Born in Brooklyn, New York, Beverly Sills began her career at the age of 3, when she sang on the radio under the nickname "Bubbles." The following year she joined a Saturday morning children's program. Then, at the age of 7, she sang in a movie. By the time she was 10 years old, Sills played a part on the radio show "Our Gal Sunday." In 1947 Sills began her operatic career, appearing for the first time as Frasquita in Carmen. An American soprano noted for her voice, virtuosity, and intelligence, she also served as an excellent administrator of the New York City Opera. She sang American and avant-garde roles as well as standards and is remembered for her roles as Cleopatra in Giulio Cesare… by Handel, Lucia di Lammermoor, Elizabeth in Roberto Devereux, Roberto Devereux, Anna Bolena, Elvira in I puritani, I puritani, and Maria Stuarda. Sills also actively campaigns on behalf of the handicapped and disadvantaged; she has been active in the March of Dimes since 1971.