Marina Koshetz, a renowned Ukrainian-American soprano, was born to a family of concert singers in Kiev, Ukraine. Her mother, Nina Koshetz, was a student and performer at the Moscow State Conservatory when Marina was born, and she would later follow in her mother's footsteps onto the stage, opera, radio, and the silver screen.
Marina's early life was marked by her family's emigration to the United States in 1921, where her father, Russian actor Alexander von Schubert, was also a prominent figure. She began her career in the entertainment industry by singing on the radio, taking the place of her mother on the "Kraft Music Hall." Her concert and opera career launched in 1947, with performances at the New York Metropolitan Opera and the San Francisco Opera, as well as at the Hollywood Bowl and other stage venues.
In addition to her work in opera and concert, Marina also had a successful career in film and television, appearing in over 20 movies, including musicals and roles that showcased her singing talents. She was known for her enthusiastic personality and flair for comedy, and had notable roles in films such as "Holiday in Mexico," "No Leave, No Love," and "Luxury Liner." She also sang in other films, including "The Great Caruso," "On the Riviera," "Desiree," "Please Don't Eat the Daisies," and "The Singing Nun."
Marina was married to Los Angeles surgeon Franklin Ashley from 1952 to 1961, and after retiring from performance, she wrote a biography about her mother, "The Last Love Song." In her later years, she taught voice and supported various civic causes. Marina Koshetz passed away at the age of 88 on December 9, 2000, in Santa Monica, California.
