Background
Karnilova, Maria was born on August 3, 1920 in Hartford, Connecticut, United States. Daughter of Phillip Dovgolenko and Stefanida (Shlonskaya) Karnilova.
Karnilova, Maria was born on August 3, 1920 in Hartford, Connecticut, United States. Daughter of Phillip Dovgolenko and Stefanida (Shlonskaya) Karnilova.
Student, Metropolitan Opera School, 1927-1934.
She was briefly known professionally as Maria Karniloff. The family later moved to Brooklyn, New New York She adopted a variation of her mother"s maiden name as her professional name and made her Broadway debut in 1946 in Call Maine Mister.
Other Broadway credits include Mission Liberty (1949), Two"s Company (1952), Jerome Robbins" Ballet: United States.A. (1958), Gypsy (as the original "Tessie Tura".
1959), Bravo Giovanni (1962), Gigi (1973), God"s Favorite (1974), Bring Back Birdie (1981), and the 1981 revival of Fiddler.
Married George S. Irving, October 17, 1948. Children: Alexander, Katherine.