How Aristotle Onassis Got Maria Callas Wrapped Around His Finger
A Greek tragedy of one of the greatest romances in the 20th century
Great loves are often dramatic, even sad. They are filled with elation and shiny moments but also heated arguments. And they often turn into pathological relationships that neither party ends.
One such romance was between opera singer Maria Callas and shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. Maria was a glamorous diva of unique voice and charisma. 17 years her senior, Aristotle was among the richest men in the world. For nearly two decades this untouchable star lived her tempestuous love affair with the magnate.
Despite their closeness, the relationship was filled with tears, revenge, and dramatic U-turns.
The Forbidden Love
In 1959, a spark kindled between the diva and the businessman on his yacht “Christina”. When the elite of the time started a 3-week Mediterranean cruise, both of them were wedded. Maria was married to her 30 years senior manager Giovanni Battista Meneghini and Onassis’s wife was rich heiress Athina Livanos. But when was a wedding ring a problem to fall in love?
The attraction between the two was magnetic and no social norms could stop it. Not even Maria’s husband who was…
