Maria

Actress and model, Bond girl in The World Is Not Enough, international cinema

Maria Grazia Cucinotta (born 1971) is an Italian actress and model known for roles in international cinema including the James Bond film "The World Is Not Enough." She has established a successful career across European and American film.

1971 – present

Journalist, broadcaster, health advocate, author, Alzheimer's awareness champion

Maria Shriver (born 1955) is an American journalist, producer, and author known for her broadcasting career and her family legacy. As a Kennedy descendant and former First Lady of California, she has championed health advocacy and women's issues.

1955 – present

Widow and estate protector of Buddy Holly, rock and roll historian

Maria Elena Holly (born 1932) is an American businesswoman and widow of rock and roll pioneer Buddy Holly. After his death, she protected his musical legacy and became an important figure in rock and roll history.

1932 – present

Greatest opera singer of the 20th century, soprano, revived bel canto repertoire

Maria Callas (1923-1977) was a Greek-Italian soprano widely considered the greatest opera singer of the 20th century. Her dramatic interpretations and vocal range revolutionized opera performance and restored neglected masterpieces to the repertoire.

1923 – 1977

Nobel Prize–winning physicist, developed nuclear shell model, theoretical physicist

Maria Goeppert Mayer (1906-1972) was a German-American physicist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics for her explanation of nuclear shell structure. She was one of few women to achieve recognition in theoretical physics during the mid-20th century.

1906 – 1972

Developed Montessori Method, revolutionized education, physician and educator

Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was an Italian physician and educator who revolutionized education through her child-centered pedagogical method. The Montessori Method has influenced educational systems worldwide and remains a dominant progressive education approach.

1870 – 1952

Physicist and chemist, discovered radium and polonium, 2× Nobel Prize winner

Maria Curie (1867-1934) was a Polish-born physicist and chemist who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. The first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different sciences, she remains a defining figure in scientific achievement.

1867 – 1934

Archduchess of Austria, Holy Roman Empress, 40-year reign, reformed Austrian state

Maria Theresa (1717-1780) was Archduchess of Austria and Holy Roman Empress who ruled the Habsburg dominions for 40 years. One of history's most powerful female rulers, she reformed the Austrian state and shaped European politics.

1717 – 1780