Anna Moffo was an American operatic soprano known for her captivating roles in opera, Italian films, and television. She gained fame for her performances in productions such as “La Traviata,” “Madama Butterfly,” and “Lucia di Lammermoor.”
Personal and Family Life
Born on June 27, 1932, in Wayne, Pennsylvania, Anna Moffo grew passionate about music from a young age. After graduating from Radnor High School, she received a Fulbright Fellowship to study voice in Rome, Italy. Moffo was previously married to Mario Lanfranchi from 1957 until their divorce in 1972, and later to Robert W. Sarnoff from 1974 until his death in 1997. She did not have any children but had three stepchildren.
Career Highlights
Anna Moffo made her professional debut in 1955 and quickly rose to prominence with her stunning performances in opera. She became well-known in the 1960s for her roles on stage and in Italian films, often collaborating with her husband Lanfranchi. Moffo’s career flourished, with memorable roles including Violetta in “La Traviata” and Cio-Cio-San in “Madama Butterfly.” Although her singing career faced challenges, she left a lasting mark on the world of opera and beyond.
Death and Legacy
After a lengthy battle with breast cancer, Anna Moffo passed away on March 10, 2006, in New York City at the age of 73. Despite facing health struggles later in life, she is remembered for her exceptional contributions to opera and her memorable performances that captivated audiences worldwide. Her legacy continues to influence aspiring opera singers.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Una Storia d’Amore | 1970-01-22 | Evy |
| The Adventurers | 1970-03-25 | Dania Leonardi |
| Il Divorzio | 1970-04-20 | Elena |
| Lucia di Lammermoor | 1971-01-01 | Lucia |
| Die Csárdásfürstin | 1971-12-23 | Sylva Varescu |
| La Sonnambula | 1956-12-19 | Anima |
| La Ragazza di Nome Giulio | 1970-07-25 | Lia |
| La Serva Padrona | 1962-01-01 | Serpina |
| Die Schöne Helena | 1975-01-19 | Helena |
| Ménage all’italiana | 1965-12-22 | Giovanna |
| Concerto per Pistola Solista | 1970-10-15 | Barbara Worth |
| Night of 100 Stars | 1982-03-08 | Self |
| Austerlitz | 1960-06-17 | La Grassini |
| Peter Alexander präsentiert Walt Disneys Welt | 1976-12-02 | Gast |
| La Traviata | 1967-01-01 | Violetta Valery |
| The Dean Martin Show | 1965-09-16 | Self |
| The Hollywood Palace | 1964-01-04 | Self – Opera Soprano |
| V.I.P. Schaukel | 1971-05-09 | Self |
| Zum Blauen Bock | 1957-08-03 | Self |
| Das Sonntagskonzert | 1969-06-15 | Self |
| Wünsch dir was | 1969-12-20 | Self |
| Was bin ich? | 1955-01-02 | Self |
| The Mike Douglas Show | 1961-12-11 | Self |
| The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson | 1962-10-01 | Self |
| The Bell Telephone Hour | 1959-01-12 | Self |