flute, with Richard Strauss conducting; starred with many opera companies in Europe, including the Berlin Opera; portrayed Johann Strauss' mistress in The Great Waltz (1938) and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress; involved in serious auto accident (1940), effectively ending film career; made many concert appearances.