On December 2, the 100th anniversary of the birth of Maria Callas, Hellenic American Women’s Council (HAWC) Great Lakes Region will present a discussion with Award-winning Author, Investigative Reporter, and Film Producer Nicholas Gage about the life of the legendary diva, and his book, Greek Fire: The Story of Maria Callas and Aristotle Onassis. The virtual event will be moderated by Journalist and Author Maria A. Karamitsos.
Born Nikolaos Gatzoyiannis in Lia, Epiros, Greece in 1939, Gage moved to the States when he was nine years old, following his mother’s execution. In 1964, he earned a master’s degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, with one goal in mind: to hone his investigative skills to return to Greece and uncover the truth about his mother. His news career led him from the Associated Press to The Boston Herald Traveller, The Wall Street Journal, and ultimately, The New York Times, then back to Greece to investigate his mother’s death.
The result, a book called Eleni, which became a bestseller and was adapted into a film starring John Malkovich. His second book, A Place for Us chronicled the transition to life in America with a father he barely knew. Gage is the author of eight books.
His acclaimed coverage of the Mafia led to two best-selling books, The Mafia Is Not An Equal Opportunity Employer and Mafia, United States—and work in film. He-co-wrote an early script of THE GODFATHER PART III with Mario Puzo and went on to serve an executive producer for the film. The movie was nominated for seven Golden Globe Awards and seven Academy Awards. Gage is the honorary president of the World of Epirotes and a recipient of The International Center in New York’s Award of Excellence. He continues to speak throughout the world and occasionally contributes articles to various publications.
Greek Fire is a comprehensive volume on the love affair of Maria Callas and Aristotle Onassis that fascinated the world. The book focuses on their “tempestuous relationship”, which most thought ended with Onassis’ marriage to Jacqueline Kennedy. Though dozens of books have been written about Callas, Gage’s is considered the most historically accurate, as he brought to light new information not previously released to the public.
“During my research, I also learned that much that had been written about the couple was untrue,” Gage said.
“Callas at 100” will take place on Zoom, on December 2, 2023 at 10 am CT. Register here.
The Hellenic American Women’s Council (HAWC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, and nationwide network dedicated to empowering and promoting the achievements of Hellenic American women. Through various programs and initiatives, HAWC fosters cultural, educational, and philanthropic endeavors while promoting the rich heritage and contributions of Hellenic women in the United States. HAWC has affiliations with Hellenic women's organizations in Australia and Greece. In 2021, HAWC celebrated the 100 Anniversary of Greece's freedom in Spetses, Greece. In 2024, HAWC will host its an annual conference in Southern California where women will converge from throughout the world. Become a member to get the latest updates. For more information, visit www.hawcnet.org .
