Lily Pons was an opera star who achieved international fame in the 1930s and 1940s. She was a French-American coloratura soprano, known for her roles in operas by Rossini, Donizetti, and Offenbach. She also had a successful career in musical theatre and operetta. Pons was a frequent guest on radio and television programs and was featured in several Hollywood films. She was the first female singer to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.